We recently connected with Lou Keeton and have shared our conversation below.

Lou, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Affirmation is transformative. I’ve seen how it has affirmed my healing journey, so I’ve made it my mission to share it with everyone.
At one point, I lived alone and worked 80 hours a week. I would go days without getting a hug or receiving a friendly word. I didn’t want to burden my support system and couldn’t afford therapy so I thought, “There must be an app for this.”
I searched the app store for something that could serve me curated affirmation when I needed it – like a friend who always knows just what to say. I found some apps like this, and a few behind a paywall, but nothing that would distribute affirmations when and where I needed it free of charge.
So I made my own. Boomer Rose took my ideas and developed the Affirm(ed) app. The app curates affirmations based on the spaces you want to grow in. Maybe you want to work on your self-esteem or you’re in mourning. When you select these categories, those are the affirmations you will get. I began using the app myself. I was amazed at what a difference reading the right words at the right time can make.
I started documenting my “affirmation transformation” on @LouAffirms on Instagram and was delighted as I watched all the joy I was sharing flow back to me. Highlighting the places, foods, and fashion that affirm me has introduced me to new collaborators, colleagues, and friends so I’m better able to take my mission into the community.
Now, I’m planning big events for Ashland, Virginia – Center of the Universe and living my dream. I want this for everyone and know its possible so long as we affirm our truth.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The journey to LouAffirms has been a winding one. I initially began my career as a full-time actor. After years of working with theatre troupes and films around the world, I wanted to create a safe space of my own for artists. I could think of no better place than Ashland, Virginia – my hometown. For the past decade, venues and artists have volunteered to create original works of community theatre. We call it The Whistle Stop Theatre Company. I write, produce, direct, and often act in Whistle Stop shows while maintaining my full-time job. Our efforts have led to an off-broadway New York production and two published works.
My day jobs ranged from hanging gallery exhibits to reporting to marketing – but I always came back to one big question – how can I use my skills and talents to affirm and uplift?
And so LouAffirms was born. I develop technology, media, events, and resources that provide my audience with curated affirmation when and where they need it. The Affirm(Ed) App is web-accessible. You can log in at any time from any device to get the affirmation you need, when you need it, free of charge.
@LouAffirms on Instagram creates relatable media, guides, and distributes resources for readers to develop their own “affirmation transformation.”
I am so proud to watch the chain reaction affirmation creates. I see it every day as I plan affirming events and content. Events have grown, complaints have dropped, while smiles and laughter abound. It’s a dream come true hearing from @LouAffirms followers every day that they’re experiencing their own affirmation transformations.
Affirmation is for everyone. I want to make it as accessible as possible so no matter where you are on your healing journey, you can start your affirmation transformation.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Social media is one of my favorite tools as a marketer and as a social butterfly. I’ve guided clients to 10K in 24 hours. It all comes down to authenticity. If you have something to say – say it! Just format it to the platform and connect with your people.
Authentically connecting is the tricky part. Social media must be treated like a social event. In the same way you wouldn’t start shouting at a stranger to buy your product – you can’t always be selling on social. That is not how you make or keep friends. Instead, show up as yourself! Follow the pages, groups, and influencers who reflect your mission. Engage with them, and soon, you will attract the audience you seek. You might even find a new audience you never considered before!

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Following your bliss! I let my interests, passions, and delights direct me to where I want to volunteer, where I want to network, and even where I want to shop and dine. People notice when you show up blissful, and most people want to know how you got there. Following my bliss has always put me in front of the right people at the right time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://louaffirms.weebly.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louaffirms/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseKeetonCreates
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lou-keeton-828b8940/

Image Credits

Robert Pfeifer, Alyssa Johnson, Piper Elam