Since 1976, The Framing Post and Design Studio has been serving Thunder Bay with custom framing.
Owner Jackie Rogalla cuts and assembles frames, beautifully creating dreams into reality. She transforms ideas into picture frames, which could include memorabilia, sports jerseys, baby announcements, and everything in between.
The business focuses on working with clients to see their dreams come to life.
“Whether it's your first baby, whether it's antiques, you can then display them on your wall instead of hiding them in a drawer,” Rogalla said.
Most of the time, Rogalla spends about an hour with customers, picking out colours, the frame, positioning, meanwhile getting their input to ensure satisfaction.
Recently, Rogalla was able to do a piece commemorating a solider who died in action.
“I was able to do up a memorable plaque with his picture, his tartan, and a few other plaques. That hit home because my son at the time was in the military."
She said it’s a good feeling to know her customers will have a meaningful piece with them for years and years to come.
“I'm more excited about when the client comes in to take a look for the first time of what their picture is, and to see the expression on their face," she said.
“That's my gift to keep going. It gives me more energy to see their face or see their tears or however their expression is. Whether it's a pet who has passed away and they want to remember them or a grandfather, grandmother, it's very special.
“That's why I love my job so much is that I can design something to tell the story and to let them show it on their wall.”
The original Framing Post was established back in 1976, and when Rogalla took over, she kept the name adding Design Studio.
The business will celebrate its 50th anniversary on May 26, 2026.
“I've seen a lot of clients come and go, either move away or depart," Rogalla said. “It's evolved quite a bit.”
Nowadays, with uncertain times, she said it's getting harder to find Canadian-made materials but she strives to get clients what they're looking for.
“The challenge is out there to find and to do what's right for my clients – it's come a long way.”
The Framing Post and Design Studio serves a lot of Northwestern Ontario, but Rogalla has sold anywhere from Toronto to Ottawa, Quebec, British Colombia, Nunavut and to the Winnipeg border right down to the United States.
“It's either previous client’s word of mouth from other clients who have moved away and it's awesome to find out that they're still keeping me in mind when they want to do something personal with their items.”
Visit the Framing Post and Design Studio’s website for further information.
