We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kat Wiggins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kat below.

Hi Kat, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

In 2008, my ex husband Erik and I opened a little custom art frame shop in our Atlanta neighborhood called Candler Park. Compromising is key in owning a business together. I have since bought Erik out our when we divorced, but back when we were trying to name our business a name that we both agreed on…it was a challenge. We are both big animal lovers. Erik suggested naming the shop after our beloved basset hound Moog, who had recently passed away. Side note…all of our basset hounds were named after hockey players, Moog was named after retired goalie of Boston Bruins, Andy Moog. The shop name would be a nod to our loveable pup! Even our logo has a little hidden nod to her too!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a middle aged divorce woman living in the Atlanta intown area. I have lived in Atlanta since 1983. I always have had a love for art, studied at UGA and GA State. I started working at a frame shop in 1996 through a friend of mine. Trying to figure out how to enjoy working with art and making a living. The area I lived in was a neighborhood growing with young families and diverse people. It is Candler Park, one of the oldest suburbs of Atlanta.The area thives with artistic and creative people. I chose a small brick and mortar space that has been a part of quaint shopping strip in Candler Park since the early 1900’s. That is the feel I wanted for our business, something with character and charm. We do custom framing. I currently have myself and two other women operating it. All of us bring to the table creative design ideas for framing each piece that is brought in to us. We do the work in house and use conservative quality products. Our price range is reasonable. Word of mouth and good reviews is what brings people in to the shop, good service and friendly personalities is what keeps them returning for years. You don’t live in a city for that many years without building up a reputation as a person and business owner. We have been voted Best local frame shop in past years in the Creative Loafing newspaper and just receive Best Local Frameshop in the Atlanta Magazine.

Being a part of your community is important. I started an event with my artist friend Julie Odom, called Candler Park Art Block. We set up different booths along the sidewalks of the businesses in my shopping strip with artist and makers. It is a way to pull together the local businesses, local artists and the neighborhood people. Celebrate our neighborhood. We have raised money from it to support local charities. Our main one is Lifeline Animal Projects. They usually bring a couple of dogs that are up for adoption.

I am most proud of how much my little business has just prospered and keeps growing. Potential clients should know we like to make the process of framing an enjoyable experience, not an intimidating one. We are not stuffy or snobbish. Our work is displayed in many homes, including some customers that have moved away from the Atlanta area. One couple was living in Paris, France for a few years. We also do the framing for many establishments, restaurants, offices, and music venues such as The Tabernacle and The Fox Theater.

It is very rewarding to see the happiness on our customer’s faces, when they are shown the framing done for their art. Each customer has a story behind their piece, whether it is a family heirloom or just a poster. It is a gratifying business to be in.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Advertising is good and social media is even better. We started using Gabrielle with Insight Media management for our social media on Instagram and Facebook. It has brought in some new business, but mostly inspired some of our current customers with framing ideas..

The most effective way thet has helped grow my business is word of mouth. Treating people with respect and care can go a long way. We enjoy hearing their stories and what makes their framing project special to them. You help showcase their momento, It’s truly a satisfying experience for us and the customers. I have more new customers from hearing about us through a friend or through the neighborhood groups on line. We pride ourselves in quality work and a good experience that people have when they come into the  shop.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One major pivot in my life since opening my business was my divorce in 2015 and buying out my ex-husband from the business. He made it very challenging to learn the skills he did for the shop. He moved. My sister was going through school and came to work for me and help me learn the equipment I was not used to….the ones for cutting and joining the frames. It was a struggle. My ex was telling people he didn’t think I would last. I spent many holidays and late nights working , trying to get a grip on running the business as owner and operator. I learned and crafted each aspect of the business that I had not worked with in the past. I am always still learning and growing with my shop. I have excelled with it since being being sole business owner and  I fall in love with it over and over.

Contact Info:

• Website: Mooggallery.com
• Instagram: @mooggallery
• Facebook: The Moog Gallery and Custom Framjng
• Yelp: The Moog Gallery and Custom Framing

Image Credits
Julie Odom