What’s in a name?

I am bowled over by the volume of questions you submitted over the past few days! Reading them has made me laugh out loud, revisit fond memories, shake my head, or think a little more deeply about myself. I am so excited to start answering questions and thanking you with a stamp set of your choice!

Because I received so many questions, I’ve decided to dedicate September as “Q&A Month.” I’ll be answering one question per day every day—for 30 days! So check back regularly to read the answer and see if you’re a winner! If your post is chosen, please e-mail me at me@jeanettelynton.com with your name, mailing address, and your preferred stamp set, and I’ll get it in the mail to you right away.

If you’re not chosen this month, don’t be dismayed! I’ll be working through more of your questions as time permits, and if I address your question in the future, I have a little gift just for you—one of my exclusive mini-sets only available from me.

Happy September, happy questions, happy answers!

Today’s question is:
How did you decide on the name for the company as you transitioned from DOTS?
--Joanie Stanclift, August 26, 6:52

Answer:
As the company and our product line expanded, I realized that we had outgrown the “DOTS” name, which stands for “Dozens of Terrific Stamps.” By 2000, we had hundreds of terrific stamps…and “HOTS” just didn’t seem appropriate! Besides, we also had great inks, papers, albums, and I had a great vision for many more creative products, kits, ideas, books and more to come.

I wanted a name that reflected my passion for creative expression and memory keeping. It was important to me that the name also have the ability to “grow” as the company grew, and not represent just a portion of the product line.

And, too, I wanted a name that was unique in the industry—there are many companies with the name “memory” or “stamping” or “creative” in them and I wanted to stand apart from those.

Ultimately, after being in business all these years, I had learned that the thing I loved most about the company was the people in it. The wonderful community of Consultants and customers and employees who come together in friendship and creativity—they ARE Close To My Heart.

At our 2000 Convention, I was onstage, introducing the new name. I told attendees that I loved paper. I loved stamping. I loved our colors. But more than anything, I loved each of them. Then I told them that going forward, we would be known as Close To My Heart.

I feel I was given a tremendous gift to be able to rename the company after learning so much about it and what makes it great—and the name “Close To My Heart” represents EVERYTHING I love—and I hope you love it all, too!