Framer Decides to Run Her Own Shop in Pelham

PELHAM, N.Y. – Marylouise Judge worked at Pelham Glass Products for 17 years. She decided to set up shop on her own after it closed and now runs a frame store on Fifth Avenue.

Judge now runs the appropriately titled Framed by the Judge mostly by herself, though she has a part-time assistant who helps her two days a week. While some might shy away from opening a business in the current economy, Judge said she was more worried about running the business herself.

“It was a big step from being an employee to an employer,” Judge said. “I have loyal customers and I hope to continue to see them.”

Judge, an art history major who studied for more than a year in Florence, Italy, frames numerous items, including mirrors, sports memorabilia and photos.

“I frame everything,” Judge said. “I could almost frame you.”

The Mount Vernon resident debated whether she should retire after her former store closed, but she eventually chose to open her own shop. She said many customers transferred to her new business and new customers, who might have open space on their walls, have also visited.

“If someone’s lived here 40 years, they don’t have much wall space left,” Judge said. “A blank wall is my favorite thing.”

Judge said she hopes business will increase with the impending arrival of Christmas. She said it typically takes approximately two weeks to frame items and that she expects the week before Christmas to be hectic.

Still, Judge professed that she loves her job and will accommodate customers as best she can.

“I like to sleep, but I’ll stay awake if I have to,” Judge said. “If I can do it, it will be done.”

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