What's in a Name?

Names are important. People make assumptions based on a person's name. Take my name, Theresa. We have all heard of a certain saintly woman who lived in the slums of Calcutta, caring for the poor and dying. Well this saintly woman stole my name. Well kind of, she doesn't spell it correctly. Hers doesn't have an "h" in it, which we all know is the proper way to spell it. Regardless of this spelling variation, however, I still earned the nickname, "Mother Teresa" by my friends. Some people don't like their childhood nicknames. I hate mine.

What can I say? It's Mother Teresa.

When I got older and longed for male company the association with this sainted woman hindered me further. After all, not only does the name Theresa conjure up images of slums of Calcutta, but it's kinda nerdy. I wasn't a Megan, Jennifer or Stephanie. I was Theresa. The image of saintliness at my high school. Now before you all think I'm exaggerating this point, my husband Joe, who wanted to study for the priesthood before he met me, found my name absolutely appealing. He said, "when I met you I thought your name sounded so holy. It was wonderful."

So, yes, in the end my name helped snag the man I decided to marry. However, this proves my point that names are important. If they could make or break your social life. They can sink your business. This is why my business still doesn't have a name. I was actually thinking of calling it, "The Business with No Name," you know just like the song with the horse with no name. However, I think that's a little to vague and mysterious for a company that sells essential oils and personal care products.

I've tried in vain to find something catchy, tasteful and will tell people instantly what kinds of products I carry. At first I really liked the name, "Essentially Yours," but it has already been claimed. Next I thought of, "Ma Ma Theresa's Essential Oils and Personal Care Products." I liked it, but as the guy who waxes my eyebrows said, "Doesn't sound kind of matronly, as in old?" He's right. I don't want to sound like someones grandma. After all, I'm only 34. So what do you guys think? Any suggestions, comments or random Mother Teresa jokes?

Hobbits and Small Businesses

Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/r/robertfros101324.html#OfCVtvh8AkqMZHhc.99
“It was at this point that Bilbo stopped. Going on from there was the bravest thing he ever did. The tremendous things that happened afterward were as nothing compared to it. He fought the real battle in the tunnel alone, before he ever saw the vast danger that lay in wait.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit
Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference. Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/r/robertfros101324.html#OfCVtvh8AkqMZHhc.99 I'm a hobbit at heart. Not the kind of hobbit who's hairy and has large feet; but one who enjoys a roaring fire, good food and generous company. I enjoy muddling about in my home, tending my garden and have been known to wash down a pint or two if the spirit so moves me. Like any good hobbit, I'm cautious and stuck in my ways. These, however, are hardly the characteristics of a person who has just started their own business. Especially considering that the products that I sell, I barely knew about six months ago. Goodness, I'm not acting much like a hobbit!
Hobbits, however, know a good product when they see it. Essential oils and all natural personal care products are right up their alley. What hobbit wouldn't like the fresh sent of lavender or feel the cooling sensation of peppermint oil as it eases away their aches and pains? Forget "smoke weed." Hobbits love lavender. Bilbo told me himself. So like Bilbo Baggins, I'm stuck with a quandary of  hobbit proportions (which are very big I might add). I could stay at home. Never have any adventures or take any risks. No one could ever blame me for not starting my own business. I'm  just being a proper hobbit. However, like Bilbo, a hobbit is sometimes called to do something greater. A hobbit may have to face a fierce, narcissistic dragon who loves his bling. Or the fear that no one will purchase anything from her company that the hobbit has so painstakingly poured her precious time and resources. Fear  of the unknown, of rejection or your destiny is the Achilles's heel of many. So like Bilbo, the real battle has already taken place. We have left or comfortable hobbit ways and are embarking on an adventure. This was the hardest part, because we have defeated our fear. Everything that happens afterwards is not that significant. However, I do ask that you come with me on this unexpected journey. Although fear has been conquered, I have yet to slay a dragon. Now, I'm hungry. Let's have a second breakfast.