When I first started my Etsy shop, it was called Banana Bird Boutique. At the time, I was diving headfirst into creating wordplay illustrations, and the quirky name fit my vibe. I loved the randomness of it—the combination of “banana” and “bird” gave it a playful, lighthearted feel and it also translates to vrana banana in slovene which rhymes. But over time, my artistic journey evolved, and with it, my shop needed a name that truly reflected what I was now creating. That’s when I decided to rebrand as Flower Cat Garden.
Does Your Shop Name Really Matter?
If you’re thinking about starting an Etsy shop or rebranding your own, you might be wondering, does the name really matter? Honestly, I used to believe that it didn’t matter all that much. I thought as long as I created art I was passionate about and put effort into building my shop, people would find me. And to some degree, that’s true. But what I’ve learned over time is that while your art or products are the star of the show, your shop name is the first impression people get—it’s the introduction to your brand.
More importantly, your shop name should represent what you do. It should be catchy enough to stick in people’s minds but also descriptive enough that potential customers can get a sense of what they’ll find in your store.
Why I Chose to Change My Shop Name
When I started Banana Bird Boutique, my work revolved around creating fun, quirky wordplay illustrations. I would mix and match unexpected elements and create cute, humorous designs. It was really fun, but my art began to shift in a new direction. After one of my pieces, Daisy Cat, blew up on Instagram, I noticed that people were drawn to my illustrations of pets that are drawn in the middle of flowers so it is not that visible from far away. I started receiving custom requests for this style of art, and soon enough, it became the core of what I do.
As I leaned into this new direction—pets in the middle of flowers—the name “Banana Bird Boutique” just didn’t feel right anymore. It no longer represented the heart of my shop or the type of artwork I was creating. I wanted something that conveyed the dreamy, floral, and pet-inspired theme that my shop had transformed into. That’s when I knew it was time to rebrand.
The Birth of Flower Cat Garden
The name Flower Cat Garden instantly felt like the perfect fit. It’s simple, descriptive, and reflects exactly what I do now: creating illustrations of cats and other pets in flowers. It’s still playful and whimsical, like my original work, but it also feels more aligned with my current art style and the audience I’m trying to reach.
Not only is Flower Cat Garden a better reflection of my brand, but it’s also better for SEO (search engine optimization). The words “flower” and “cat” are keywords that people searching for pet or nature-inspired art might be typing into search engines or Etsy’s own search bar. So, while naming a store might seem like a small thing, it’s actually an important piece of the puzzle when it comes to growing your online presence.
How to Choose a Shop Name That Represents You
If you’re thinking about naming or renaming your shop, here are a few tips I’ve learned through my rebranding experience:
- Keep it Catchy, but True to Your Brand
A catchy name is great, but it’s more important that it resonates with what you actually create. You want people to remember it, sure, but you also want them to have a sense of what you’re offering just by hearing or seeing the name. - Think About Your SEO
Use words that your target audience might search for. If you’re selling pet illustrations, consider including “pet” or “animal” in your name. If you create nature-themed art, think about words like “garden,” “flower,” or “forest.” - Be Willing to Evolve
It’s okay to start with one name and change it later as your art or product line evolves. Don’t feel locked into the first name you choose, especially if your brand takes on a new direction like mine did. - Test It Out
Say your potential shop name out loud. How does it feel? Does it roll off the tongue? Does it make sense for the type of products you’re selling? Share it with friends or loyal customers and get their feedback.
Embracing Change
Rebranding from Banana Bird Boutique to Flower Cat Garden wasn’t just about updating my Etsy name—it was about embracing the changes in my creative path. And honestly? It’s been the best decision for my shop. My customers now instantly understand the essence of my work, and it has helped me connect more deeply with my target audience.
In the end, the most important thing about naming your shop is making sure it aligns with your creative vision and speaks to the people you want to reach. So, if you’ve been thinking about changing your shop name or are just getting started, don’t be afraid to play around with ideas. Sometimes, a fresh name is all you need to take your shop to the next level.
Thanks for following along on this journey, and if you haven’t yet, check out my latest work in Flower Cat Garden—where cats, flowers, and creativity bloom together!
