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.

Jennifer Rogers

I had been doing photography for fun for years, (since I was about 10 years old) but at the age of 19, I started Memories in a Shutter Photography. My husband was stationed at Camp Lejeune North Carolina when he helped to push me to take the leap and open a business as a photographer. When coming up with the name, I wanted it to be something that was different, and not just my first and last name. Read more>>

Graceful Grady

I have to be honest, coming up with the name of my company wasn’t too difficult, nor was the brand name. I enjoy putting on my thinking cap and trying to come up with fun and unique names, which is right up my alley. It’s stated that sometimes the answers we are looking for are right under our nose. Read more>>

Christiana Unaeze

When I was trying to select a name for my business, I wanted a name that would be a reflection of what the brand represents, a name that is easy to spell, and easy to remember. Simple enough right? Not quite. Some people may not realize the details that go into naming a brand. Read more>>

Steph Krueger

Growing up I have always been super tall, usually towering over everyone! As a joke my grandpa would call me “Shortie”. It just has always stuck and my mom & dad still call me to this day. That is how I came up with the first part of my small bakery. My bakery name is Shortie’s Sweets ‘n Treats. I sell a variety of sweets! Read more>>

Oddette Staple-Brown

“The origin of Oh D’Luxe Candle Company’s name is quite a delightful tale. It’s a creative play on my own name, Oddette’s luxury candle company, capturing the essence of sophistication and exclusivity that our brand represents. The story behind how we landed on this distinctive name is an amusing one, marked by spirited debates within our home. Read more>>

Mathew Stubbs

When I lived in Louisiana, I had decided to create my LLC and was thinking of a name for my business at the time. It was January of 2023, and I was thinking in my office chair at Target after clocking off from work. I was the Property Management Lead at the time. I thought about how God had called me out to go to Texas to open my own Handyman business. Read more>>

John Tabor

Well in a world were different colors and cultures I thought long & hard on what to call my company . In our industry there are a lot of 3 letter companies .. I wanted to stands out .. so I decided to go with Zebra .. Being half white & black I thought that was a good fit & I love it when clients ask how did you get your name. When I explain I get some funny & great looks & lots more questions. It open the conversation up to a lot more things. Read more>>

Sydney Smalls

I started this brand with one of my best friends (Ana) and we both really wanted to do something with our creativity. I love taking photos and she loves doing makeup so we decided to collaborate and do the two together. We both also happen to be estheticians and wanted to put that into the name somehow so that’s where the “Esty” comes from! Both as an esthetician and a photographer I’m able to make people feel better about themselves and see their beauty. Read more>>

Alexis Williams

You’re right… Naming anything, especially a business, can indeed be quite challenging. For me, the story behind the name of our brand, Aloha Glamour, is deeply personal and significant. It all began with the birth and untimely passing of my daughter, Lauren Taylor, while I was stationed in Hawaii back in 2015. Read more>>

Caitlin Fine

I would spend many a grueling hike or cold night camping joking with my friends that we were on the “edge” of adventure, where it is difficult and you pushed your physical limits, but you achieved a goal, and afterward could look back on your shared accomplishments with pride. Read more>>

Amber Cowell

I know it is not going to be super glamorous, but its true….The thesaurus. I knew I didn’t want my name attached to the business name because I always wanted to have the option to scale, grow, and have a team. I wanted any one on the team to represent the buisiness and clients not thinking they are getting a “back up” because it wasn’t Amber Cowell. Read more>>

ELLIE AND SASS

When we decided to take a leap of faith and create our vision of bringing a one- stop- shop for all things beauty to Venice Beach, Sarah and I thought, “Well. the name will be the easiest part”. We were SO WRONG! We went back and forth for weeks trying to come up with a name that would represent our vision. Then we thought, our VISION is US. With almost 10 years of friendship under our belts, we realized the name should be synonymous with our nicknames for each other. Read more>>

