Let me be real with you for a second. Even as a business owner who lives and breathes marketing and communications, I’m just like many of you.

In the early stages of starting a business, there’s a lot of excitement around getting things up and running. First comes the name, then the legal side that nobody enjoys, and somewhere in between, you need a logo. But most of us aren’t designers and may not have the startup funds to invest in one right away. So we slap something together and keep it moving. I did exactly that. I had some intention behind it, but it was quick, and looking back, I didn’t quite do it justice.

This week, I finally gave it the attention it deserved. I wanted bold but feminine. I wanted something that makes an impression. Something that feels truly mine. And I think I finally got there. Here are a few pointers:

🌺 Start with what you have: Don’t scrap your original logo entirely. Whether you want to admit it or not, you had an idea; now let it bloom. Small, intentional adjustments go a long way.

🌺 Go bold: Some of the strongest brands out there have simple, crisp logos with thick, clean lines. That’s really all you need.

🌺 Know your fonts: Maybe you’ve heard the terms serif, sans-serif, and script - or maybe you’ve heard them and had absolutely no idea what they meant. No shame, here’s a quick breakdown:

• Serifs are decorative and classic, with small strokes at the ends of each letter. Think Times New Roman (does anyone still use that one? 🤣).

• Sans-serif fonts have no decorative strokes, giving them a clean, modern look. Think Arial, Calibri, or Montserrat.

• Scripts mimic cursive handwriting and bring a flowing feel to a brand. You know them better than you think - Ford, Coca-Cola, and Kellogg’s all use script fonts in their logos.

The font you choose says a lot about your brand before a single word is even read. A serif feels established and traditional. A script feels personal and creative. A sans-serif feels modern and approachable. Knowing the energy you want your logo to bring will help you narrow down your choices and find the right font or font pairing that feels like you.

🌺 Use color intentionally: Some logos work best in black and white, but a few well-placed colors can make yours stand out without overwhelming it.

If I can take something simple and transform it into something I smile at every time I use it, so can you. And not to toot my own horn, but my logo is an absolute stunner! 🌟

If you’re a small business owner who needs a fresh set of eyes on your logo, reach out! I’m happy to share what I’d tweak without doing a complete overhaul. https://www.loubellecomms.com/contact.

Loubelle 🌺

To say life has been “a little crazy” lately feels like the understatement of the century. Between keeping Loubelle afloat and navigating a health journey that feels like a full-time job, I’ve been stretched in ways I never imagined possible.

When the outside doesn’t match the inside

Lately, I’ve felt like an onion, with layers being peeled back one by one. But in my reality, it’s felt more like someone looking at a bruised onion and insisting it looks “completely fine,” regardless of the chaos happening beneath the surface.

For a long time, the most grueling part of this journey wasn’t just the physical pain; it was the weight of the invisible. It was the fight to be validated and the mental tax of losing people who didn’t, or couldn’t, understand the depth of the struggle. Under all those layers, there is someone battling things the world knows nothing about. It’s a reminder that truly, so many of the people we pass every day are walking warriors.

The layers of struggle

Since 2021, two layers of my life have been exposed. First was the devastating discovery of Premature Ovarian Failure and the realization that I was infertile past the point of return. Then came this year, when the symptoms refused to quit. I dealt with chronic pain and bloating so severe that I looked and felt pregnant. My body has a good sense of humor, doesn’t it?

When faced with the choice between a quick fix and a definitive solution, I chose the latter. I chose a hysterectomy. I chose to stop the temporary patches and start a real chapter of healing.

Validation under the surface

I am so deeply thankful I made that choice, but I won’t lie, I was terrified leading up to it. Even knowing that my reserves were empty and I couldn’t carry, there is an invisible weight that comes with a hysterectomy. As women, we are often conditioned to believe that reproduction is our primary duty, our purpose. But we are so much more than baby-makers; we are brilliant, capable, and whole, with or without a uterus.

Right now, my outside is technically “healed,” but my inside is still recalibrating. For years, my body was essentially a punching bag, taking hits from all angles. This surgery was only one piece of the puzzle; my undiagnosed connective tissue disease is still making its slow and steady appearance (seriously, take your time). But at least one part of the conflict has finally found peace.

The results of the surgery were the ultimate validation. As it turns out, my colon was attached to my uterus like a literal Spider-Man web. Hearing my gynecologist’s report proved that I wasn’t being “dramatic” or “just tired.” My body had been doing the work of a hero just to get through a normal day. Seeing the photos of what was happening under the surface finally gave me the quiet and the clarity I needed to move forward.

