Firm for the Culture | I Am A Gift From God.
I mean, literally. | I am what an Intellectual Property Attorney looks like.
In Nigerian culture, our names tell stories.
Indeed, depending on a person’s Nigerian name, you can tell the tribe they are from, the wealth associated with their family, and even whether they are a twin.
In my Yoruba tribe, for instance, Taiwo means "the first twin to taste the world.” Kehinde means "the second-born of the twins."
So whenever you see a “Taiwo” or “Kehinde” (as in acclaimed artist Kehinde Whiley and his brother Taiwo), feel free to say, “hey twin!”
And my own name, Rukayatu Oluwabukola Tijani, has deeply rooted meanings, including that I am a gift from God, I bring wealth to my family, and I am the one that God loves.
These meanings have literally shaped how I’ve seen myself; even as I grew up in the bustling Brooklyn streets with often “more month than money,” I knew, just by virtue of my name, who I was called to be.
So why am I sharing this, and what does this have to do with Founders, Social Impact, and Intellectual Property?
As we close this year out, I want to remind you (I am a Trademark Attorney, after all), that the names you give yourself and others matter.
So grab a pen and paper, you’re going to want to take notes for this Founders’ letter.
Loving This Post?
Show us some love by adding a “❤️” or commenting below; this will make our hearts sing.
As with Nigerian monikers, the names we give our visions, seasons, and future aspirations hold immense power in our journey as entrepreneurs and changemakers.
This year, we've all had to confront and navigate through various narratives.
Some of these stories have been empowering, others limiting.
Some have opened doors, while others have felt like walls closing in.
In Firm for the Culture, the names and narratives we embraced made a profound difference.
They shaped our decisions, colored our interactions, and influenced our impact.
And I know, for many of you in this vibrant community, your stories have done the same.
In this Founder's letter, let's dive into the significance of naming – not just as a form of identity but as a tool for growth, impact, and transformation.
One of my favorite adages is “write the vision, make it plain.”
As an intellectual property attorney, I’ve had the privilege of helping hundreds of businesses - from startups to seasoned enterprises - in branding and rebranding, to find a name worthy of the impact they’ve sought to make.
Naming a business, or in your case, your visions for the future, can often take on a similar feat.
A well-chosen name can reflect the tone of your company, embody the core values of your business, and set the standard for your company culture.
When we launched Firm for the Culture, for example we wanted a name that resonated with our target audience - social impact and diverse founder organizations intent on shifting the culture through their change-making ideas.
The name wasn’t just a label; it was a declaration of our commitment and our vision.
Similarly, I encourage you to think about the vision you hold for your venture.
What name could capture its spirit?
What words could paint the picture of its impact?
Have the audacity to gain a name that resonates with the change you wish to see in the world.
This week, my friend and I took a deep dive into my profit and loss statement for the year.
As we traced the ebb and flow of Firm for the Culture's finances, a striking pattern emerged: the way I defined my business's "season," or journey, significantly influenced its performance.
In certain months, my business felt the strain when I harbored thoughts of scarcity and fear.
Crazy, huh?
It was almost as if clients could sense my apprehension, leading to a palpable impact on our interactions and outcomes.
Conversely, in periods where I fostered thoughts of creativity and abundance, the business experienced a surge in success and engagement.
As a business owner, I know that metrics like cash flow, equity, assets, and net profit are critical.
But after nearly five years at the helm of Firm for the Culture, the most profound lesson I've learned is this: business growth is a mirror reflecting our mindset and personal evolution.
The names we give to ourselves and our business seasons wield immense power.
How are you naming your seasons?
Are you in a "struggle" season, viewing every challenge as an uphill battle?
Or are you in a "growth" season, where every obstacle is an opportunity for innovation and learning?
By naming your season, you set the tone for how you navigate through it. Think of it as setting the theme for a chapter in your business's story.
With less than two weeks left in this year, it’s important to think about the names that will shape your next year.
This year, my mantra was “simple is sacred.”
With this mantra in hand, my team and I worked on consolidating our tech stack, optimizing the resources we had in house, and simplifying our workflows and automations.
Next year, we aim to build on what we’ve accomplished this year, fully aiming to achieve record-breaking growth by focusing on more social impact licensing and scaling.
Maybe you’re in a similar place, where you’re thinking about the mantras, visions, or words that will define your next year.
As you think through this, here are some questions to guide you:
What were your biggest lessons from this year? Identify the key takeaways and think about how they can shape your approach to the next year.
What are the top three objectives you want your business to achieve in the next year? Whether it's expanding your client base, breaking into new markets, or enhancing your service offerings, pinpoint these goals.
How does your business contribute to the wider community or the industry? Your mantra should align with the broader impact you wish to create.
As you step into the new year, let your mantra be the guiding light that leads your business towards remarkable achievements and unparalleled growth.
Conclusion: Your Name, Your Story, Your Impact
The power of naming extends far beyond just labels.
It's about setting intentions, anchoring our missions, and framing our journeys.
As you name your next year, embrace the power it holds.
Remember, just like my Nigerian name, your chosen names and mantras can shape not just how you see yourself, but how you navigate the world.
Here's to a year of powerful names and impactful journeys.
We at Firm for the Culture are here to guide, support, and walk alongside you every step of the way.
#ForTheCulture
What names or mantras are you giving to your next year?
Share in the comments below!
And when you’re ready to protect your unique contribution to the culture, including protecting the bold brand you’re building, reach out to us.
Can’t wait to help you protect your dynamic impact.
And #ThatsAWrap
The Doors of the Church Firm Are Open
Thanks for reading.
See you next time.
#ForTheCulture
excellent!!