So I run a small handmade soap business. When I registered the LLC, I picked a name that's basically a random word combo, doesn't have my name, doesn't say 'soap,' doesn't reflect my background at all. It just sounded cool. Now I'm second-guessing: is it weird that my brand has zero personal connection? Customers keep asking 'what does it mean?' and I have no good answer. Anyone else go this route?
Branding
I chose a company name that has nothing to do with my identity
Honestly, half the brands I like have names that mean nothing. I wouldn't overthink it. Just make up a fun origin story if people ask.
Wait, you named your soap company sometshing that doesn't say soap? How do people even find you? SEO must be a nightmare.
Mine is named after a typo my kid made on a school project. Zero connection to my identity, but it's memorable and people love the story. Lean into the randomness.
See, that's the thing—I don't have a story. I literally pulled two words out of a hat. Feels dumb to admit that.
Better than naming it after yourself and then wanting to sell the business someday. You're fine.
You could just say it's an inside joke. Nobody fact-checks inside jokes.
Also, "what does it mean" is just small talk. They're not actually expecting a brand manifesto. Say 'it means clean hands' and move on.
I did the opposite—named my company after my grandmother. Now I feel trapped because I can't ever rebrand without it being a whole emotional thing. The The grass is always greener.
Random word combo is honestly safer for resale. You're not selling your personality, you're selling a brand.
I hadn't even thought about resale. That actually makes me feel better about the whole thing.
Heads up though—if the name is super abstract, make sure your packaging says what the product is in huge letters. Otherwise people will assume you're a band or a crypto startup.
This. A soap company near me is called "Fathom & Flume" and I walked past it for a year thinking it was a fancy plumbing supply.
Fathom & Flume is a great name though. See? Cool name, no identity, still works.
Just don't overexplain when people ask. Vague confidence beats a long ramble every time.
Okay, I'm going with "it's an inside joke" + giant letters that say SOAP. Thanks, all.