Merlynn Niebaum

Mahal Made Jewelry came to be when I had to pour myself into something that allowed me to de-stress. Giving myself love but, because of my type A personality, I had to find a way to also be productive. I wanted to tap into my creative side, a part of myself that I haven’t explored in years. Read more>>

Tracy Neely

The name of my business is Mindset Alchemy®. The name came to me back in early 2000 as I was driving in my car. I remember the day as if it was yesterday. Read more>>

Diana Davidson

My business, Songbirds Music, was named by my oldest niece, Emma. Before I became a mom and business owner, I use to take my Emma, who wasn’t even two, to her weekly music class. This was the highlight of my week! I don’t know who was more excited to sing, dance, and play our shakers but for 45 minutes, Emma and I had the best time together. Read more>>

Camila English

As a mother-daughter team, when choosing our company name, our goal was to stand out uniquely, ensuring that our business would be easily discoverable through online searches. We envisioned a name that would pay tribute to both our individual passions and commitment to the entrepreneurial journey ahead. Considering that my mom’s name is Sylvia and mine is Camila, we explored various combinations before ultimately settling on the distinctive and meaningful name ‘Sylca.’ Read more>>

Liz Dranow

For 8 years, my business had been Liz Dranow Photography – simple, straightforward, and but didn’t really tell you much about the business. During the shutdown with the pandemic I lost my “heart dog” – that special dog who comes along in your life and changes everything – to cancer, and I lost my mojo for quite a while. Fiona (my heart dog) had been my muse – she helped me rediscover photography, was a patient and willing model while I experimented with photography techniques, and was always up for new adventures. Read more>>

Nicole Reichenbach

Elizabeth Cordelia is derived from my daughter’s middle names. It’s actually funny how many times someone has called me Elizabeth during a show or interview that sometimes now I just answer to it without explaining it’s not my name! Read more>>

Karen Criswell Reese

KOAR Fast Tax – is my tax business and the first initials stand for the first name of each one of our kids – K-Khalil O-Olivia A-Ashley R-Roxie Can I Play – Is the name God gave me for the beginning of my sports brands Read more>>

Thea Pauley

When initially considering a name for my business, my inclination leaned towards “Eco Mart,” fueled by the aspiration of offering a vast array of products and services within a spacious environment. During my research into thriving local enterprises, a candid small business owner emphatically declared, “you absolutely cannot name your business that!” This unexpected feedback left me momentarily taken aback, as I was drawn to the straightforward practicality of the name. Read more>>

Marley Chase

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, where more than enough banana breads were made, we brought home our mini-goldendoodle named Oakley (our honorary co-founder)- clay & oak began. Read more>>

Sarabeth Wolbrom

Most photographers use their full names when coming up with their official business names. I decided to put a little spin on it. My name, in general, is hard to pronounce and long, so I thought combining a couple of nicknames, along with a play on my name, would fit the vibe I was going for. This is where “Esbeemo Photography” was born! Read more>>

Tyra Jones

My business was named Abracollabra by TyrxSkinLab to capture the essence of what I do. I create skincare products that work in collaboration to help rid the skin of hyperpigmentation, inflammation, and irritation. Besides creating products, I also have a blog where I post information about the skin biweekly and the name of my blog is TyrxSkinLab. Read more>>

Tiffany Knighten

For me, it came easily. Ultimately, I landed on ‘Brand Curators’ because my team and I wear many hats as creative communications professionals. We curate our client’s brand with our public relations, branding, talent management, experiential marketing, and social media expertise. I would say that our secret sauce is infusing cultural and artistic sensibilities into our brand development techniques. Read more>>

Angel Thompkins

I Am Beauty was a name given to me by God three years ago sitting in my room. God showed me in a vision of my future business and the different people who I would be called to through my business, at first I did not understand the vision I keep hearing each individual in the vision stating who they are through overcoming different circumstances they all started with the first two words “I AM” following words of there story as well as affirmation. Read more>>

