What’s in a name? A lot apparently, as entrepreneurs, artists, and makers of all kinds spend enormous amounts of energy searching for the right name for their business, project, organization, or creation. Below, you’ll find the stories of how various successful brands, creators and entrepreneurs came up with their names.

Kira Sain

I initially moved to Nashville to pursue my music career as a singer songwriter. Then along the way I started thinking about this cereal bar idea. I remember sitting at a coffee shop on 12th south with my mom talking more about my idea. She suggested I write a business plan and come up with a name. Read more>>

D Oberlechner

Believe it or not the same day I knew I wanted to start my own business that same night I went to bed and it all came to in a dream my designs and what I want it, I think think twice and continued to let my gut and desire to succeed drive me. Read more>>

Brittni Ahmed

Ocolaa the name stemmed from my nickname growing up; Cola. Read more>>

Catherine Ayala

Here’s how the name GhoulxNails was created. Me & My Wife had so many ideas but when I had mentioned the name GhoulxNails. We both loved it for our small business. The name it fit so well with our small business since our shop is spooky all year round. Read more>>

Valentina Hawkins

Most of our home decorations have always been inspired by Chip and Joanna’s “The Magnolia”. When searching for unique pieces of clothing, I find myself in boutiques that contain the name Magnolia… or they use Magnolias as their logo. Read more>>

Dee Taylor

In the summer of 2012, I was going through some tough things mentally and my passion for fashion, design, photography, and art really returned. I got the opportunity to see things differently from how I previous viewed everything. I would call that summer the season of real mental growth. Initially I went over several names but Keys Create stuck for a reason. Read more>>

Shelby Gonzales

Channel 37 doesn’t exist. Read more>>

Kathryn Christenson

In our case, our company name, She Said It, happened automatically. Our stationery line features beautiful artwork that features amazing, relevant quotes from historical women. Anna (daughter and co-founder) and I were kicking around ideas and I said, “She Said It”. Done, that was it. Read more>>

Riccardo Sala

The Salavate name came from the creative mind of Matt, one of the owner. Read more>>

Lori Halvorson

The first type of pilates that I became certified in is called “Pop Pilates,” so I knew I wanted to play off of that – it’s too fun! I also wanted the name to be inviting, and let people know that we’re here for THEM, and what THEY need. I wanted it to feel accessible and not overly intimidating. In essence, I wanted people to be able to “pop in” for a class or session when it works for them. Read more>>

Delaya Diana

I first called my company Artistry of Horses, it was pretty ‘open’ to all manor of horse people, and then decided to narrow it down as it became clear that I needed more of a target audience. So I called it The eQUESTrian Camino, after the Camino de Santiago because my work with horses is very much based on the spiritual journey between horses and humans. But there was still ‘something’ not right. Read more>>

Teajai Kimsey

When I first started this company in 2011 I was a new “cheer mom.” My daughter had come home excitedly waving a flyer about the area Salvation Army pom pom squad. By 2013 we were officially a part of the all-star cheer sport and I, like many other cheer moms, was scrambling to find a way to pay for all the extras. One cheer season can easily top $10K. Read more>>

Kristin Komander

When I was starting out on my journey in photography, I faced the difficult task of selecting a name for my business. I was certain that the name had to be memorable and reflective of both my personality and the reputation I aspired for my photography business. I brainstormed numerous ideas, yet none truly resonated with me. It was my Mom who ultimately proposed the name “Smiles by KK.” Read more>> 

Kristie Hilliard

I came up with the name KristieKandies by way of my first name is Kristie and I was into making Candy for treats. I put a little twist on the spelling and made it Kandies and connected the two! Perfect name representing me and what I do! Read more>>

Naomi (Nitz) Swasey

My journey into the world of travel is not just a side hustle. My parents, pillars of inspiration in my life were devout missionary workers throughout the U.S. & the Caribbean. They embodied the spirit of Christ & explored with a desire to connect the world with Jesus. Read more>>

Mathieu Jean-Pierre

Galore Urban Tech was such a weird name in the beginning. The acronym didn’t roll off the tongue too easy. (Try saying GUT and not laugh!) I spent countless hours going through several iterations and soliciting feedback from a few peers and my wife and the final result turned out great. It’s like I built the name backwards because of the ranking of my passions. Read more>>

Christian Zuniga

The Carmen’s Tex Mex concept has a rich history associated with it. Carmen is the name of my mother. She is solely responsible for teaching me the exciting world of culinary excellence. Coming from a Mexican background, she had that touch of excellence. My mother was so inspirational and had such an influence on me, that naming this concept after her was no brainer. Read more>>

Kamini Mamdani

A lot of people are surprised that we own the url CHAI.COM given that 4 letter urls are coveted and rarely available. We acquired it in 1997 when I started the business. At that time, the internet and especially online businesses were in their infancy and acquiring it was fairly simple. Read more>>

