Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? So, we asked some very sharp folks to tell us the stories of how they came up with the names of their brands.

coco awesome

The story behind the birth of “For When You Are Feeling” goes back to my sophomore year of college. During this time I was silently recovering from being sexually assaulted and I really didn’t have the tools accessible to me to get the help I needed and asking for help was something that was extremely difficult for me. So I turned to a piece of paper and a pen to help me heal the things I couldn’t say out loud. Whilst doing so I comprised a series of illustrations based off of the different emotions I was feeling at the time and had decided I wanted to put them Read more>>

Johnna Wilks

As the founder of boutique brand agency Be the Message™, I have always recognized the fundamental importance of a brand’s foundation, which, of course, includes the business name. When I embarked on the journey to start my own agency, I was inundated with numerous name ideas. However, none of them truly resonated with who I am as a person and what I wanted my business to represent. What I did know was that I desired a name that would not only reflect my commitment to clients, but also my personal values. Read more>>

Jeanne Akita

I believe that the art tells a story. It’s a story that can reflect either the real world or a glimpse into the artist’s own imagination. I believe that our imaginations are a very real and vital part of our lives, showing up in literature, art, music, and other non-physical expressions. These creations carry the emotions and personal experiences of the artist. Each piece in my wearable and decorative art collection is filled with my own imaginative world, sharing the unique story of my journey through life. What’s incredible is that each person looking at my art sees it in their own way, connecting it to their own life experiences and inner thoughts. It’s like a multi-dimensional mirror, connecting the hidden and unspoken parts of the artist’s world with the viewer’s world. Read more>>

Benita Conde

In the spring of 2017 I was, in relation to my beliefs at the time, in a pinnacle role at a pinnacle agency, making a solid salary and was fulfilled in certain aspects of the role but ultimately, found aspects of the experience lacking. I was also 10 years sober at the time and after years of inner-work realized that I was still playing out “workaholic” tendencies in my professional life. I felt called to make a change, a big shift. I had also been developing a deep belief that LOVE was the element missing from the business world, and more specifically from my experience, creative businesses. I do not mean a cliche version of love. Read more>>

Analia Nicole

I love this question, because naming a business is one of those overlooked things that people don’t typically think about. You either see a business name and it fits, or it doesn’t. The name “Catharsis Ink” came to me when I was already a tattoo artist, but before I had started my own tattoo business. It began with an idea that I had- I wanted to get the word ‘catharsis’ tattooed on me, after hearing it in a song and then learning of the word’s meaning. The word itself is so beautiful to me, it kind of just rolls off the tongue. And the meaning resonates with me on such a deep level. So one day while I was fantasizing about starting my own business and what I would potentially name it, “Catharsis Tattoo” popped into my head. Read more>>

Montana Marks

I’m pretty obsessed with the name of my company, not gonna lie. It took me a while to come up with a name that I was proud of that felt aligned with the mission, but the second I thought of it, I just knew that was it. I moved to Los Angeles for acting, and I love acting and so many aspects about the industry and job, but I had a creative outlet and giving back need that was still unfulfilled. I’ve always loved jewelry and the fact that it can remind you of a certain person, moment, time period, memory, etc. and I wanted to incorporate that love into also giving back to others in some way. I’ve always respected businesses who can somehow give back while being successful. Read more>>

Skye Miranda

Honestly the name of my business completely fell into my lap ! I guess I would have to start with my first name – being that my name is actually Schuyler (pronounced skyler) it’s traditionally a surname (last name) and my mom chose my name from a family members last name. However, as a 5 year old in kindergarten I came home and asked my mom how to spell my name and she replied “S-K-Y” . At some point, a grade school teacher mispelled it Skye and I was too shy to correct her – I actually liked the flare of the E. Read more>>

Timothy Donald

I started Char and Oak spices in 2020. There was never a debate over the name. It was clear from the very start that I would name my company after my two beautiful, amazing daughters, Charlotte and Oakley. It is just a happy coincidence that their names would combine to create such a perfect name for the best spice blends in the world. This is the root of all creativity for my blends. The company logo is a variant on the tree of life and is a true representation of what I believe is the proper avenue toward success. Everything starts with the roots and grows its intricate weaving of branches until it is fully grown. There is so much that goes into creating a business from nothing. We all know the details of money and effort and development of product to procure sales and expand. Read more>>

Dejha Carlisle

Glad you asked! The name “Studio 418” is very personal to me…in 2018 I had gotten pregnant with my first child. I was shocked honestly, but it didn’t take long for me to get excited about it lol. Like, as soon as I left the doctor’s office who confirmed my pregnancy, I was right in the parking lot making posts on Facebook and Twitter about how happy I was. Fast forward a few months later, I found out I was having a girl. You just had to know how freaking excited I was about it. Read more>>

Rylie Fisher

I believe photography is more than just taking a picture, as many photographers will probably agree. You don’t shoot what it looks like, you shoot what it feels like. Ambedo means “ a kind of melancholic trance in which you become completely absorbed in vivid sensory details—raindrops skittering down a window, tall trees leaning in the wind, clouds of cream swirling in your coffee” it’s the feeling you get with small moments in life. Read more>>

Jeff & Melissa Roessing

What’s behind the name “Black Sheep Shelter”? In our culture a black sheep is the child who seems to be cut from a different cloth, who elects the path less traveled, or does what he or she is not supposed to do. While there might be some curb appeal in the name Black Sheep Shelter to all who self-identify as outcasts and rebels, that only scratches the surface in explaining why we chose the name. Read more>>

Amanda Whitten

I get this question often. We live in Western Montana and our area has a lot of Magpies. When my daughter Claire would shout “piehawk”!!! every time she would see one, it became something that we all did. It is a sweet memory. When I went to name the business, I decided to call it Piehawk and added Outpost so I could incorporate other endeavors along the way. Read more>>