The reality of being a spoonie boss

I’m around three weeks post-op now. I can almost hear the collective gasp: “Why are you even writing this? Why are you working?! You need to rest.”

As a solopreneur, there’s always pressure to keep everything moving. But truthfully? I’m not working because I have to; I’m working because it brings me joy. In the middle of physical recovery, diving into bold branding and creative ideas has been a lifeline. It reminds me that while my body is healing, my mind is still vibrant and capable.

Redefining the grind

Before this surgery, I had to take a “hibernation” break. For a while, it felt like neglect, like I was letting Loubelle slip through my fingers. But I’ve realized that you can’t pour from an empty cup, especially when that cup is navigating an undiagnosed and misunderstood autoimmune condition.

Living with chronic illness means my productivity isn’t a straight line. I’m learning the art of the “interval”: work for a bit, take a break, work for a bit, then stop. The traditional 8-hour grind? It just doesn’t work for the new me. I’m also taking away small, rebellious wins, like actually eating a hearty breakfast (and no, coffee doesn’t count as a meal anymore).

I’m slowly stepping back into the light, excited to create again and return to my happy place. Loubelle was born out of the belief that meaningful work can bloom without burnout, even when you’re blooming from the couch.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me.

With grace & grit,

Loubelle 🌺

Recently, I’ve had a little more time on my hands while recovering from surgery. When you’re stuck on the couch, you scroll a lot. You see the highlights, the life updates, and the career pivots.

A connection of mine recently shared a big move: “Meet your new fractional CMO/COO.” My immediate reaction was an internal eyeroll. Not at her (I totally applaud her for the shift!) but at the title itself. What the **** is “fractional”? Is this the new “6-7” of marketing? Am I already behind the times?

Solving the mystery (thanks, Google)

I’ll admit, I had to lean on my internet search buddy for this one. According to Google, a fractional role is an employment model where experienced professionals (often executives or senior specialists) work with multiple companies on a part-time, contract, or retainer basis. It gives businesses access to expertise without the cost of a full-time hire, while giving professionals the flexibility to work across a range of long-term, high-impact projects.

Alright…time for the Cliff Notes. Fractional work is getting high-level brains and support without bringing them on full-time. You’re paying for expertise, not overhead.

Think of it like this: your business needs a serious marketing or operations reset, but you’re not in a position to hire a full-time executive. You could bring in a consultant to audit everything and hand you a report. That part is helpful. But then what? Who actually helps you implement it?

That’s where fractional support comes in. It bridges the gap between strategy and execution. It’s not just advice from the sidelines; it’s someone stepping into your business, rolling up their sleeves, and helping you actually move things forward as if they were on your payroll.

Make sense now?

A buzzword with perspective

After the “aha!” moment, I suddenly felt empowered, but I’ll be honest, that empowerment was tangled up with a lot of insecurity. During this recent season of hibernation, when my body felt like a literal punching bag and my brain was total mush, it was hard to see myself as an experienced professional. I felt small. I felt like I was “just” a contractor trying to keep my head above water from the couch.

I never saw myself as the stereotypical executive type. In my head, marketing leadership looked like suits and ties, boardrooms, and someone giving direction from 30,000 feet away. That’s never been me. I’m a doer. I like being in the thick of things, getting my hands dirty, brainstorming ideas, building the roadmap, creating the content, solving the problems, and helping keep the wheels turning. But I’ve realized that downplaying my role was also a way to play it safe while I was feeling vulnerable.

The truth is, the work I do sits at the intersection of strategy and execution. I help businesses figure out where they’re going, and then I help bring the vision to life. Some days, that looks like planning out a monthly social media calendar or revamping a brand kit. Other days, it’s creating graphics, scheduling out email campaigns, making website updates, or jumping in to help untangle marketing chaos in real time. That blend of creative thinking, hands-on support, and real partnership is exactly what makes Loubelle⁠ special.

So, do you need a fractional marketing professional?

Maybe! Especially if you are a small business owner who needs a higher level of support but isn’t ready for an in-house team. Fractional professionals give businesses access to strategy, creative thinking, content, communications, and ongoing marketing without the cost of hiring a full-time employee.

Whether you call it fractional marketing, outsourced support, or “please, for the love of God, help me before I throw my laptop at the wall,” the goal is all the same: Helping small businesses grow with less stress and more clarity.

With grace & grit,

Loubelle 🌺

If you’ve ever stared at a blinking cursor on your screen, overwhelmed by everything you should be doing but too exhausted to start, you’re not alone.

