The Evolution of a Creative Entrepreneur: Doodle Breaks and the rise of AI

Melissa Loyd, Founder of Doodle Breaks and Aigility Hub

Like many entrepreneurs, Melissa Lloyd was busy working long hours and travelling the world when she began experiencing burnout.

To help ease the stress, she began doodling – an activity that led to her founding a new business, Doodle Breaks. A creative, wellness service where teams take creative workplace mindfulness breaks, Doodle Breaks aims to reduce stress and increase productivity.

As Doodle Breaks was growing and taking more of Lloyd’s time, AI started becoming a bigger presence in the workplace. Instead of fearing potential redundancy, Lloyd chose to lean into the possibilities of AI. 

That mindset led Lloyd to found another company—Aigility Hub—which helps founders and teams confidently integrate AI into the way they work and lead.

We caught up with Lloyd to ask just what Doodle Breaks are, how she’s using AI to grow her business, and the programs and services that have helped her entrepreneurial journey. 

Q. How did you transition from offering mindful doodling services to helping businesses implement AI? 

I used to wonder if there was an easier way to run my businesses. When I was introduced to AI in 2022, I couldn’t help but think back to launching Doodle Breaks and even my first company in the UK, how much simpler, more scalable, and more productive things could have been if I’d had AI available to me. 

So I dove in. I became a certified prompt engineer, took global courses, and tested cutting-edge tools. 

What fueled it all? Curiosity—the same trait I now help others reconnect with. Most entrepreneurs don’t lack tech—they lack clarity. What they need is confidence, focus, and a trusted guide to cut through the noise and uncover where AI truly adds value. 

Q. The Productivity and Innovation Voucher Program (PIVP) connects businesses with the research expertise and resources of post-secondary institutions. How did this program benefit you and your business? 

PIVP was incredibly valuable to us. It provided the essential research support that allowed us to advance our Mindful Doodling initiative, which is now on track to be published in an academic journal. Looking ahead, I’m exploring how the Export Development Program could help Aigility Hub scale and expand. We’re working on several exciting initiatives aimed at supporting broader AI adoption. 

Q. You’re leveraging YouTube to grow your business. Has that come with any challenges? 

I’ve always loved speaking with people, but I’ll be honest, it took me a while to feel comfortable speaking on camera. I try to be as human and honest as possible, because I know this time in history isn’t easy. People are navigating so much change, and if I can be even a small part of helping them feel more confident or clear, then it’s worth showing up. 

Surprisingly, the technical side hasn’t been as hard as I expected. I’ve used AI throughout the process, from writing scripts with ChatGPT to editing videos with tools like Descript and CapCut. 

It helped me move past the “I’m not a video person” mindset, stay focused on creating value, and make the process more productive, without burning out. 

The best part? YouTube has helped me connect with people in a more personal and meaningful way, and that’s at the heart of everything I do. 

Q. How do you balance your creative self with running your business? 

Running a business can be demanding, so I’ve learned to protect small moments that reconnect me to my creative side. I still use the power of doodling to ground myself and spark ideas. 

Stepping into AI training has opened a new way to support people during a time of massive change, just expressed through new tools, but still grounded in the same intention: helping people feel more calm, confident, and capable in a changing world. 

Q. Do you have any advice for other women entrepreneurs who were thinking about starting their own business? 

You don’t need to have it all figured out. Start small, start messy if you have to... just start. The clarity comes as you move. Build a business that works with your life, not against it. That means honoring your energy, setting boundaries, and letting go of the idea that you have to do it all alone. 

When doubt shows up (because it will), remind yourself: you’re allowed to figure it out as you go. You’re allowed to learn and lead at the same time. 

Q. Inquiring minds want to know: what types of pens are best for doodling? 

Here are some of my favorites: 

• Sharpie Art Pens: Bright, detailed, and don’t bleed through.
• Doodle Breaks Gel Pen: Great for smooth lines.
• Micron Fine Line Pen Assorted Tips: Perfect for experimenting with texture and linework.