I'm just started my business about a year and a half ago and used Erin Farrell Photography. I knew I was getting married within the next year, but I liked the way it sounded better than what my married name would be (Erin Carrow Photography).

Now that I'm married, I'm questioning my decision. It just seems like it would make things much easier to change the business name to Erin Carrow Photography.

Any opinions?

It depends if you changed your name. My wife continues to be Agnes Lopez, both officially and as a business. It's a lot easier to spell than my name and she already has a presence/reputation as Agnes Lopez Photography.

Do you think past clients will be able to make the link?

Good luck!

Honestly, I don't think there is any NEED to change it. I have a friend who started her business after getting married (and changing her name) and her business name is her first name, plus the first letter of her maiden name. She thought it sounded better and decided to go with it. The only thing I could see being a problem would be if people write their checks out to your name, minus "photography" - with your maiden name. People very often write their checks out to ME and my last name isn't part of my biz name at all.

I don't really see much difference between the names. I mean, obviously they are different, but it's not like your married name is a strange name or sounds funny with your first name. My best friend is an attorney (got married while in law school) and refused to change her name because her hubby's last name is Hero. She refused to be the "Hero" lawyer - did not want to open that can of worms and I don't blame her!

Hi,
Many "stars" or personalities keep their maiden name or even invent one. I think you should go with the combination you prefer or the one that sounds best to you and feels good. Who knows, if you become really famous, this might save your private life: no clients calling your personal phone number.
Just my 2 cents.

Niall

Feel free to keep the maiden name as your business name. At least you'll be able to tell when it's a telemarketer calling. Our studio is named after my daughter - when someone calls and asks for "Belle", I know I'm about to be sold something! (She's seven.)

Many professionals stick with their maiden names for their businesses and/or practices. Lots of doctors and lawyers and such. (Apologies to Willie Nelson)

I say keep your name.

In Quebec in Canada women always keep their maiden name as their legal name for business and other purposes.

... you'll look like you love French culture too!

case in point:

MeRa Koh

(Brian is not Brian Koh)

I say keep it -- as long as your hubby is OK with it! Your marriage is more important than business, so you have to talk about it with him and see how he feels.

~C

I agree. nothing is more important then your family.