Moving has presented all kinds of problems. I won’t start on all the personal ones, but for this writing will stick to the business issues that came with relocating to a different state. But first, let me back up.
When I first started writing books, I didn’t know authors needed to establish a small business. With education came knowledge and a whole list of things that needed to be done to do it right. I am NOT a businesswoman, but I had to become one because I wanted to keep writing. It’s been a struggle to learn about something I have no interest in.
When I first chose a business name, I blended the names of my children and one grandson (at that time) into the business name of Andonja. After an internet search, there was no one else with that name so I thought it was perfect. I registered the name with the State of Idaho, with the IRS, and got a EIN (like a Social Security number for a business). I was off and running with my book-writing-and-freelance-editing business.
What I never considered was the name Andonja doesn’t have meaning to anyone but me nor does it describe what I do. Plus we had another grandson who wasn’t acknowledged in it. The business name was a flop. When we moved and I had to reestablish my business in another state, I saw it as my opportunity to rename it. I thought it would be easy. Let me tell you, nothing is ever easy!
I pestered Hubby and a friend for days, asking them if they liked this name or this one or another one and another. I’m pretty sure I drove them crazy. I wanted something that described my business and something colorful because I like colors. I also like horses and mountains and sunshine. I tried every combination my meager mind could conjure up. Nothing seemed right.
A few times, I thought I had a clever and unique name, but when I googled it, someone else had already beaten me to it. That put me back to square one and the desperate search for the perfect business name.
The struggle kept me up at night as I tried to come up with an ingenious name for my business. One dark night, at about two a.m., still tossing and turning as words swirled in my mind like they were caught in a whirlwind, I said a prayer. Please let me find a name so I could get some sleep. One part of the prayer was answered soon after; I fell asleep. When I awoke later that morning, a name popped into my head. The Lavender Pen. It referred to what I did and it had color.
I held my breath as I did a google search. When I did, all I got were places to buy lavender pens. That was it. Eureka, I’d found it! The new name of my business was born: The Lavender Pen!
I had to jump through a bunch of hoops to make the change, but it was worth it. I love the new business name and feel like it is heaven-sent (thank you again, Lord). So I present to you my new business name, The Lavender Pen, a business that writes and publishes books, provides freelance editing services for Christian writers, and helps other writers with their struggles.
Hear my prayer, O Lord, Give ear to my supplications! In Your faithfulness answer me, And in Your righteousness, Do not enter into judgment with Your Servant… Psalms 143-1-2
Love it and happy for your guidance. Miss you.
Thanks, Jeanette! I get homesick a lot for my friends and Boise.
Lovely! Perfect! Wonderful!