JIM OSORNO

Growing up, my big dream was to perform on Broadway. I worked hard, studied, took class and auditioned, auditioned, auditioned. My dream came and for several years I was singing + dancing in numerous Broadway shows! I baked treats for rehearsals, opening nights + intermissions. When I thought of starting my own baking company, I knew the name was perfect — Broadway Baker. Read more>>

Tk Boyd-Henry

Choosing the name for our brand, Sumthin Different Kitchen, was a reflection of our mission to stand out in the culinary landscape. It stemmed from a desire to convey that dining with us is not just a meal; it’s an experience that defies the ordinary. Read more>>

Elizabeth Gibson

A lot of people have asked how/why I named our retail meat shop 1840 Cattle Co and the simple answer is family! I was extremely fortunate to marry into an establish farming family with history attached to the farms and ground themselves. I was in the agriculture industry before I met my husband but never had been big into the cattle side of things and after a year of marriage I knew I wanted to be involved in some way that was a little more meaningful then helping here and there during calving season and having a few bottle calves when needed. Read more>>

Frances Rose Padunan

SB0811 Films is a Las Vegas film production company focused on quality storytelling, striking visuals, and innovative design. My company covers award-winning short films, commercials, music videos and live events, and new media content. My company name SB0811 stands for my late mother and before she passed away, I promised her that I will become a successful respected filmmaker/director/writer/producer and with everything that I do, I will do for her. Read more>>

Vanessa Luckie

Austin Orchid Exchange was inspired years ago in 2011 when a friend called me after a dinner party she had at her home. She staged her house with beautiful blooming orchids fo her party. When the blooms faded, she was going to throw the plants away, but instead called me and asked if I would take them. Read more>>

Dara Alper

I started in my career as a glassblower. During the pandemic, I was unable to use the studio. I really wanted to gain skills that would keep me employed through any future crises, and so I decided to earn my welding certificate! The way molten metal moved was so similar to molten glass. After working as a welder for 2 years, my artistic side needed to be nourished. Read more>>

Polly Camery

When I was young I was blessed to have a Grandma that watched over me, this continued into my adulthood. I was married young with 2 babies (11 months apart). My husband worked two jobs, but it still wasn’t enough to keep food on the table or pay for the oil tank to be refilled for heat. Read more>>

Kim Reynolds

I started thinking as most would, putting words together to create a feeling; an expression of what an organized home meant to me. Then it got deeper. I knew the creative genius stemmed from a calm mind, so I calmed my mind and found myself in a different space; a different state of mind. I’m not sure how exactly the words came to me, but the meaning is what was important. Read more>>

Justin Dauer

Swedish culture—in personal and professional spheres of existence—has had a profound impact upon me. Read more>>

Nilka Carlo

I believe that for most people is super hard to find or create a name for your business that describes who you are but also what your business has to offer. However I’ll confess it didn’t take as long as you think for me to come up with mine, I’ll explain why. My husbands owns his business and I wanted something that can connect in some way both of our businesses names. His car detailing shop name is The Showroom CCC, so i decided to take the word Show and just add balloons to it, and it all made sense when I put it in paper. Read more>>

Varanya Sanseeha

t was ultimately the birth of our son that inspired our family to pursue our own business. Naturally we had to give our business a proper name. “Theo’s mini donuts” is named after our permanent taste tester and son Theodore! Read more>>

Monika Monk

Twisted Intimacy got its name because I wanted a name that described both aspects of my business: sensual body movement and being able to be vulnerable with yourself. “Twisted” represents the sensual body movement side of my business where we learn how to embrace our bodies with movement. “Intimacy” represents the coaching aspect of my business where I teach you how to be vulnerable with yourself and educating about your body. Read more>>

Sapna Patel & Rosalie Veal N/A

When naming our business, “S&R Candle Company”, simplicity and a personal touch were our guiding principles. We wanted a name that reflected the straightforward minimalist style of our candle creations while also connecting to the essence of our brand. S&R is derived from the first initials of our names, creating a meaningful and straightforward representation of the founders behind the candle-making journey. Read more>>

