Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzy Madden.
Suzy, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve always liked old things, and antiques. My mom told me once, I came home from the library, which was my hang out when I was a kid. She said, you came home one day, and told the world, “I’m going to own a library or museum someday!” I’d like to think I came close. lol. I was 7 years old when I said that.
I moved to Dallas in 1988, a year later I was looking for something new, I wanted a more meaningful job. I had the day off from work, and was watching a show on PBS, it was a show about restoring a church, and everything that went on in the restoration process. I fell in love; wouldn’t that be a cool job I thought to myself.
Later that day, I picked up the local paper I saw an ad in The Observer there was an opening for a conservation position, I was hired a month later, I call that destiny or fate.
I eventually went out on my own after 3 years of working for the company, BrokenArts was born in 1993. Our website came online in 1998. We take great pride in our work, and nothing goes out that I feel isn’t done right to the best of our ability.
Has it been a smooth road?
We are a small company, trying to find a location has been a problem at times. I don’t need a huge warehouse, or a big storefront either. We did land a spot in a local antique mall that worked really well, helps keep cost down, and people would see us all the time. The traffic from the mall was a big plus, and we helped them by bringing people into the mall. It was a win-win situation.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
We specialize in Objects. It doesn’t have to be an Antique, a lot of people seem to think its only antiques. My new saying is. “Everybody has something they love.” And they do! We work on Porcelain, ceramics, Alabaster, Resin, glass, crystal, ivory, marble, plaster, terracotta, just to name a few.
What I’m most proud of is getting it done right, or not at all. We were recognized by Heritage Auction for our attention to detail, and again, getting the job done right. Heritage is based in Dallas, and has worldwide locations. They are the third largest auction house.
Because of that, we get a lot of repeaters as I call them. Repeat customers. Some customers I’ve known since I started the business. We also continued to beat our competitors, the big guys, people came to us because of the quality of our work, and our compassion.
What sets us apart, we listen. We try to make it right again when you’re feeling terrible about your beloved piece that is broken. We play doctor, as well as a physiologist too. We listen to the people, be empathetic. I’ve had people cry, their world has crumbled, literally. They are looking to you for help. Kindness goes a long way.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Dallas was a great place to start in the business. It can be tough to get into the business these days. More competition, more people interested in conservation. You need a degree. Aspiring art conservators can pursue an undergraduate degree program in fine or studio arts, art history, anthropology or one of the sciences. Studio arts programs can provide students with a background in painting, sculpture, ceramics, printing, graphic design and photography. Too, it depends on the company you are interested in, and what their requirements are.
Pricing:
- We charge $60.00 per hour, not including shipping costs. We base it on how long it takes to do the work, estimates are provided free of charge.
Contact Info:
- Address: 449 Century Ave. SW #4
Grand Rapids, MI 49503 - Website: http://BrokenArts.com
- Phone: 616-710-3316
- Email: suzy@brokenarts.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Broken-Arts-Restoration-797573766971345/?notif_id=1513880115186097¬if_t=aymt_promote_page_like_tip
Image Credits:
Broken Arts Restoration
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