Meet Raychel O’Donoghue of Lexington Signs & Graphics in Burlington

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raychel O’Donoghue.

Raychel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
As a 70’s kid, I was intrigued by the murals on vans. I went to art school for about 2 days and realized it wasn’t for me. Someone told me about Butera School of Art, where I could learn “sign painting” so that’s where I ended up.

It was 8 hours a day 5 days a week of practicing drawing and painting letters. I absolutely was in love with letters and lettering. It was really exciting and also hard to learn.

After school ended I moved to Martha’s Vineyard. It was incredibly hard to make a living there in the winter so when my grandmother passed away and left me some money I decided to move back to the Boston area and start the business with my sister. I stared in a dirty garage in Lexington (hence the name) about a year later we moved to Arlington on the Lexington line. That was 1994. Computers had just come out along with all the sign franchises. In order to compete we got a computer and learned how to use it. That is when vinyl lettering hit the scene. I still painted everything I could but people wanted vinyl. So we started switching over. A couple years later my sister left and I was on my own.

Fast forward to 2001- The building I rented was sold and I moved to the Burlington/Lexington line. This is the location I am still at today.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Absolutely not easy! I have been through maybe 3 recessions. In 2003 I broke my foot. I was out of work for about a month.

I had a baby in 2010 and was put on bed rest for 5 months. Being self-employed and not being able to go to work certainly presents a financial problem! Luckily I have friends and subcontractors in the business who took care of many of my clients while I was out of work. I am also blessed to have so many loyal clients who helped make it work.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lexington Signs & Graphics – what should we know?
I would have to say what sets us apart is a couple of things.

For one, we genuinely care about our clients. And their success. The other is our passion for what we do.

We specialize in many types of signage. Mostly logo design for small businesses, specialty dimensional or carved and hand painted signs as well as our vehicle lettering.

Our clients are a mix of corporate businesses, dentists, designers, architects and retail businesses. Most clients come to us when they want something out of the ordinary. Something hand made.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mom was my biggest supporter and always encouraged me when I wanted to throw in the towel. I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today without the love and support she gave me. She passed away 2013- I strive to make her proud every day, still.

My clients I owe everything to and always give 110% to show my gratitude.

And last but not least to my other Rachel. (She works with me) She really has been like having a clone, personally and professionally. She pushes me when I need a push. She always is dedicated and holds the same love of the work as I do.

I have been blessed is an understatement.

Contact Info:

• Address: 29 Adams Street
  Burlington, MA 01803
• Website: www.lexsigns.com
• Phone: 781-229-6449
• Email: info@lexsigns.com

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