Spot-light on: Leelou Blogs and Leelou Custom Header Designs!

Meet the Mom Behind Leelou Blogs and Leelou Custom Blog Designs!

Who is Leelou and what sets you apart from other custom blog designers?
Leelou is a nickname that I've had since I was three. My real name is Julie. I am a recovering blog-aholic. My husband teaches fifth grade and I get to stay home and play with our two kiddos. Last year, it seemed like the only cure for colic was a good stiff blog. Now I can't control myself.

Leelou Blogs (www.LeelouBlogs.blogspot.com) is all about making free, fun, original backgrounds from "scratch" -- nothing pre-designed.

Leelou Custom Blog Design (www.LeelouHeaders.blogspot.com) is the whole package. Custom headers, backgrounds, link buttons, layouts, and whatever else your little blog desires (on a Wal-Mart budget).

Where are you located?
I work at home in Southern Oregon.


How did you come up with your business name?
When I was three years old my best friend couldn't say my name, Julie. It always came out sounding like "Leelou". And it has stuck with me ever since.

When and why did you decide to start your own business?
I got into blogging a couple years back and I was sick of seeing the "cookie cutter" blog templates that were available at the time. I wanted my blog to more "me," more Leelou (if that makes any sense). Initially I started making original backgrounds for my friends and me. The more I made the more I learned. I started figuring out more about the software I use and the actual coding (HTML) of the blog it self. I was making backgrounds and headers most days for friends, friends of friends, and their friends too! At the beginning of this year I realized that the demand was high, and it was time that I started making it worth my time.


How did you get started?
In January I started Leelou Blogs, a blog where I post all of my free original backgrounds. I make them all from "scratch" -- nothing is pre-made; just me, my mouse, and my trusty design software. More and more people started using my blog backgrounds and were requesting background and header designs for their personal or business blogs. I was way into the whole pro bono part of it all. Heck, who doesn't love free stuff? But I had no idea there was such a demand for custom blog design. It was then that I decided to join the ranks of WAHM's and see if I couldn't provide a little extra "bacon" myself.

What motivates you to keep your business going?
Besides being OCB (Obsessive Compulsive Blogger), I am truly impressed with the number of full-time moms that work from home. I had no idea there were so many. A lot of my motivation comes from supportive moms like you that leave me encouraging comments and emails. The other part comes from knowing what it is like living on a tight budget. I want to make blogging exciting for everyone without breaking the bank. Every blogger deserves a little pizazz.


Do you have a particular blog template that's popular and/or that you're promoting on your site?
Most bloggers order my "Bells and Whistles" package. This includes a custom header, a one-of-a-kind background, custom sidebar categories, a picture link button, custom signature, and your choice of two or three columns.

To spice things up every now and then, I like to run some crazy contest. The last contest featured my Wedding/Engagement blog. One lucky couple will be receiving a deluxe custom engagement blog (its like an interactive wedding invitation).


How do you advertise your business? Which methods proved successful/effective?
Most of my business comes from word of blog/mouth. Many people have placed my link button on their blog after using a free background or purchasing a blog package. This has been amazingly helpful. In addition, a few other blogs have featured my work, giving me some great traffic.


How do you juggle family and work at home?
Typically my work involves a lot of late nights in front of the computer. It is usually the only uninterrupted time I have (even nap times are difficult). Fortunately my husband is home for the summer and I am able to blog it up during the day while he takes over as a SAHD.


What advice would you give to moms seeking to become a WAHM?
Know your product and know who "needs" it. Put your product or idea out there for people to see. Everyone loves "free samples" -- and many times it turns into free advertising.


Current promotions at Leelou Blogs:
I will be giving away a free header at www.TipJunkie.blogspot.com with their 20 day give away.

Anything else you'd like to add about Leelou or about being a WAHM in general?
I have such a greater respect for WAHM's now. You guys are amazing! Stop by Leelou Blogs and pick out a new custom look for yourself!! You deserve it!!


Visit Leelou Blogs & Leelou Custom Blog Designs at: www.LeelouBlogs.blogspot.com and
www.LeelouHeaders.blogspot.com




(Note: All screen shot images courtesy of Leelou Blogs and Leelou Custom Blog Designs. Please respect their work and do not copy and/or alter their images. Thank you! )