What's In A Name?

What's in a name?  Short answer:  a lot.  When I started my antique business, I needed a name for the purposes of setting up an account with the state for a DBA/sales tax license.  I was only planning on selling some wares at an antique mall, and wasn't really going to "name" my business, so I just called it "Mitzi's Collectibles" without much thought. 

 
Once a train starts rolling, it's hard to suddenly change direction. That's why it's a good idea to name your business something pleasing to your ears, something clever, because you might be hearing it for many years to come.  As my business kept growing, I kept using the same name, because it was a hassle to change it.  Business cards are printed, business checks are ordered, e-mail addresses are established, and so on.

 
I had no idea my little booth at the antique mall would lead to more booths, more antique malls, an Etsy shop, and a blog.  I kept plugging along with the same name. The problem was, I realized that the word "collectibles" wasn't really conveying what I wanted as a descriptor of my business.  I think the word "collectibles" has an unappealing connotation (think NASCAR souvenirs, Franklin Mint, Hallmark, "certificate of authenticity", etc.)  The point was really driven home the other day when a British company contacted me and asked if they could guest post about their William and Kate commemorative wedding plates on my blog!  That was the last straw.....

Now I'm kicking myself.  Why didn't I take the time, way back when, to think of a clever business name?  Something with the word "vintage" in it, perhaps?  Or something Etsy-ish, maybe two cute words put together, like Dovie Moon?

The following four blogs are quite cleverly named, although very different.  I admire each of them:

Secrets of a Butterfly - This name conveys a poetic feminine writer and beautiful, peaceful blog, doesn't it?  If you visit Kat's site, it won't disappoint!

Gathering Dust- my friend Beth Leintz's blog.  She's an antique dealer, talented needleworker and crafter, and all around popular creative blogger.  What a cleverly named blog!  She also has an Etsy shop (banner below) with the same name.

 

 

Helga Von Trollop - Bawdy fun from New Zealand.  I love this classic shot of Joan Crawford, one of Helga's inspirations: 

In the extra-clever department, we have draw! pilgrim.  Pilgrim Lee is a graphic artist that I "met" when we took an online class together last year, Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring's "Blogging Your Way".  Pilgrim is influenced by the styles and colors of the 60's and 70's, but puts a totally modern spin on them.  Her business name is a play on words using the famous John Wayne line, which is a natural fit, because her parents named her Pilgrim, and she does indeed like to draw!  Visit her Etsy shop too (banner below).

So now back to my dilemma.  I'm going to be changing the name of my blog and Etsy shop.  I'm going to keep the "Mitzi" part, because I've established some name recognition, and that's a good thing.  But I'm dumping the "Collectibles" part.  Soon I will be known as "Mitzi Inc".  I'm purposely being non-specific, because I really don't know where this will all lead, but for now my tagline will be "Vintage and Handmade Curiosities", so people will know what my blog is all about.  I love the word "curiosities", because it conjures up mysterious old-time magic shows, carnivals and the like, things that have always fascinated me. 

I liked this blog design by Simply Amusing Designs very much, but it doesn't look "vintage" enough for what I want now:

Not only will there be a name change, there will be a complete cosmetic makeover of my blog.  I've decided to try my hand at blog design, with some html help from my assistant Lisa, and I will be unveiling it soon.

This post was just to give everyone fair warning, so you won't be totally shocked when you see the name and design changes. So any day now, maybe even by the next post, you'll see a brand-new look.  I'm very excited!

Mitzi

Comments

[Nelly]

How exciting for you.This post is why I take FOREVER!! to choose a name and go thru many and then say thats the one then change my mind again.At the moment I have Catch a Vintage Star- but its way too long.
Vintage Stars- Maybe and the name I am going to use at the fete and maybe markets -The Vintage Lady.
So I am also confused for me especially when I see so many awesome names too.Anyway I am sure your name will be super awesome.

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Nelly!

I really like Catch a Vintage Star. I dont think its too long. You might consider buying the domain name before someone else beats you to it!

Thanks, as always, for stopping by!

Mitzi

[barbara]

I think Gathering Dust is the best name ever - unique, memorable, and you know exactly what it is about. I'm eager to see what you come up with, although the fact that you have such a cool name (Mitzi! LOVE that. And we had a friend named Mitzi that I just adored) gives your current name some real personality. I get confused with all the "vintage" names sometimes, although most of my friends have managed to combine the word with something clever to make it memorable.

[Mitzi Curi]

Thanks for your comments, Barbara. Sometimes I think all the great names have been taken. But there arent a lot of Mitzis out there, so Im sticking with that as part of my business name for sure.

Mitzi

[sharon]

oh mitzi, this will be fun!! i took forever thinking of my cupcake business name, only to find out the same exact name was being used in my own town! bummer! good idea to keep "mitzi" in your name, you have alot of people that know you and follow you! take care!

[Annette]

I'm excited for you!! New things, names, etc are a fun way of challenging yourself. Glad you are keeping the Mitzi. I knew for years (before I really got into
selling things) that the name would be Andy's Attic. It seemed to flow, and my husband has called me Andy forever. To me an attic conjures up pictures of stashed treasures.
I am looking forward to seeing the new blog design.
Annette

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Sharon,

Could you tell us a little more about your cupcake biz? The name and location, perhaps? You might as well get a little publicity, especially because you are such a loyal blog reader and friend! Someday Ill stop by and take some pictures and create a blog post about cupcakes, displayed on vintage cakestands of course. I dont mind doing research on such a topic!

Mitzi

Mitzi Curi

Blog: www.mitziscollectibles.typepad.com
Etsy Shop: www.mitziscollectibles.etsy.com

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Annette,

Yes, I like your business name too. An attic is always full of special treasures, and Andy complements it nicely. I havent visited your site since your vacation post.....I think I better stop by soon!

Mitzi

[laurie magpie ethel]

I thought long and hard about a name before I chose "Magpie Ethel". Magpies collect shiny glittery things and Ethel was my grandmother. I wanted a name that was different and I would not tire of...nor get confused with other blogs. The British company with the wedding plates would have thrown me over the edge too. Like that you are keeping Mitzi - that recognition that you have built is key. Can't wait to see the new look.

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Laurie!

You know, I should have included your blog in my post as well. I think Magpie Ethel is adorable and very creative! Well, its on my blogroll so people know I admire your site.

Thanks so much for the encouragement. Im looking forward to a fresh-but-old look!

Mitzi

[sharon]

oh mitzi, that would be fun!!! i am called hello, sugar! i would love for you to come over! how about when i get my playhouse all done and we can drink tea and eat cupcakes to our hearts desire?!? thanks and have a great weekend!!

[Mitzi Curi]

Sounds great, Sharon! I love the name Hello, Sugar! Very original, cheerful and fun!

Mitzi

[Homeowner Insurance Plan]

I'm excited for you! This will be fun! I'm eager to see what you come up with.

[Suzette Roberts]

Sounds exciting Mitzi; there's lots in a name and I'm enjoying your 'before' and certainly looking forward to your after. Happy renaming and celebrating in style!

[Mitzi Curi]

Thanks so much for stopping by, Suzette. Due to circumstances beyond my control, the whole process is going to take longer than I thought. Isn't that the way it always goes? And now I'm so hot to trot!