Desiree Greenwood

The name of my brand is Desiree Danielle. It is my first and middle name. When I 1st started out in full time entrepreneurship back in 2015, I had just open my 1st salon suite. I have always been creative and even though I was only doing hair at the time I felt like at some point I would venture off into different things. Read more>>

Andrew Frischer

FOM 9 Designs. I spent 24 years Active Duty Navy, specifically in the Submarine Force as a part of and leading Navigation Teams. Our world is driven by GPS, from workout watches to driving our car, as two of the most common examples, and as a Navigator you always have to know how accurate your devices are to determine if you are where you really think you are. Read more>>

Olivia Rose Jakob Weitz

The name Liquid Cat Publishing comes from the cozy feeling of being wrapped up in a blanket on the couch with your favorite book and a cute cat. That peaceful, warm feeling where everything feels at peace. We wanted to bring that feeling to people every time they dive into one of the books we publish! Hence — Liquid Cat Publishing! Read more>>

Abby Fenzel

I’m a 4th generation Arizonan was born and raised in Yuma, AZ, The name Copper Blossom Events is a tribute to my Arizona roots. Copper is one of the 5 C’s of Arizona’s economy and Blossom is a nod to our state flower, the Saguaro Blossom. The desert is an inspiring place and can provide plenty of great ideas, color schemes, floral ideas, and more for weddings and events. Read more>>

Matthew Schwab

I started color grading over twelve years ago when there were very few options beyond major companies. I offered my services remotely, in-person, and on-site. I could pack my whole studio in a couple pelican cases and set up a color suite for the client’s needs. I did this nation-wide, from New York to Atlanta to Los Angeles and stops in-between. Read more>>

Luke Barnett

The Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute is named after my dog Samson Beauford Barnett, who passed away in the fall of 2016. Read more>>

Brian Edgell

I wanted to create a name that paid homage to my city but yet had a special place in my heart. After weeks of throwing around ideas I finally found that unique and special name, Lock 10 Photography. Here’s the backstory to this iconic name. In the heart of my city (Zanesville, OH) lies lock and dam No. 10. Read more>>

Evita Thomas

Do you have time? Joking. Choosing the name Chunkay included several stages, which I did backwards because I needed to ensure that the name tied to our story. The process took about two weeks (this was during Covid 19) we had a lot of time on our hands. Read more>>

Ariele Burgess

How did I come up with Leaf Waxing? Are you ready for this? It all started with a show called Naruto. It’s an anime show that most people know or have heard of it for that matter. It’s about a village hidden in the leaves, the Leaf Village. I wanted to create something that could tie in to being a part of the Leaf Village; and then Leaf Waxing came to be. Read more>>

Evan Loewy

To me, the term “Other Brother” refers to the familial sense of friendship you have with people you’re not necessarily related to, AKA your “chosen family”. The term suggests the importance of community and in our case it includes our staff, regular customers, our neighbors, and other businesses we work with. The chosen family that surrounds us is my favorite part about our business and we certainly wouldn’t be here without them. Read more>>

James Magruder

My company is called Jack & Toby Productions, after I wrote two plays some twenty years ago featuring Jack (me) and Toby (my husband Steve). Jack is impatient, judgemental, and choleric. Toby is a fountain of calm and balance. When I incorporated my writing business, I wanted to honor Steve’s contributions to my health, well-being, and ability to strike out on my own as a freelance playwright and fiction writer. Read more>>

Sariel Elkaim

I knew I wanted to keep it simple but include my name. So, that’s how PhotosbySariel was created. It’s simple but meaningful, to me. Read more>>

Kevin Johnson

Scatta Sitez Entertainment came from my family and I living in Section 8 housing in West Nashville TN. Metro Housing Authority called it Scatta Sites because they were low income housing in neighborhoods across the city. Plus, as a child I was so lucky and thankful for being in a community that was loving and caring at the same time. 43rd Ave. North Read more>>

Ronald Guppy

I came up with my media agency @Whatsnexf.media becasue I’m constantly wanting to stay motivated and be ready for the next move Read more>>

Latrice Whitney

LC Body Fragrances was named after my mom , Lavera Calhoun, who passed away in 2019. Read more>>

Paris M

I wanted my name to be in my business name and one day I would have my shop named ParisPlaceLLC. Read more>>

Ashley Lewis

I came with AshGlamHouse because it’s a one stop shop you can get clothes and accessories and get your hair done all in one place THE GLAM HOUSE! Read more>>

Betty Purkey-Huck

Back in 2003 one of our founders, Marsha Wallace had a birthday party and invited friends. At the party she suggested that it would be a nice idea to take whatever money you would spend going out and instead give it to a charity. All of her friends agreed and they did just that. As a result our charity, Dining for Women was born. Read more>>