When I first started Channeling Contessa, it was solely a food blog. I was looking for a creative outlet outside of my day job and loved to cook, so I started a blog- the story behind why many blogs start, I’m sure. And that food, or all the recipes, were truly inspired by the Barefoot Contessa. She is still my favorite chef and her cooking philosophy and style still completely exemplifies the type of food I believe in- the type of food I love to make.
Now, as is quite obvious, the content of Channeling Contessa has grown well beyond food. That’s been intentional. I very much wanted it to- I wanted to write about other things that were a part of my life and mattered to me. I had hopes of incorporating my work somehow into my blog, but I wasn’t sure how. And I don’t mean work in the sense of just earning money (ie ad revenue), but rather making the things that I create here mean something in terms of my overall style, aesthetic, and reputation, as a business. Somehow, that’s started to happen. It’s been rather organic, but it’s so exciting to hear a prospective client say “I love the style and aesthetic of your blog- that’s why we were attracted to you.” It seriously does not get better than that.
But a few weeks back I was telling a good friend (who happens to be my default life coach) about some exciting stuff going on with the blog, and instead of carrying on with me, she said “When are you going to get her brand out of your brand?” That phrase stopped me dead in my tracks. I literally cannot get it out of my head. It was so.spot.on.
So while the content is directly reflective of me and my brand, what about the title? I have a feeling I’ve somewhat outgrown it. Maybe it’s still appropriate for my blog, but it’s really not working for my brand. I’m totally open to changing the name of CC, but completely lost when it comes to actually choosing a new name. Is it just my own name? Does it mimic my business name? Is it something entirely new? Would you feel less inclined to read this blog if I changed the name? Seriously, guys, I want to know! Let’s dish.
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Hey Clara – your business name is so great, you could totally incorporate Clara Persis into your new blog name. It’d be great for your overarching branding, too.
-Bettina
Keep it! I love the name. Ina riffed on the Contessa image, and so should you!
Hi Clara,
I will keep reading your blog regardless of the name. I hope you find your answer; I know you will.
Marie
Thanks, Marie!
I can completely understand how you feel – I also started to expand beyond food and I actually hated the name of my old blog, so I started over totally fresh with a new blog and blog name. If you think you’ll feel much more comfortable and happy with a new title, then I say go for it. The blog itself will still be fabulous!
Thanks, Lisa! Yeah I’m torn because I really do like the name, I sort of don’t want to let it go! I think I just need to find a new one I like as much… here’s hoping
Since your blog and business are so closely related, I think it would make sense to combine the two. I’ve been struggling with a similar issue in the past few months — I was keeping my blog and business brands separate but related. But the end goal of both is really the same, and now that I’ve combined the two, I’m not really sure why I didn’t from the beginning — I’m now able to put all of my effort into promoting one thing, and now it’s obvious to my blog readers that I own a business and they can hire me if they like what they see. I love the name Channeling Contessa, but I think your friend definitely has a point. But I’ll still be reading no matter what you decide!
Yes- that’s one of main goals, making it obvious to blog readers what I actually do- especially now since it’s growing well beyond event planning. A phone chat may be in order my dear!
If you feel like you are growing out of the old name, why not change it
Change is a good thing …plus i think your name is pretty and sophisticated in itself and would work on its own as a website name ! or you could do something like claras corner! or comfortably clara!
Thanks, Michelle! I used to hate my name when I was little but it’s really grown on me as I’ve gotten older, especially since no one else seems to have it!
Clara, I have to tell you that after my first few visits to your blog and once I got the general feel of your style I too was thinking the EXACT same thing! Why channeling CONTESSA? This is more about channeling Clara. Yes, she may be your inspiration but at the end of the day your style is YOUR style and that’s what makes it speacial. I too adore her books/recipes but your work stands on its own. So while I don’t have a creative mind to come up w/ a great name I do agree 100% with your default life coach. I say GO FOR IT!!
Thanks, Linda! I so so appreciate your support. I will go for it eventually. And fyi, the person who made the comment was Brooke Braun from AAPA- she’s just the best.
Embrace change! I’d align it closely (if not the same) with your biz name. For instance, Caitlin Wilson Design has the Style Files (but with the same header) and CWD Textiles. They are obviously connected, but distinct purposes (while all the branding colors and logos are cohesive as well).
Thanks, Maggie! Yes- a business website redesign is in order, and I’m definitely thinking about ways I can make that aesthetically seamless with the blog. I’m also tempted to name them the same thing- so both Clara Persis. In time!
I have SOOOOO many thoughts on this (both as a person who loves the process of naming things AND as someone who has gone from having a separate blog + business to then having an over-arching brand)… We really must have coffee soon.
Oh my God we needed to have coffee like LAST week! I’ll be emailing you- yet again
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I will keep reading your blog regardless…but I do like the idea of the title being integrated more with who you are! I hope we can get together sometime soon – I’d love to hear more about what you’re thinking.
I know! We seriously need to catch up, and selfishly I’d love to pick your brain about this. Drinks next week? I’ll email you!
I did the same thing. I had a blog before that I felt was very constraining and didn’t reflect what I wanted for my blog. So I totally agree and say do whatever you want! It’s your blog!
Thanks for your support, Christin!
Truth: I’d be happy if you focused less on the Barefoot Contessa type stuff. I like YOU not her and I want more of YOU in your blog! I like the recipes but it’s not why I read everyday. I like posts that are more reflective of you as a person. So change the name, channel some Clara and embrace the change!
