My goodness, this is a post that I didn’t ever think I would be writing.
In a few days, Brown Paper Packages will not be the same…it’s getting a new name! Yes, it’s true, and it’s been one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. When I started this blog three years ago, I thought I was being SO creative in choosing a name. It was one that I loved, and thought would represent me what I wanted to blog about–all of my favorite things.
Apparently I was not the only one. :) A couple of months ago I became aware of a couple of other blogs with the same name, but it wasn’t until I saw one of them being featured on a friend’s blog and seeing their photo with a watermark that looked startling like mine that it really hit me. Now, it’s not that I wasn’t happy for this blogger, for their success and great project–quite the opposite. I celebrate everyone’s successes, and I feel like this community is very good about encouraging and supporting one another. I want to see every blogger do well, and I consider all of them friends. However, I don’t think I’m alone in the fact that I want my work to stand on its own, and not be confused with someone else’s.
So…I did a little research, and started looking into getting the name trademarked, and discovered that Brown Paper Packages is already trademarked! An online crafts supply company has owned the trademark since before I started my blog, and because we are basically in the same line of work, I was technically in violation of their trademark. I knew at that moment that I needed to change my name–I needed to honor their trademark and come up with a name that I loved, but that I could keep forever, and that would be my own.
I was, and still am, incredibly sad. I have had this name for a long time, and it’s become a part of me. When I was trying to think of another name, I really struggled–I couldn’t think of something that I really loved, and thought truly represented who I am.
Then it came to me. Why not use the name that I’ve had for my whole life? :)
So, on September 25th, this blog will be re-named…
simply {kierste}
I will also be undergoing a total blog makeover and design change, so don’t worry when you come to my page and it looks different…it’s still me! My new url will be www.simplykierste.com, so if you want to make any changes to your bookmarks, etc. it will be effective on the 25th. Don’t worry–if you still go to the brown paper packages address it will automatically forward you to the new site.
I’m so grateful to all of you for your support and friendship–I really feel like I know you when I read your comments and e-mails–I love it. I thank you ahead of time for your patience and understanding as this transition takes place, and if you have any questions or problems at all, you can e-mail me. Thank you for reading–I appreciate every single one of you!
The moral of the story: When you are starting your own blog, and trying to come up with the perfect name, make sure you google that name first, to see if there is already a blog with that name, then check with the trademark office to see if there is an existing trademark. It will save you in the long run, I promise!
xo–kierste
