Meet Mercedes Lewis | Brand, Graphic and Web Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mercedes Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mercedes, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Coming up as a young creative, I never really knew anyone personally that owned a business. I definitely came from a “go to college and get a good job” type of family and environment. I would never take for granted, however, it is funny how you are inevitably put on your true path, no matter your current trajectory. Honestly, I got to a point where I “did everything I was supposed to”, as far as the traditional route goes. I earned my Master’s of Science in Higher Education Administration, interned at Emory University, Harvard University and got the high paying corporate job with amazing benefits. Despite enjoying the journey and all the people I’ve connected with along the way, I always felt a little empty at the end of each accomplishment. Almost like a piece of the real me, a piece of my heart and soul, was missing. I have always been a very creative person but the spaces I dwelled in weren’t necessarily supportive of that side of me. The one thing that made me happy, that I did after class and after work, for free at the time was design. I also started to understand that the very successful creatives I looked up to came from a similar background as me and that was the spark of it all! I finally understood that I could take something that I was doing for free, from my pure heartspace, something I would get completely lost in for hours on end was the very thing that I could transform into a business to support myself and my dreams. Something that would not be easy but would be the thing that challenges me, pushes me outside of any limitations, the thing that keeps me up all night as well as makes me excited to get out of bed in the morning. One of the many things that I could imagine and bring to life, something to call my own. That is now what is known today as “Suite 333”, Where Magic Meets Design!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art serves the artist. Being a designer that is focused on branding and marketing fellow creatives, I creatively connect people to the audience and community that they desire. I know what is required to stand out in these industries while also maintaining the level of relatability needed to capture newfound hearts and minds. I got to the point I am now by being self taught, it’s kind of funny that I have two degrees that taught me little to nothing about design but it was my own willpower, this wonderful thing we call the internet, and never giving up after failing time and time again that got me to the point I am at now. I consider myself a lifelong learner so teaching myself design through my own creative curiosity just made the most sense for me as I reflect on my journey to this point now.

It was by no means easy. I actually quit my full time job back at the end of 2020 to pursue my design business and didn’t tell my entire family. It was truly like a “How to Start and Run a Design Business” mini bootcamp that I unknowingly put myself into. I wouldn’t trade the time spent or lessons learned for anything. Being adaptable, open to learning opportunities and constantly telling myself to “charge it to the game” helped me overcome most challenges. I have definitely learned that the creative and entertainment industry can be ruthless. Just because someone is a small business owner does not mean they can’t be just as exploitative as big business to you as an individual and that you MUST advocate for yourself. I am no longer afraid to tell clients (or anyone), “no” or “this has to wait”. When you run a business you truly learn that you cannot pour from an empty cup, in many cases you’re the only cup!

I want the world to know that my brand has truly come from a magical place. Being a witness to miracles every day, my brand speaks to the spirit of this world, the other realms that exist, where endless possibilities can be made true. That is what Suite 333 is here to do, help you pull from that magical place. Through the imagination, help you tell your story and connect to the people and opportunities that can and will change your life. Living in a very visual world, it’s important from a design perspective to leave your mark on this world in whichever beautiful way you desire. I am here to assist you in that journey, as others are here to assist me in a multitude of other ways.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I LOVE the nature in the city/greater area,so I would first take someone to Arabia Mountain where we can sit and reflect on life’s beautiful journey, draw inspiration from the trees and breathe in that priceless fresh air. As far as food, one of my favorite taco spots is Salsa Taqueria and Wings off of Buford Highway and Doshi Sushi in Duluth for the best spicy tuna roll ever! As far as hanging out, can’t go wrong with Little Five Points. I always take my friends visiting to Crystal Blue or even Phoenix and Dragon that is located in Sandy Springs. Finally, for my creatives that love to get a good photoshoot or videoshoot in, we must go to Student House Atlanta which is located downtown, my favorite studio in the city!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would love to dedicate this shoutout to Robert Dixon, my late Grandfather, my PaPa. He always supported anything I wanted to achieve at in this world, the first person to see and support my creative potential. I miss him every day.

Website: suite333.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suite333design/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedeschristinalewis/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdCN0oO7HgC1p9XythST4ag

Image Credits
All Photos of Mercedes by Time Billboard Mockup for Studio House Atlanta Sweatsuit for David Ocean Tote Bag for Homemade Geli Logo for The Cleveland Hoochies Flyer for Exposure Heights