Need Help Coming up with a Cute & Creative Name for My Side Business.

Robinson's Crew Sews :)

well, if you're going to go french, it should be 'la petite artiste', right? it will grate on EVERYBODY'S nerves if you use incorrect grammar.

'by my hands' and 'locally sewn' are okay but not particularly catchy. 'robin's nest' is cute and ties in with your name, but there are a gazillion robin's nests. there's one a block from where i work.

Sew Many Crafts? Sew Much Fun? i'm bad at this.
ETA AZneomom FTW!
:D khairete
S.

Is this to be a retail store? Out of your home? Online business? All of the above?

Do you have a business plan? Have you spoken with legal and tax counsel?

Make sure the name you choose is not already being used somewhere. Once you choose your name, make sure you have all of the paperwork completed for tax id's, state resale certificates, W-9, etc. so you are on the up and up with the IRS.

Who is your target market? Groups? Individuals? Both?

I like the names you gave as an example with exception of "le petit artiste". The reason I did not care for that name is because it sounds more limited to artistic paintings.

Good luck with your choice and your business.

I have to agree with TF on this one. If you are planning on sewing for children you will have to check with the CD compliance group as to what to sew and what kind(s) of fabric to use and testing. A lot more than just pick a name and go out and sell.

If you do start a business think of a name that encompasses all of the things you might do so that you will not have to refile for a new business in the future like a fluff or puff which could mean diapers. Robin's Emporium might or something that includes many items. Find a niche and you have a good chance and then branch out. Start small and work big.
Good luck to you.

the other S.

PS I am working on a business and have to get my small business manufacturer number and I will be ready to go. But until then, I have been making the items and testing them and using compliant fabrics (no lead) in them. There will be testing that will be costly but it is a safety requirement that must be met before they are available for sale.

Honestly, a name doesn't sell your business! There are zillions of failed businesses with cute and clever names that mostly mean something to the business owner but not to any customers. Same thing with a cute website - if no one goes to it, it won't make you any money. That's not why people buy stuff. You need to market the quality and uniqueness of your products/services to the right people. It's about exposure and volume, and standing out from the crowd based on what you OFFER, not what you are CALLED.

My husband has been in advertising for decades, and anyone in the business will tell you that you will benefit much more from a good promotional piece (direct mail, etc.) with a strong headline and theme than from cutesy graphics or a company name. This applies to big and small businesses. After all, no one buys an iPhone because the company is called "Apple" or sneakers because the name is "Nike". They buy because an intensive marketing campaign has convinced them that the products are superior and offer good and unique value for the price.

You would be much better off investing some time and money in a qualified conceptual advertising professional (not a graphic artist - that's another skill set but not applicable here) to get your message out. You'll also need to decide how you will promote this - search engine optimization, direct mail, point of purchase, small space ads in your local area, and so on.

If you're going to use French, can I suggest that you please get the grammar correct? You are not male and your article, adjective, and noun should all match. La petite artiste. To be honest, I too am a short artist and I'm not a fan of any of your choices. They are all pretty passé and overly used. There is a store near me called "wholly craft," which I love, and another friend called her business "olive juice" (which if you mouth it looks like you are saying "I love you."). These are clever and creative and show true creativity. I'm sure as a creative soul, you can do better.

The problem I see with "The Robin's Nest" is that so many people already use that name. My son had a girlfriend whose mom started a home business. Her name was Robin and she called it Robin's Nest. If you google Robin's Nest, you'll see bed and breakfasts all over the country named that. If you google Robin's Nest designs, you'll see many, many results for businesses owned by women named Robin who sell crafts, hand-sewn items, etc.

For now, you may want to focus on determining what people want to purchase in your area. The nice thing about fall is that there are lots of craft fairs going on - large and small. Take the time to walk through them and see what others are selling, and what seems to be lacking.

i vote for "The Robin's Nest" i think its cute!
a gal in my neighborhood does artificial floral arrangements out of her garage and i think her shop is called the flower garden or something. she mainly sells online.
TF also makes good points about making sure you take care of all paperwork for making the business legal. my neighbor does not sell from her garage, because its illegal, she ships everything. code enforcement would love to fine you for having a business when your zoned residential.

I like the Robin's nest best. When I think of a birds nest, it reminds me of a home (working from home). A place to protect and cherish (like a bird would protect its offspring, you'd protect your business and it's products. Your ideas should be cherished by you and your customers ) . A place where you do your thing and create life or brew on ideas (like a bird does on its eggs or babies)

I like Le Petit Artiste. Good luck!

L.,

Once you've launched your new business don't forget to list it in our business directory here so other moms can easily find you:

http://www.mamapedia.com/add_business/manual_add/-3

Looking forward to seeing it thrive!

- Jake

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My vote is for "le petit artiste"!