She Built an Animation Studio While Doubting Herself Every Day: A Business Owner's Story
- Ben Hickman
- Mar 3
- 3 min read
Reflective Rebels Podcast, Season 2 Episode 1 - Lou's Story
Lou runs an animation studio and created Pigasus - a flying pig character built entirely around self-belief and following your dreams.
But here's the truth: she wakes up every single morning in a negative headspace. Her brain tells her she can't do it, she should quit, she's not good enough. Every. Single. Day.
And then she builds anyway.
This isn't a story about conquering self-doubt. It's about what happens when you stop waiting for the doubt to go away before you act.
As a business owner dealing with self-doubt daily, Lou's story challenges everything we think about confidence and success.
The Story
Lou's been chasing animation since Saturday morning cartoons as a kid.
But the path to running her own studio wasn't smooth. She faced keyboard warriors. She was diagnosed with autoimmune disorders doctors said were incurable. And through it all, her brain kept telling her to stop.
She didn't listen.
Instead, she created Pigasus - a flying pig that represents the impossible. A character literally about self-belief, born from someone who doubts herself daily. The irony isn't lost on Lou.
In four months, Pigasus has been used 16 million times on Giphy. People are finding joy and belief through this character while Lou is still fighting her own doubts every morning.
My reflections
The line I can't stop thinking about:
"I wake up every day believing I can't do it. And then I do it anyway."
That's the whole thing, isn't it?
Lou hasn't conquered self-doubt. She's just stopped waiting for it to disappear before she takes action. The doubt is still there. The negative voice is still loud. But she's learned to act despite it, not after defeating it.
Why This Matters to You
If you're waiting to feel confident before you start, you might be waiting forever.
If you think successful people don't doubt themselves, Lou's story proves otherwise.
If you believe self-doubt means you're not ready, you're wrong. It just means you're human.
Lou builds an animation studio, lands a Cbeebies gig, and creates a character with 16 million views - all while her brain tells her she can't.
What could you build if you stopped waiting for the doubt to go away?
Key Takeaways
Self-doubt doesn't mean you're not ready. Lou wakes up every day in a negative headspace. She's still built a successful studio, healed herself, and created a viral character. The doubt doesn't stop her - she just acts anyway.
Your body knows before your brain does. When doctors told Lou she'd never heal from her autoimmune disorders, she refused to accept it. She dug deep, found her own path, and proved them wrong.
Sometimes the answers come from listening to yourself, not the experts.
Belief is a practice, not a destination. Pigasus represents self-belief, but Lou created him while still doubting herself. You don't need to have it all figured out to help others. Sometimes creating the thing you need to hear helps you believe it yourself.
Listen to or watch the Full Episode
Connect with Lou
Find Lou and Pigasus:
Lou's Instagram: @loukneath
Pigasus Instagram: @positivelypigasus
Pigasus Website: positivelypigasus.com
Lou's Animation Studio: plus3k.tv
About Reflective Rebels Podcast
Real stories of brave action from UK business owners who stopped pretending everything was fine. Not polished success stories - just honest conversations about building a business without selling your soul.
New episodes every week.
Life's too short to be shit.
Comments