So disappointed. I might need to change my business name

[PurpleSneakers]

Hi,

I was wondering if any of you lovely people can help me? Last year while still studying, I registered my business name after carefully looking at competitors details in the local market to be sure not to have business names that were similar. I choose ‘New Leaf Hypnotherapy’ (I am not in the UK and it was available to be registered). I have since got a logo, got the domain and 95% of the website is completed, with the business due to start late January.

Fast forward to now, and in the last 2 weeks a new business has sprung up this area (think ‘New Hope Hypnotherapy’ - not it’s real name). I have sought advice ranging from friends to impartial people’s view, with mixed input about whether the names are too similar to cause confusion amongst customers (example on Google ads etc).

There should not be any legal ramifications as both names are registered properly, however I feel a bit obliged to change as I would be appalled if the shoe was on the other foot and it was I who had set out in business first and then had someone else come along with a very similar name.

My question is what would you do in this situation? Do I change my name? I don’t want to change it, but I am starting to think I really might have to?

If I did have to change, can any of you wise people offer some nature inspired names. I can change the wording of my logo, but I don’t want to change the format, so it would have to be in the vicinity of 3-5 words. I would like to keep the ‘leaf’ if possible as it is incorporated into the logo and website, but it could be related to nature/trees. I specialise in anxiety conditions & offer both local and online service.

Thank you so much for any help you can give.

[RestingStitchFace]

Chrysalis Hypnotherapy?

[Momijin]

To turn over a new leaf doesn't have good connotations.

I would look into something from the regenerate / become better angle.

[PurpleSneakers]

Thank you so much @LordoftheDanceSaidHe*,*@Retrievemysanity and @Vapeyvapevape

[Vapeyvapevape]

That's great Op , good luck x

[Retrievemysanity]

Good luck with the new business OP

[LordoftheDanceSaidHe]

Just read your update. Good decision.

[LordoftheDanceSaidHe]

Don't change it. I think it's a bit frustrating but essentially a non issue.

[PurpleSneakers]

Thank you to everyone for your valued input. After taking this all onboard and speaking with my clinical supervisor, I have decided to put on my big girl pants and keep my business name! I like it, it fits well and that’s that. Ah, so here’s to my first major hurdle in my own business. Thank you to all that have helped me on my way!

[addler]

Similar to some previous suggestions- Turnleaf. Keeps the original meaning of the phrase, is a noun (albeit a made up one) so sounds more like a 'thing' if that makes sense, and is short, snappy and has a nice sound and nice connotations. If people are recommending your services to others they're likely to shorten it so New Hope/New Leaf could be mixed up. 'I go to Turnleaf' is more memorable.

[TueWed]

Turning Leaf Hypnotherapy

Keeps the leaf and makes you think of 'turning over a new leaf' as gaining a good new habit

[Peppermint81]

Keep it, it's a great name. It will push you to stand out better and improve marketing etc. The other company is not going to have a leaf on logo are they

[Coffeeonadrip]

Spring Leaf Hypnotherapy
New beginnings Hypnotherapy

[PeaceONoeuf]

Is it English speaking? Because other wise any play on words won’t work. I’d stick with new leaf which sounds practical. I’d avoid new hope as it sounds really woo.

[Puffalicious]

Whatever you do don't use Be Leaf or Re Leaf, I can't stand mis-spellings for 'effect': lame!

[Palavah]

@WhatsitWiggle

To me, new leaf and new hope are not similar. The new leaf part is the most important, it's such a well known saying. So maybe add anxiety or change hypnotherapy to wellness or counselling? If your website SEO is strong enough, then the hypnotherapy part will show in google results regardless of your business name or web domain.

Agree with this

[HappyKatieA]

Bloom Hypnotherapy?

[PattyPritel]

Bud to Blossom Hypnotherapy

This is nice.

[DixieSun]

Keep it. You were first.

Maybe add The to it, The new leaf ..

[CallmeIT]

There are other words that would suit a leaf logo (and a growing business)

eg
thrive / thriving
Flourish
Cultivate

[HoardingSamphireSaurus]

You are over thinking it. Keep your name and get rid of the bleeding heart self doubt. Have faith in yourself!

[LoveGoldberg]

Leaf the past behind hypnotherapy….. turns out business names isn’t a skill I own!

[WhatsitWiggle]

And just to make a point that once you're established, the name doesn't matter ... there is a children's swim school near me called "Floaters". No word of a lie. Two things spring to mind when considering that word - people who've drowned, and poo that won't flush. Neither of which I'd want to associate with a kid's swim school!

[ANameChangeAgain]

Just to chip in late, but what about Birch Leaf just looking on t'internet and found this, if no one else has suggested it
"One of the most sacred trees for the Celts, birch tree symbolizes new beginnings,rebirthand hope. In the Celtic Ogham—....... To celebrate new beginnings, birch trees are used to make maypoles during the Beltane or Gaelic May Day festival, along with other Celtic festivities like Samhain and Imbloc. Because of its symbolism, it was also used for infants’ cradles and besom brooms, in hopes of removing negative energy from homes. In Native American culture, the tree stands for truth and the cleansing of the past for a new beginning."

[IAmSantaOhYesIAm]

The only leaf
The leaf
Healing leaves
Leaf and palm
White leaf
Green leaf
Leaf and love
Live and leaf
The good leaf
Super leaf
The calm leaf
Wish and leaf
Super leaf
(Your first name or surname) leaf
Spring leaves

[WhatsitWiggle]

Keep the "New Leaf". No question.

Keep the hypnotherapy if this is the service you are offering on launch.
Change to or add something else if there will be other services.

You are giving too much credence to a competitor. Imagine you had launched first. Would you contact them to say 'oi, our names have 2/3 same words, I insist you change your name'?
I doubt it, but if you did, what do you think their response would be?

Finish your training, launch your business, be confident and fantastic and get word of mouth recommendations. Because as much as people google for businesses, personal recommendations are king.