KAITLYN FOSTER

Love Random Life’s roots originated in my college days when I used to recount stories to a friend about the fascinating people I had encountered while exploring San Diego after class. To me, these spontaneous encounters were filled with serendipitous moments and unexpected beauty. My friend found it eccentric, but for me, Love Random Life perfectly encapsulated the joy of embracing life’s unpredictability. Read more>>

Khontarat Techatrisorn

‘give.me.museums’ came from the famous Picasso quote ‘give me a museum and i will fill it’ and I made it more catchy. I’m really don’t know what he’s really meant but for me ‘museum’ stand for a place to express art. Art should be anywhere. This name … to be accessible to anyone and anywhre not only in canvas, paper or art gallery. Not for an upper class or elite that can own them. Read more>>

Julie C. Gilbert

I write under Julie C. Gilbert and Ann Y. Mouse. My LLC is Aletheia Pyralis Publishers. Read more>>

Tobe Roberts

My brand “Wind Water Cloud” evokes the natural elements of wind, water, and clouds, which can represent fluidity, freedom, and change. My work is inspired mostly by nature, and just as wind can be calming yet powerful, water can be still yet moving, and clouds can be floating or turbulent as with a storm, I am varied in my styles of art and cannot be boxed into a specific style. Read more>>

Milan Nichols

Always More Fitness is built on the foundation that there is Always More within you. Prior to opening a gym, I used to be a first responder. We had to go through a 22 week academy and many times I felt like I wanted to give up and just quit right then and there. Read more>>

Otis Knowlton

My name is Otis and I make pin badge buttons, I took the O from Otis and and put it with buttons and changed the S to a Z for a little razzle dazzle Read more>>

Amanda DeWeese

My primary business is a private practice as a board-certified lactation consultant. Read more>>

Karen Williams

I recently rebranded to Artisan Buttercream from Caren’s Cakery. When I started this cake thing, I was still in corporate America, sitting at my desk and came up with Caren’s Cakery as a way to change the spelling of my name. I was being rebellious…in away…but didn’t give it much though. Wrote out a few names and just rolled with that. Read more>>

Patty Candelario

We came up with Aries Moon Shoppe to encompass what I currently offer and what is yet to be created. I like the spelling of Shoppe as it gives that feeling of being worldly and of the test of time. Just like tarot and astrology. Both practices are very old and have stood and will continue to stand the test of time. Read more>>

Chris Grubisa

The name “Let’s Cook Video Editing Service” came to us organically. Anchoring and reflecting our core values and approach. = Make GOOD edits, together. Read more>>

Paula Gutierrez

Originally the name was not this, when i started the name was Sabores de la Abuela, in honor of my grandmother, since as a child she shared the kitchen with me while she prepared her cakes that were later delivered to important hotels in the city. Not being entirely sure, it occurred to call my sister and decide between the two of us what was the right name. Read more>>

Belsolda Farm

Our business was named after our 3 children, Bella, Solen, and Ida-Belsolda. There is nothing in this world more special and important to us than our kids. But our business is also special to us, so the decision to tie the 2 together was obvious. We chose names for our children with meanings and qualities we hoped they would embody and we hope these same qualities shine through in our business. Read more>>

Kathy Bull

This is easily one of my favorite “getting started” stories. I had just purchased my website from GoDaddy and was struggling with a name and design that set our business apart from other, already established, planners in the area. I knew that the way we conduct business and how we build relationships would be an integral part of the process, but how do you put that into words? Read more>>

Dave Cook

The Denver Mortgage Lounge brand name emerged from customer feedback and aim to transform the mortgage process into a serene experience similar to enjoying a cocktail in a lounge. Some years ago, I hired an interior designer to redesign my office space, and he executed the task brilliantly. Upon grasping the fundamental requirements, he exhibited creative autonomy in crafting the rest of the design. Read more>>