Living with chronic illness means my energy is unpredictable. One day I’m functioning like a human checklist machine; the next I’m sidelined by fatigue, flares, or mystery discoveries (like the mass recently found on my ovary). In the midst of juggling doctor appointments, tests, and trying not to spiral emotionally, the one thing that keeps me grounded is a simple digital task planning tool: Microsoft To Do.

Yep, a to-do list. But not just any list.

Why Microsoft To-Do (and Planner) works for me

I use the Microsoft To Do tool alongside Microsoft Planner to visually organize my life and my brain. When my body won’t cooperate and brain fog feels like my default mode, having tasks grouped by simple statuses like Not Started, In Progress, or Completed is a total game-changer.

Instead of a massive wall of text that shouts “DO THIS NOW,” I sort my to-dos into categories that reflect my capacity that day. If I’m flaring or recovering from another test, I shift my focus to low-spoon items like a follow-up email or organizing ideas. On higher-energy days, I dive into creative work or planning content. It gives me structure, without pressure.

Bonus: Microsoft To Do syncs across devices, so whether I’m on my laptop or horizontal with my phone, I can check in on my day without feeling overwhelmed.

Spoonie-friendly task planning tips

What really helps? I organize my tasks across three main categories: Loubelle, Personal, and Clients. From design deliverables to doctor calls, everything lives in the same system, but I use color-coding and custom tags to keep things clear.

For example, I’ve got a tag for health-related to-dos like “Call doctor,” “Log symptoms,” or “Schedule radiology,” so they don’t get buried under content drafts or invoicing reminders. That way, I’m not constantly switching mental gears between health brain, business brain, and client brain. It’s all visible, just filtered in a way that supports how I actually function.

Planner lets me drag and drop tasks as my capacity shifts, which, let’s be honest, happens a lot. It gives me the flexibility I need without forcing me to abandon structure altogether.

Not a Microsoft user? Google has one, too!

If you’re more of a Google guru, Google Tasks is another great option. It’s built right into Gmail and Google Calendar. You can set due dates, organize by list, and check things off with the same sense of “I’m still in control even if my body is not.”

It may not be as visually customizable, but it’s lightweight, simple, and effective, especially if your Google Calendar is already your lifeline.

Final thoughts

When chronic illness turns life upside down, planning tools like Microsoft To Do help me hold on to the pieces that still make sense.

They don’t fix the pain, stop the flares, or magically solve my health mysteries. But they do help me show up for myself, for my work, and for the life I’m still building, one task at a time.

With grace & grit,

Loubelle 🌺

^{Latrobe ("lay-trohb"): Home to Fred Rogers, Rolling Rock, Arnold Palmer, and St. Vincent College, where the Steelers have been training since 1967. Photo credit: Pittsburgh Steelers.}

Steelers Camp. The holy land of Terrible Towels, black-and-gold everything, and high hopes for a winning season (fueled by our vintage 1933 jerseys and hopeless optimism).

This was my first year navigating Steelers Camp while managing all of that, without a guidebook…unless you count my AI sidekick, Remy (the real MVP). Here’s the thing: I still have no idea what’s going on with my body, and over the past year, things have gotten significantly worse and wildly unpredictable.

As excited as I was, I knew this trip was going to be an adventure, much like my health journey itself, a little chaotic and requiring a specific packing list.

Let’s take a look inside my Steelers Camp Survival Kit and everything that kept me upright and semi-functional in the Latrobe heat.

The road to camp

This was a great week to go to Steelers Camp. I had a rare burst of energy that almost felt “normal.” The catch? When energy shows up, I want to do everything I’ve been too wiped out to tackle. But with camp approaching, I had to do something that doesn’t come naturally: slow down and save my spoons for the weekend.

Of course, good energy often comes with a downside: a flare-up right after. And sure enough, the long drive to Ligonier (full of curves, elevation shifts, and way too much sitting) knocked me straight into one.

By the time we arrived, I was wiped. Foggy, drained, and unable to keep up with conversation. It was embarrassing and isolating, and I felt like my family saw me at one of my lowest points.

Thankfully, my sister had already filled everyone in on what I’ve been going through. Once they knew, they stepped up with kindness, checking in, making adjustments, and showing real support.

It wasn’t the start I wanted, but it reminded me that letting people in makes all the difference. Even if you don’t have answers yet, you don’t have to do it alone.

Turns out, a few family members were dealing with their own health battles, too. That weekend, we all looked out for each other, and that kind of shared support was everything.

