When Suzy Lysczek left her job to become a solo freelancer 20 years ago, she needed a space to call her own. Little did she know that renting an office in a West Reading storefront would lead to celebrating her 20th anniversary at the helm of her full-fledged graphic design company, Suzy Rae Design, now located right in her home.
The Berks County native was born and raised in Reading. She even stayed in the area for college and commuted to Kutztown University where she studied communication design. When deciding where to start her career, the choice was easy.
"Even though I once envisioned myself working as a designer in New York City, I realized I could build something just as impactful right here at home,” she says.
Photos Courtesy Suzy Rae Design
Suzy Rae Design came to fruition in 2004 following Lysczek’s nine-year tenure at a local print company. When the company went in another direction with her position, she saw an opportunity. Her passion was rooted in graphic design, and from there, she decided to start freelancing.
“I never really intended it to become a business; I was just doing what I love to do, and it quickly evolved,” says Lysczek.
Initially renting a single cubicle from Double Click Computers for about $100 a month, Lysczek soon found herself outgrowing the space. The owner, Doug Geiger, who Lysczek still buys her Apple products from today, eventually gave her the entire front portion of his office. After that, she bought her first location on Penn Avenue with her friend and then-business partner, Brad Weisman, a local realtor who continues to use her services to this day.
Since then, the company has expanded further, prompting Lysczek to become the sole owner and move the business to the lower level of her home in 2019. With her eye for color, paired with her husband's construction expertise, they curated a sleek, modern office space for her and three employees.
“It's funny because when I first started my own business, I did not want to work out of my home,” says Lysczek. “But it worked out great. People walk in, and they say they wouldn't expect to see this in our house. It's a pretty big space, so I love working from home now.”
The office isn’t the only thing that has evolved over the years. When Lysczek started out, she strictly offered graphic design services. However, she quickly realized how important it was to adapt to the industry and to her clients’ needs. She expanded her services to offer website design and social media management. While she is content with where the business stands, she still remains in tune with industry trends and technology.
Although a lot has changed over the last two decades, Lysczek’s dedication to the community as a business owner and as a person has remained the same. She has served on various boards, including the Reading Police K-9 Unit, where she currently serves as vice president. She also supports Habitat for Humanity and other local charities, embodying the spirit of giving back that her father instilled in her.
“I'm just looking to help out because that's how I was raised, to help the community where you can,” says Lysczek. “I don't have a lot of money to give, but if I can give my graphic design talents or help them raise money, that just makes me feel like I've done my part.”
Photos Courtesy Suzy Rae Design
Fun Facts
September.
It’s the month where it all began for Suzy Rae Design. From the cubicle to the Avenue, to the modern home office, the company has been ‘helping businesses shine’ since 2004.
Make It Reality.
Whether it’s a logo, website or a 200-page catalog, Suzy Rae Design has it covered. Visit suzyraedesign.com for a full list of services.
