The Journal
Stories. Strategy. Soul.
Reflections from the front porch, practical marketing insights, and thoughtful conversations about business, creativity, AI, and life.
Welcome to the Journal
Pull up a chair, pour a cup of coffee, and stay awhile.
Here you'll find reflections from East Texas, thoughtful conversations about marketing, AI, storytelling, and the everyday moments that remind us why authentic connection still matters.
I hope you leave with an idea, a little encouragement, and maybe even a new question to explore.
~ Suzi 🤎
The Spark She Gave Me: Creativity, Art, and AI
A personal reflection on the creative spark my mother gave me, and how traditional artistry, photography, and AI can each help bring an idea to life.
National I Am In Control Day: Take the Reins on Your Small Business Marketing
Marketing feeling like herding wild horses in a Texas thunderstorm?
March 30 is National I Am In Control Day, time to grab the reins.
You’re the one in charge, not the algorithm or the trends.
Here’s your salty permission slip to run your business your way this spring.
Race Ahead in the Year of the Fire Horse
In the surging Year of the Fire Horse (starting Feb 17, 2026), Agentic AI isn't here to replace us — it's our most capable coworker.
From small business power moves like real-time pricing wizards and personalized follow-ups to unexpected personal uses like thoughtful health research and 4 a.m. sounding boards, discover how this partnership adds momentum, connection, and healing in a modern world.
Uncovering AI's 3 Main Data Sources: Save Your Marketing Budget
Curious where AI gets its 'magic'? Peek behind the cards: 3 key data sources that could save your small biz marketing budget by 50%. Tips for Reiki healers, wine lovers, and boutique owners—dive in!
Fall 2025 Marketing: Cozy Vibes, Clever Tech, & Avoiding the Pumpkin Spice Overload
Discover a refreshing fall marketing shift in 2025 with AI-powered personalization, engaging short-form video contests, and cozy community events. Dive into some Fall Marketing Magic and elevate your seasonal campaigns today!
August Marketing Magic: Boost Your Small Business Now
Feeling the August buzz? Try back-to-school promos, outdoor pop-ups, or Bad Poetry Day laughs! Kick off creative marketing tricks to wow your crowd!
Writing for Readability: Partnering with AI to Craft Clear, Engaging Content
Want to craft clear, engaging content? Discover 5 tips to boost readability for social posts, emails, and more, with AI tools like Grok or Chat GPT as your collaborator!
AI Art vs. Real Snaps: Trending Meets Timeless
AI images bring surreal, trendy flair—but can they beat a photograph’s raw authenticity?
Explore how AI’s creativity and photography’s truth elevate your visual storytelling!
Are you the Empress of your Brand?
Just asked AI to draw me as a Roman Emperor (Empress?) and every image featured a wine glass or two—AI knows my brand!
Our online narratives have become epic sagas. Does your digital story reflect your true ambitions?
Who's ready to bloom in 2025?
Choosing a word to guide the year is a powerful way to focus on growth, this year I asked AI to help. Any guesses on what it chose?
What word would you choose to guide your year?
It’s the time of the season
Cooking Up Marketing Campaigns in the World of AI
This season, a shift in kitchen duties got me pondering about AI's role in taking over many of the time-honored traditions and “recipes” in marketing.
Small Businesses Marketing Blog: With Strategies That Actually Work