Black and gold battle gear

• Frogg Togg cooling towel for my neck and my soul

• Portable fan: Fully charged and ready to work overtime while I pretend I’m not dreaming about air conditioning

• Cooling sleeves (portable shade for my limbs)

• Baseball cap because scalp sunburn is real

• Snacks galore because being chronically ill and hangry is a public safety risk (trust me, my family will tell you!)

• Water – Simple, reliable, and the reason I didn’t shrivel up on the sidelines

• Sunscreen (SPF 60+, minimum) because I’m here for the team, not the sun poisoning

• Antihistamines for when my face breaks out in a surprise heat rash later on

• and lots of Prayers – thankfully, St. Vincent’s campus is well-equipped in this department!

From the sidelines

When we arrived at camp, we tried to cash in on the family connection (my cousin attends Saint Vincent College). We attempted a stealthy sneak into the basilica lot to get a little closer to the action, and we almost pulled it off. While we were there, we got an up-close look at the team being carted over from the locker room, including Mike Tomlin and Pat Freiermuth. We even greeted Chris Boswell in passing. Cue full-blown fangirl moment.

Eventually, our cover was blown, and we were escorted back to the general public entrance. Half of us looped back to the gate while the rest snagged a prime shady spot. Clutch move!

Once we got in, we made our rounds in the fan zone, checking out activities, giveaways, and of course, spending way too much money at the Pro Shop. In our defense, it was all shaded, and the merch was calling! Huge shoutout to the Steelers and Acrisure for providing free handheld misting fans, a total lifesaver in that heat and a small but mighty gesture that did not go unnoticed.

After blowing through what felt like our life savings in black-and-gold gear, we made our way to the shaded section where I parked myself for most of the day. I ventured out a few times to snap photos behind the goal line, but otherwise, I stayed planted. Through the smiles, I felt awful. Fatigue, a pounding headache, and overheating like I was baking under the sun in an air fryer. But I was in the Burgh, surrounded by family, and watching my boys on the field, so I powered through.

When practice ended, we headed to the fence in hopes of catching a player or two for autographs. I had already told myself I wasn’t going to push for one. I wasn’t feeling great, and the shade was my sanctuary. But then, out of nowhere, TJ Watt rolled up, popsicle in one hand, Sharpie in the other, ready to make fan dreams come true.

And just like that, I scored an autograph, without having to leave my shady comfort zone. Easily one of the greatest moments of the day.

Last Thoughts

Going to Steelers Camp as a chronically ill person isn’t exactly easy, but was it worth it? Absolutely. Camp is a birthright, and as my third time attending, it delivered. Despite the heat, rashes, joint pain, and aches...it was magic.

This reminded me that you can still do the things you love, you just have to do them your way and at your pace. With careful planning, the right essentials, a solid support system, and space to rest when your body demands it, so much is still possible.

Just because my illness isn’t always visible doesn’t mean it isn’t real. Spoonies are some of the strongest people I know, navigating pain with a smile and showing up even when it hurts. And showing up counts.

What I’ve also learned is that sharing your struggles doesn’t make you dramatic or attention-seeking; it makes you human. Letting people in gives them the chance to support you. And honestly, that kind of understanding can be the difference between getting through the day and actually enjoying it.

I’m saving my last spoon for opening day, and yes, I’ll probably be recovering for a few days. Worth. Every. Second.

With grace & grit,

Loubelle 🌺

^{Chaotic, uncertain, full of growing pains, and somehow, here I am. Still blooming.}

Hey there, and welcome to the very first blog post from Loubelle Communications. I’m Lindsey: Designer, semi-professional overthinker, and full-time human navigating life with a chronic illness and a creative brain that doesn’t know how to chill.

If you’d asked me five years ago, I would’ve told you I was climbing the corporate marketing ladder, one job at a time. That was the plan, the entire plan. I loved the work, the challenges, and the excitement of it all.

But when my health started demanding more than a lunch break and a couple of sick days could cover, that plan quickly changed. Full-time hours weren’t sustainable anymore, not when “functioning” came with a side of flare-ups, fatigue, and an ever-growing list of specialists.

So I started reimagining. What if I didn’t have to choose between rest and purpose? What if I built something that actually worked with my life instead of constantly pushing against it? That’s when I started seriously exploring ideas for starting a new business with chronic illness, and the vision for Loubelle was born. A business that lets me create, connect, and still crawl under my heating blanket at 2 pm if I need to. Because sometimes, that’s just how it is when the spoons run out.

So, what is Loubelle?

