Guys, I need some input/feedback.
I’ve been in crisis for the past month or so going back and forth and asking just about any poor soul who I encounter what they think. And then I thought, hey, why don’t I just ask my blog readers?
Here’s the issue: I don’t relate to The Pink Shoelaces anymore. It’s a great brand story, it’s heartwarming, it peaks interest, it is unique, but the first time I used The Pink Shoelaces, I was like 18. If you are familiar with the story, you’ll know Pink Shoelaces was a nickname given to me by a resident in the nursing home when I was in high school. You can read the story here: The Story of The Pink Shoelaces
But a lot has changed since then. A lot of life has happened, I’m a mom, I’m a daughter who lost her father to lung cancer, I’m a nurse, I’m an entrepreneur, I’m a small business owner, I’m a farmer’s wife, I’m so many things and I feel like “The Pink Shoelaces” doesn’t define who I am anymore.
I started this blog as a nursing blog actually. But then I found out my nursing content was the least viewed out of all my posts. I found that I really enjoyed writing about day to day events in the Friedman Fam. I found it was harder and harder to write only about nursing, especially when there was some side eye/talk at work.
Then COVID happened and my whole life changed. Nursing just became a job instead of an identity. My work-aholic self was finally forced to slow down, look in the mirror and reprioritize my entire life. Rest and health became a priority. My family became my priority. It was a wake up call I so desperately needed.
So when I started this blog, I still wasn’t sure who I was. I identified first as a nurse and the rest came after. A nursing title such as The Pink Shoelaces was fitting for the 24 year old Kalissa who worked 60 hour work weeks. But I don’t identify with her anymore.
Not to mention, I hate being forced to use the color pink.
So where do I go from here? Am I Kalissa Georgia? Am I the Friedman Fam? Am I a Midwest Mama? Am I Candidly Kalissa? Who am I? What title will reflect my priorities and my focus? What can apply to both my business and my blog?
So before I launch into any of my ideas, I just want you to digest that and feel free to either email me thepinkshoelaces@gmail.com or leave a comment below. I’d love to know what kind of “vibes” or “feels” you get from my blog and my content. What really stands out to you? What do you love? What do you wish would change?
Second of all, I do have one idea that has stuck the longest: Kramer Girl.
So you know how everybody dies famous in a small town? Well, I’ll go down in history as that Kramer girl. Kramer is my maiden name and no matter where I go, I still carry that piece of me around.
When I was in high school, I wanted to be FAMOUS – I actually recorded my own album in my living room. Everywhere I wrote my name “Kalissa Georgia.” (Georgia is my middle name) Kalissa Georgia was going to be my stage name until my Dad caught wind of it. “If you’re going to be famous and live under my roof, you WILL use your REAL last name!” Dad was very proud of the Kramer name and as he was the only son of 5 girls, it was very important that the name get passed down.
We were the only Kramers in the school district as both of my parents moved here from out of state. I was “the youngest Kramer kid” for years.
The Kramer name is a huge part of who I am. When I think of what it means to be a Kramer, I think of hard work. I think of doing what is right. I think of family. I think of my Dad. I think of how I strongly identify as my father’s daughter and how proud that makes me. I saw a quote that once said “When I am at my best, I am my father’s daughter” and it makes me so proud to be a Kramer girl.
So there you have it, leave any and all feedback, if you love it, hate it, whatever comes to mind. Be totally honest, I’m giving you permission.
Anywho, I look forward to reading your responses!!!
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I don’t have a suggestion on the blog name, but I can relate to Kramer girl. I was always “one of the Dewey girls” No one was sure which one was which. Everytime I used my name the question/response was always are you one of John & Stevie’s girls. I wondered if I would ever outgrow it. Well now I am 65 and my parents and their friends are gone so I haven’t heard it for years. I kind of miss it.
Candidly Kalissa
Pink shoelaces and more
I was always known by one of the Meis girls. There are 4 of us. So the next question was which one I was. I was number 3. Maybe you could use Kramer girl #?
How about what you said? “My father’s daughter”?
I like “Candidly Kalissa.” Your sisters are also Kramer girls, and to be honest, I used to get confused as to which Kramer girl was which (all the K names), but now I know the differences and and who the kids are. You write a lot about being a wife and mom, and those are the posts I enjoy most. That’s a Kalissa thing, your own lovely family. Whatever you write about, whether nursing, time with the family, your struggles and triumphs, your “keeping it real” style shines through (“Kalissa Keeps it Real”? Just kidding!).
How about “Finding Kalissa Georgia” … you seem to be finding yourself! (But I do like “Kramer Girl” too.)
I’m a bit partial to beginnings. Without Pink Shoelaces, you wouldn’t have evolved to now. Honestly, whatever you call your blog, I’ll read it. I enjoy your life! I relate to most of your chapters (no kids here).
Follow your muse! 🙂
I like candidly Kalissa as you always tell it like it is.
I like Candidly Kalissa as you tell it like it is.
My personal thoughts:
I wouldn’t change the brand name. Your other suggestions are all also just part of who you are. Your name isn’t Kramer any more. People who don’t know the backstory of ‘pink shoelaces’ wouldn’t connect it to nursing. I see it connecting to a bubbly personality, who shows her individuality. Perfect brand name I think. In my view, bad idea to change a brand name mid stream.
I like Kramer Girl, but whatever you choose will work. 🙂
I like Kramer Girl…but will follow any name you pick!
I read and enjoy all of your posts. I understand feeling as though you have outgrown a name, especially when you are using it to brand yourself and your business. Names like that are hard to choose…what defines you as a daughter, wife, mother, nurse, entrepreneur? How long did it take you to decide on names for your kids? I still wish I could go back and change one name I wanted but her dad didn’t, but that won’t be happening!! Which name do you feel identifies only you?
Has to be “Kramer” in the title. Your last few paragraphs speak volumes!!
I always thought Pink Shoe Laces sorta tied all your content together. I like the nurse, family and farming topics. But you do you!
I understand the remaking of your blog and yourself. I do it too.
I tend to think you are still Pink Shoelaces because you are still creative, unique and fun.
Every thing you do, you do the Kalissa way. Which is fun and unique.
Change the name. Keep the name. To me, you will always be, deep inside, Pink Shoelaces. Having fun being yourself.
And forget the color pink and use blue or purple or rainbow stuff. I’m fond of all things sparkly myself.