JSFK- thank you SO much for your honesty, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. And I definitely hear you loud and clear, I sometimes start to feel like I’m ‘hiding’ a bit behind food and entertaining posts. So just know, it’s on my mind- I’m working to truly channel more of me into this blog. If you have any specific requests or things you’d like to know- I’d love to hear that, too!
As has already been mentioned, I love your blog regardless of the name and will keep reading no matter what, but I do come here for YOU and not for Barefoot Contessa! Especially since you have expanded so much on the content of the blog, a name change might be due…
I’m all for embracing your own brand! As long as your content and style remain the same then why not change it? xx
I honestly don’t see any harm in changing your title. There are lots of successful blogs out there that have changed names and still maintained their following. Plus, as you probably know, there are tons of plugins that will automatically direct your traffic (i.e. when people type out your present URL, it will bring them to your new URL). I say do it if that’s what you really want!
Although the blog name reigns people in, it’s the voice behind the blog that retains my attention. No matter the “eithers”, “ors”, “ifs”, or “buts”, I will continue to read your blog simply because I love your writing, your insight, and your guidance on such a wide array of topics.
- Katie
Gorgeous photo of you and the view and your cat!
You know, after going through your blog a bit and seeing the essence it gives off, I can say that you can definitely keep Channeling Contessa as your blog title, if you want to. Here’s my reasoning: Barefoot Contessa focuses primarily on food on her show, but she ALSO adds in many factors of her daily activities and the things she loves. She incorporates friendships, her past career paths, her home, her husband. All of these things play into why she cooks the way she does. So while you may not be relating EVERYTHING to the food you make, the FOOD you make relates to everything you love, so at the end of the day, it’s an extended branch of the same tree. On the other hand, if you feel you have emotionally outgrown the name, then that’s a different story. As far as I can see though, your blog fits perfectly with the light airiness that her show is now known for. Yeah the food on her show looks great, but many many people watch her show for the Experience. Same seems to be happening with your blog.
Hope this helps.
Hi Nina- thanks so much for your thoughtful comment! I have had similar thoughts, and I do think the title is broad enough the withstand a variety of content. But I’m hung up on the part where you talk about emotionally outgrowing it… that may be just it. Part of me feels really emotionally attached to this title, and another part of me feels ready to move on. I think as my business brand develops though, it will eventually be time to move on. Anyway, thanks so much for reading!
Clara–
I wanted to amplify Nina’s sentiments above…
I stumbled upon your blog several months ago while doing research for menu planning aboard crewed charter yachts in the Caribbean where I reside (I’m a freelance Captain among other things). I was so “struck” by the poise, grace & sophistication of your blog (I even recall giving you a shout-out) that I instantly “got” the concept of Channeling Contessa and think it works just fine for anyone considering themselves a bon vivant, gourmand, gastronome, or other devotees of epicurean refinements.
I have been a foodie / amateur enthusiast for decades. I should point out that I represent perhaps a much different demographic than most of your blog readers. As a (straight) man of (ahem) a certain age, I am simply an example of “the other gender” that follows a blog like yours and uses it as a “go to” resource from time to time. Thank you btw!
Having said that, I’d continue reading your blog no matter what you called it as the essence of YOU shines through in every way. I’ve watched dozens of Ina Garten’s episodes and in spite of the namesake, both Ina and you are celebrating “All Things Contessa” be they Ina Garten or
some real life Contessa. Even Ina Garten takes liberties with the namesake… for instance, she doesn’t focus on only Italian cuisine even though the title of Contessa (wife of a Count) derives from Italian language.
Allow me to draw a parallel– If some woman started a blog called, “Channeling Audrey” with the orginal intent of celebrating the fashion and style of Ms. Hepburn in the 1950′s & 1960′s, but found herself expanding content to include the music, movies, themes, trends and other decorum of the period, the title would still be brilliant because it conjures up exactly those images & connotations. Just as “Channleing Contessa” i-m-p-l-i-e-s all things related to “a good life.” That’s my $0.02 for keeping the name.
As any good skipper does when planning a route, he always has an alternate one in mind pending weather & conditions…. so if you are bent on changing the name, I’ll toss in the suggestion, “Bon Vivant.” It seems to encompass the direction(s) you are heading. Just a thought… no royalties required…
) Just keep up what you are doing, no matter what you end up calling it!
Fair Winds,
~~_/) ~~
Matt
Since you’re looking for this to be an outlet of your own style in food and life, why not name it “Channeling Clara?” It seems as though that’s really what you’re doing, it aligns your brands, and it keeps the same feel (and same initials!).
Ha, I’ve thought of that Anne! We’ll see… might need to do a complete overhaul on the name
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I can really relate to your struggle. It took so long for me to be willing to call my design business “Annie Kip” – I felt like such an imposter. Once I did though, it felt fine! It took so long for me to have the nerve to start a blog and calling it “plenty perfect” sort of felt like a nice, safe way to do it. But now, I am trying to integrate all of my business interests – blog, decorating, selling custom men’s clothing – into one thing. It is so hard!!! Your business seems to be well aligned with your blog – and I think being more personal in your blog can only help people get to know you and, thus, want to hire you (because you are charming!)! I vote that you go for a blog name and business with your name on it. YOU are the one constant in all of this! Your personality is the thing which people will connect to!
Annie- thank you so much for your sweet and thoughtful comment! And nice to know I’m not alone. After this post I really gave the names and structure of my business some thought and (I think) have come up with a new name/brand for the blog that I’ll launch later this year and is essentially my name. Thanks again! xx