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.

Brita Higgins

When starting the business I wanted a fun name that people would remember. All of the names that came to mind just didn’t seem to be right. My sister-in law, Gena, called one day and said, “What about A Pane in the Glass?” Although I thought it might be a bit corny, I still loved it! Looking back on that, I am so glad I didn’t change my mind. People always talk about how much they love it. I have had many people tell me they read it somewhere and years later when they needed my services, they remembered the name. Read more>>

Mo Nique

I started off my career in the beauty and passion industry as a licensed cosmetologist. I fell in love with making people feel beautiful, feeling good about themselves, and helping them help the world understand who they really are based on how they decide to carry themselves and express themselves through their beauty. That business is called Perslaysion, which is a play on the word persuasion because you’re convincing somebody of something, and when you slay, you are killing it. So Perslaysion was a brand that helped people look as beautiful as they feel and feel as beautiful as they look. And on the days where you neither feel or feel as though you look beautiful, it’s about figuring out ways to pour into yourself holistically so that you can encapsulate that beauty that you’re trying to manifest. Read more>>

Leni Kumalasari

“Simpang” is a word from Bahasa Indonesia, meaning “junction” or “intersection” in English. True to its name, Simpang has become a vibrant crossroads of Asian cultures and unique flavors—a place where people can rediscover the comforting tastes of home or experience them for the first time. Our goal is to be a gathering point where people from all walks of life can come together to explore Indonesian cuisine, especially Indonesian street food. We hope to offer a taste of home for those feeling homesick, helping them find familiar dishes close by to ease their longing for Indonesia. Read more>>

Alicia Gonzalez

I came up with the name Future Star Photography after working with several musicians, models and other talented people in the community, especially with kids who are inspired to have bigger dreams in life and shine like a star. 🤩 My artist name for my music Real Mami and fashion name Retro Mami Fashion came from the fact that my kids have always been my inspiration and first in my life. I even turned down opportunities because they needed me more when they were younger. It has been a long journey, but I never quit since I know they are always watching me. Read more>>

Lynn Maranan

I named my business after my late mother because she has always been one of my biggest inspirations and support. Growing up, I watched her work hard and stay dedicated to her passions, and I wanted to honor that spirit. Naming my business after her not only keeps her legacy alive but also reminds me of the values she instilled in me: perseverance, kindness, and a commitment to excellence. It feels like a personal touch that makes everything I do more meaningful. Read more>>

Amanda Meyer

Naming a business can be quite the challenge! For Wild Ones Design Co., the inspiration came from my deep appreciation for the outdoors and the beauty of nature. The term “Wild Ones” reflects a sense of adventure and a connection to the natural world, which is central to my designs. I wanted a name that captured the essence of being free-spirited and embracing the wild beauty around us. Each piece I create is a celebration of that, incorporating recycled and upcycled materials, like leather and pressed flowers, to emphasize sustainability. Read more>>

Kristi Woodard

I came up with the name of my company during my undergrad years at LSU. I was an on-air personality at KLSU and went by the name “mahogani”. That moniker came after my original name (Athena) was panned by a former co-host. I was watching the film “Mahogany” and Anthony Perkins’ character (Sean) told Diana Ross’ character (Tracy) why he chose that name for her.  He said it was the only way to describe something so “rich and dark, beautiful and rare”. As a Black American woman, I loved the meaning behind it. But I ended mine with “i”, like my real name.  Read more>>

Christine Rucci

After 40 years in Denim, once the ‘ indigo ‘ is in your blood, you are in the ‘Denimafia’…clothes get made and people get made in denim. When I was working for a large American Designer, you were not allowed to have a side gig, so it all had to be done secretly and as one of my mentors was the Godfather of Denim, I asked in if I could take the moniker of Godmother of Denim. And being I was a NYC based, I named my company Godmother NYC Inc, because everyone needs a godmother. If you think about when your parents picked your godparents was to guide you through life…well I take the same approach with my business model, especially with smaller start up brands. Read more>>

Sophonie Lafortune

The story behind my company name We are S.I.S. is close to my heart. If anyone knows me they know I call all my girls Sis! Because I see them as more than friends they’re like sisters, grounding me and lifting me up. When I began envisioning this organization, it was clear that I wanted it to reflect the powerful, transformative impact that women have when they come together. I thought about the women in my life who inspire me daily, each one a source of strength and purpose, and that’s when Sisters Inspiring Sisters was born. It’s more than a name… it’s a movement. We Are S.I.S. is about creating a global community where every woman feels empowered, valued, and seen, with the strength of sisterhood behind her. Our mission is to elevate, celebrate, and inspire women everywhere to fulfill their highest potential. Read more>>

Karina Zamura

Women United for Support (WUFS) focuses on support, empowerment, and the holistic well-being of women, the name itself emphasizes unity and mutual support, which directly reflects my essence and mission to help women balance professional and personal challenges. The choice of the name WUFS reinforces the sense of community where women can come together for encouragement and opportunities. I am creating a space for women facing different challenges to come together, lift each other up, and together build resilience and enhance femininity! Read more>>