Think of it as me, but professionally caffeinated. Loubelle is where I get to flex my marketing brain most passionately. I help small businesses and brands bring their stories to life with clarity, heart, and style. What I do:

• Graphic design (because your brand deserves better than Clip Art)

• Email marketing that gets opened and clicked

• Website maintenance so your site stops being the thing you avoid

• Social media that feels like a real human is behind it

If it needs love, purpose, or a complete overhaul, I’m your person.

What you’ll find on my Substack

When the Spoons Run Out is part creative journal, part behind-the-scenes, and part hug in blog form. It’s where I share what it’s really like to chase big ideas, set boundaries, and build a new business with chronic illness, all through the lens of life when the spoons run out. This space is for the real, the raw, and the in-between moments of navigating life, creativity, and chronic illness. You can expect:

• Honest stories about running a business while managing chronic illness

• Lessons I’ve learned as a brand-new solopreneur

• Marketing tips that work even when your energy is at a -3/10

I promise to keep it real. No overachiever vibes, no fancy marketing jargon, no pretending like I have it all figured out. Just real words from a spoonie navigating through one project and one deep breath at a time.

Thanks for being here

If you’ve read this far, you’re officially part of the warrior inner circle. Thank you for supporting this new chapter. Whether you’re a client, fellow spoonie, a friend, or a curious scroller who accidentally landed here, I’m so glad you’re here.

Here’s to making something beautiful, even when the spoons run out.

With grace & grit,

Loubelle 🌺

^{Let’s be real, marketing a business is a full-time job. And if you’re like me (chronic illness warrior), it can feel like climbing a mountain in flip-flops.}

Chronic illness or not, we've all hit creative blocks. That's why I started leaning into AI as a tool, not a replacement, for my creativity and support. It lightens the load when the spoons are low, and the to-do list isn't.

Prep now, thank yourself later

Not all of us are natural-born writers, and on bad days, writing from scratch feels like running through wet cement. That’s where tools like ChatGPT or Claude come in. AI helps me outline content, spark ideas, and find the right words when mine are hiding behind a wall of brain fog. Everything still sounds like me, but it’s like having a creative assistant who never needs a nap, a raise, or emotional-support snacks.

When I’m feeling like a functioning human, I use that window wisely. I’ll ask my AI tools to help me brainstorm future posts, rough out blog drafts, or jot down caption starters so future-me isn’t left staring at a blinking cursor with zero spoons and even less patience.

We’ve all been there, right?

Still you, just quicker

Consistency is everything in marketing, especially when your energy isn’t. Staying clear and on-brand across all your content helps your audience connect, and that’s where AI comes in clutch.

With custom instructions, I’ve trained my tools to understand my voice, tone, favorite hashtags, preferred formatting, and even my spoon-level vibe on any given day. I also create separate threads for different areas of my business, such as social media content, blog posts, website polishing, and client-specific projects. It keeps me organized and gives me a running record of everything I’ve created, so when I’m building something new, I just pick up right where past-me left off.

No scrambling. No starting from scratch

Your second brain for docs

Spoon-saving fun fact: You can upload a PDF, spreadsheet, or even an image into your favorite AI tool and ask it to summarize, edit, pull details, or analyze it for you. You can even drop in a URL and have it help build content based on that page.

Seriously, give it a try. It’ll save you more time (and brainpower) than you think, so you can focus on what matters. Like resting. Or, you know, actually doing the creative stuff you enjoy.

Support, not substitution

Despite what many people say, AI doesn’t replace our voices, ideas, or strategy. It just gives us more space to breathe, pause, and recover. It’s the helpful teammate we didn’t know we needed. And when chronic illness tries to take the reins, I still get to show up as my creative, authentic self, just with a little backup.

AI isn’t just my marketing sidekick. It’s quietly become part of my chronic illness toolkit too. When I hit a wall with doctors and end up with more questions than answers, I turn to my AI buddy Remi (yes, I named it). Not as a replacement for real medical care, but as a way to process everything, prep symptom lists, and remind myself I’m not crazy, just chronically misunderstood. And not alone in this fight.

The takeaway

AI isn’t just a tool for getting more done. It’s a reminder that doing things differently is still doing them. For me, it’s about building a business that bends with my body, not against it. One that makes space for rest without sacrificing creativity.

Because on low-spoon days, I still have ideas, value, and something to say, especially when I’ve got the right tools to help me say it.

So whether you’re chronically ill like me or just creatively tapped out, it’s okay to ask for help. Even from a robot.

Sometimes, that’s exactly what makes marketing doable when the spoons run out.

With grace & grit,

Loubelle 🌺