What's in a Name?

How on earth do you come up with a name for your new business? What must it say and how does it encompass your vision and brand? Is it catchy without being kitschy?  Does it need to refer to your product or should it elicit some curiosity? Does it lend itself to an interesting logo? And the questions go on and on. It can drive one crazy.

When deciding on a name for my new company, it wasn’t so difficult. My two daughters immediately came to mind. I love the clever and playful side of these strong, independent and decisive women. I frequently turn to them for the ongoing support that they so generously offer. I also often seek their advice even though I am supposed to be the mom. They are achievers and goal-oriented women who know what they want in life. I respect that.

As little girls, they nicknamed each other Lolo and Lili. The uniting of the two nicknames to create the name Lolili came remarkably easy to me and seemed almost natural. I like the way it rolls off my tongue. It reminds me of them every time I say the word. The name Lolili encapsulates exactly what I want my company to represent: inspiration, creativity, elegance, and playfulness.

The apparel I design, using my photographic art, is designed to enhance a wardrobe with flair and colour, conjure up travel memories, and provide a stylish wardrobe accessory that will easily transition from an afternoon at the gym, beach or pool to an elegant candlelight dinner. 

I travel for my photographic work and I have always carried a scarf or two as necessary accessories. A scarf that requires no time at all to change a simple day outfit to evening wear is the perfect solution. My goal was to create just that accessory. Travel or at home, this scarf can take you elegantly through your day.

Looking back, choosing the name for this venture was one of the easiest parts of starting my own business. Matching it to my intended brand seemed to work well for me. It supports my brand in a playful way. Lolili scarves are exactly the accessory confident and playful women want.

Upon self-assessment in the early life of an entrepreneur, I have been compiling a list of pros and cons to starting a new business. I am sure this list will grow and evolve.  Stay tuned for my next blog post, Taking Stock.

If you would like to follow Lolili on Instagram, look for www.instagram.com/loliliwear