One of the most creative parts of starting something new is finding a name and it’s also one of the most challenging. Below, you’ll find the stories of how various successful brands, creators and entrepreneurs came up with their names.

Christian Smolanovich

Like all great American stories, it started with tequila and Mexican food. Just like anyone who experiences the laughs of some jokes at the table with friends, we want to make marketing fun again. Since mainstream marketing has become so safe and boring, we needed a name that would attract the right type of clients…those that want to be above average. We might not be the biggest marketing company, but we work hard. And the name 6 Inch Media was born. Read more>>

James Mccaffrey

strike-slip boundaries occur where tectonic plates interact in a way that the earth’s crust is neither pulled apart nor destroyed. Instead, with a strike-slip fault line, two plates slide, or perhaps more accurately grind past each other creating seismic friction. The San Andreas Fault is major Fault line underlying the Bay Area and is a Strike-Slip. When I heard this sexy, powerfully alliterative //chic lil slice of geologist terminology, my first thought was “Wow it might be cool to have a gallery named after this tectonic phenomenon—as a parallel can certainly be seen to the way many artists use the underlying, unseen friction of the human condition in order to make an impact on the harsh realities of contemporary society—that is, we artists spend years slowly grinding and pushing back against the status quo of our contemporaries. As we move deeper into Strike-Slip’s gallery programming, 3 consecutive solo exhibitions (Kristen Wong, Momoko Schaffer, and Britt Henze. Read more>>

Danyetta Anderson

At Ikigai Candle Co., we believe that everyone deserves to live a life filled with purpose, joy, and balance. Inspired by the Japanese concept of “ikigai,” which translates to “reason for being,” we have worked to create a sense of calm in every candle.

Trained as a research scientist and wearing the daily hats of wife and Mom of two, it didn’t take me long to discover the power of aromatherapy to promote a sense of calm at the end of a busy day. As someone who has always embraced health and wellness, I have made it a lifelong mission to eagerly look for ways to slow down, reflect, and fuel my passions. Read more>>

Patricia Jackson

The business naming convention for of Women & M.I.C.E. is a play upon multiple themes and a well known acronym that represents my holistic experience in managing and producing global events for over 20 years.

The word “of” refers to what exactly we are made of; it represents the relationship between a finished product and its components.

Women is an obvious reference to myself as a business owner (as well as other team members who share my biological, social, and personal identify factors). The meaning does however, comes with a plot twist. Our branding guidelines stipulate that we emphasize the “men” in “Women” via color and design to highlight the interchangeable makeup of our team and our global partnerships. Read more>>

Danielle Hosmer

Naming anything—especially something as personal as a business—is no small task. For me, the name “ToriBella Photography” is more than just a brand; it’s a reflection of my heart and the driving force behind my work.

ToriBella is a combination of my daughters’ names, Victoria and Isabella. They are my greatest inspirations, and naming my business after them felt natural because they embody everything I strive for as a photographer—beauty, strength, and an ever-evolving story. Just as they have shaped my life, they remind me daily of why I do what I do: to capture the moments that matter, to preserve emotions in their purest form, and to create something lasting. Read more>>

Jordan Shirk

When I was deciding how to name my Semifreddo brand, I wanted something that reflected its Italian roots, the artisanal quality of the dessert, and the unique experience it offers.

Semifreddo is an Italian frozen dessert that sits somewhere between ice cream and mousse—light, airy, and indulgent. I wanted a name that would immediately evoke those characteristics while also standing out in the market. Instead of reinventing the wheel, I leaned into the authenticity of the product itself. Semifreddo literally means “half cold” in Italian, which perfectly describes its texture: creamy and smooth, but not as hard as traditional ice cream. Read more>>

Jennifer Spiroff

Since I was a young girl I’ve always had a passion for jewelry and self expression. I knew the moment I learned about permanent jewelry it was my calling. It brings me so much joy that I’m able to provide a service where clients get to build their own piece of jewelry! After I have the pleasure of helping with the design, I attach it on them for an “Everlasting” statement piece. Each piece tells their story, has a personal meaning behind it or just allows them to express themselves! Read more>>

Sasan Tehrani

The inspiration behind our brand name comes from my family’s last name, Tehrani. We decided to remove the “H” and give it a touch of Middle Eastern influence, reflecting the region where my family originally comes from. This name represents a blend of tradition and modernity, honoring our roots while appealing to a global audience. It’s a nod to the rich culture and heritage of the Middle East, and the values that have been passed down through generations. We are proud to share these legacy through our amazing dresses. Read more>>

