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| my rebranding inspiration board on pinterest |
So friends....I'm finally getting my act together and working on a little renaming/rebranding project...the rebrand part of it has me pretty excited...who doesn't love a makeover/refresher right? But the renaming has me a wee bit nervous...I know, I know...Pretty Mommy is definitely the uncoolest store name but when I started this blog I had NO idea that it would turn into anything and was just a girl sitting in her bedroom writing to no one about actually wearing a real outfit post baby, right??
and not that my shop is big time AT ALL but I do feel like I have a tiny bit of name recognition out in the world? and I do feel loyalty to the concept that it actually is unbelievably cool to be a mom and okay to still care about frivolous sartorial matters...
SO, why change the name?
a) first impressions are important...I have people ask all the time if it is maternity or a kids shop...that's no bueno
okay b) I can admit it's a total huge ego thing...imagine emailing these super hip designers/showrooms and asking if they will sell to "Pretty Mommy"...yep, some of them turn me down and in my head I just know it's because of the name...
and c) now that I have a studio/part time brick & mortar space I'd like to have the name feel more representative of the collections I carry...
Thoughts friends?? I have a new name all picked out but it's a bit like telling people what you are naming your baby and you get those "I love it! but how about..." or "MMmmm, that's interesting" and it makes you crazy so I'll save it for another day...
xoxo, M
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I think it's a great idea. Do you feel stronger when you think about using the new name? If so then go for it!!
ReplyDeleteGo for it! There will be a transition period, but it will pass. I still am considering changing the middle name of my second ;) . P.S. I so remember your first post!
ReplyDeletefor the record, i LOVE the name pretty mommy because you sell what a pretty mommy would want to wear. edgy, unique, edited pieces suited for a mom lifestyle, but for the kind of mom that cares about being "pretty." i don't know, it's always worked for me (but i understand your reasons for wanting to change!) i say keep it! own it! ;)
ReplyDeleteI also think you should go for it...but I think your new name should really speak to who you are, be for the now (be wary of trends) + the future. We recently changed our name + some followers didn't like it...but they are still following + buying. We felt the change was necessary for the future of our brand.
ReplyDeleteVery excited to see what your new name will be...
With the right approach, a name change can enhance everything about the experience for your customers! Good luck with your rebrand!
ReplyDeleteMy personal 2 cent anecdote is that after 'liking' your page on Facebook - I had two different people send me private messages congratulating me on my pregnancy! (I have no kids of my own, yet!) Hehehe! Your shop is so well edited/curated and buying from you has been such a great experience, I know I wouldn't be turned away/disloyal due to a name change!
ReplyDeleteI also love the name Pretty Mommy! like Natalie said, all the things in your shop are what a pretty mommy would want to wear. it's fun and all catered to a beautiful mom life. that being said, I can see the downside, as to people who are not married, not pregnant, nor have the desire to be. change is good, change is fresh. and I love your rebrand board! looks like regardless, you're heading in the right direction. xx
ReplyDeleteI think changing your name shows growth and the courage to do what's best for your business. I think it's exciting!
ReplyDeleteGut check, lady. If it feels right (and it sounds like it does) and it's not a decision that is based at all in fear, than go for it. Your shop, taste, aesthetic and brand is beautiful and will continue to thrive regardless of the name. But if you feel strongly about the new direction I say trust yourself and go for it. You know you have so many of us cheering you on every step of the way. Go Michelle!
ReplyDeleteI think the name is fine, but for the confusion issue - it doesn't really describe what you sell. If you change it I am sure it will be just as successful, and everything else will work itself out. You should do whatever you feel is best! (I have been thinking about changing my blog name lately too bc the backlash against "foodie" is so bad - but since I don't post that much I haven't bothered - so I can kind of relate to this!)
ReplyDeleteDitto Estelle! It sounds like you are excited about the change and as someone who is all about change, I say go for it. Yes, renaming can certainly be tricky and daunting but your customers will still be your customers because of your fabulous eye, customer service, etc. and I think you will have an even easier time capturing the non-mom market with a new name. I'm really excited for you!!
ReplyDeleteI totally understand your position. I've toyed with changing my blog name as well. Go for it and be proud! It will only be a few days of people commenting and then you are on your way! I think there are even articles out there about how to change your business name or website successfully. I'll still come shopping!
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, I like the current name. Perhaps it's for selfish reasons - I'm a busy, working mother/wife so after I take care of everything and everyone else, I take care of myself - and I still want to be a "pretty mommy". I love everything I have ever purchase from you. That having been said, your brand is flourishing, so if your gut tells you to re-brand, than you should definitely listen to your instincts. I'll remain a loyal customer, either way!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alice. In fact, I think a name change will be a smart move. Besides, everyone that's familiar with your incredible shop will absolutely follow and better to do it now, than when you are even more 'big time'! :)
ReplyDeletePS. Now I'm dying to know the name. Though, I totally understand as I'm going through the pregnancy name nonsense and wish I'd just kept my mouth shut!
i love the name! but everyone asks if i'm pregnant when i RT you so i see the complications. but really, who cares what people think? moms are the best thing ever, so that is certainly not a bad thing! all that matters is that you feel good about it - so go with your gut and pick the one you like better - whether thats pretty mommy or the new one. you'll keep your following regardless!
ReplyDeleteI think it's so exciting! In fact, you are one of my huge inspirations, like a dream success story, when I think about your road from blogger to successful shop-owner. I would actually love to hear more about that path, how it unfolded, how you went after it, what direction it took... if you ever feel like writing about it I'm sure I'm not the only one who'd be interested!
ReplyDeletewww.nomadicd.com
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