Christine Landis

The idea for Peacock Parent came from my own experience navigating parenthood and realizing how much time management plays into the day-to-day, yet no one was talking about time. Everyone else was focused on wipe dispensers, swaddles, and formula versus breastfed babies, but no one was addressing the demands on our time as parents and more importantly solutions. And diving into that conversation felt unique to me – just like a peacock. Read more>>

Tishahnah Roney

The name of my brand is Rich, Rooted Wealth Academy, and it holds deep meaning for me. I’ve always loved the idea of having and growing a garden, but I couldn’t seem to keep anything green alive. I had a brown thumb—plants would literally come to my house to die. But I was determined. I kept planting seeds, and eventually, I got something to grow! Read more>>

Jamie Perez

I was having trouble coming up with a catchy business name that would embody what I do. My mom actually came up with it. Knowing my passion for telling heartfelt stories, she said, “If a picture says a thousand words, your videos will leave people Beyond Words.” And that’s how the business name Beyond Words Productions came to be! Read more>>

Emlyn Roesler

The inspiration for the name, Solid Soaps, came from a doodle that I made back in 2008. I was waiting for John, my boyfriend at the time, to get off work. Out of boredom, I decided to draw my right fist (I am left handed) while I waited for him in his office. When I was done, I gave it to John, and he stuck it on his wall with a piece of tape. This doodle was kept in a box after he left that company until I found it unpacking in our new house as married couple in 2016. I framed it and put it on our living room wall. Read more>>

Hannah Weber

The very first time I realized that I loved working with metals was when I was in my first year or two of college. I had signed up for a class that was described as “sculpture” but ended up being a bronze casting class. In this class I kept making Ouija boards or planchettes made of metal ( I am an ex goth teenage after all ), and I kept coming back to wanting to name by future business Goodbye and Goodluck, like from a Ouija board. Read more>>

Jo Ann Chism

It might sound crazy to you – but as soon as I started my jewelry design business I knew I would change the name. And I was totally fine with that.
The first name was… well… that’s not really important. I guess I would say it was a place-holder name.
When I started designing jewelry 15 years ago it was out of a life-long obsession with beads. Any beads. This obsession bubbled up to the surface and had to come out. So I grabbed any beads that caught my eye and played with color, shape and design. Read more>>

Medina Colaku

I came up with the name ‘Heal with Medina’ in the most serendipitous way—curled up in the backseat of my friend’s car, on a girls’ trip to Maine. We were cruising down the highway, laughing, catching up, and soaking in the joy of simply being together. I was surrounded by my sorority sisters, the kind of friends who have been with me through every season of life. As we chatted, I shared something I had been contemplating—I wanted to launch my own therapy business. Read more>>

Daniel Castro

I first named my company Eversoul Culinary. It was based off a show that I watched as a kid and thought it was cool, until it wasn’t. Because I had to explain it. In my mind, if I could not explain it in ten words or less, I knew It was going to be a struggle finding me down the road.

A year ago, I renamed my DBA to Mabuhay Austin. Mabuhay means Welcome in the Philippines. It’s so much easier to explain in ten words or less. On top of that, I pride myself as a Filipino who happens to cook. We are known for our hospitality. When people look for Filipino caterers, I want to be the first one seen. Read more>>

Beth Baumgartner

When I started my blog, The First Year, I wasn’t thinking about branding or long-term success. I created it during the first year of my marriage as a hobby to keep myself busy while my husband pursued a PhD. He was working 80+ hours a week, and I needed a creative outlet—something to pour my energy into. Looking back, I see how that season was such a gift; I never imagined the blog would grow beyond that first year, let alone become my full-time job! If I had known where it would lead, I probably would have picked a name more related to desserts, but The First Year will always be a special reminder of where it all began. Read more>>

Mister Miles

“13th Grade Productions” sounds like a clever play on the idea of high school continuing past the usual 12 grades-maybe implying an extra level of learning, creativity, or rebellion. It gives off an independent, almost underground vibe, like a space where people keep growing and experimenting beyond the norm. Read more>>

Courtnie N.

In 2022, I reached a turning point. I was stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction—feeling lost in my career, relationships, and even with myself. For years, I had been trying to live in a way that pleased others, and in doing so, I lost touch with who I really was. I knew I couldn’t continue living a life that wasn’t truly mine, and the thought of staying stuck in mediocrity terrified me. Read more>>