Entry 1:14

Learning how to check if your business name is available and register it is one of the most exciting parts of starting a business… but also one of the most stressful. You’ve got all these name ideas swirling in your head — or maybe just one that you can’t stop thinking about — but none of them feel quite right. Or worse, you finally find “the one,” and boom… someone else already took it.

It’s enough to make any mama second-guess everything. Especially if this is your first-time diving into the business world, it can feel a lot.

When I started my first business, I was sure I had it all figured out. I wanted to use my maiden name because it meant something to me — my sister and I are the last in our family line, so it felt right to honor that legacy. I added the word Consulting so I wouldn’t be boxed into one specific service. The business was offering a little bit of everything, so Toney Consulting with the slogan International Events and Marketing sounded perfect… or so I thought.

Here’s the catch — nobody actually knew what I did until they read the slogan.

A year or two in, I finally had a crystal-clear vision for where I wanted to take my business. That’s when I decided it was time for a full rebrand. Since I was the face of the business, it made sense to use my own name. I became Ashley Larson Events with the slogan Event Planning and Design. Instantly, it clicked. People knew exactly who I was and what I did — no confusion, no guessing.

Now, not everyone wants to use their name in their business — and that’s totally okay! One perk of using your name is that it’s usually not taken (unless you share a name with another powerhouse boss mama out there).

One of my close friends recently went through this same struggle. She was dead set on a name that used her own — she loved it. But after sitting with it for a few months, she realized she wanted her business to have its own identity, separate from her personal one. So she pivoted — completely. Once she landed on her new name, everything shifted. She felt aligned, confident, and totally in love with what she was creating.

And that’s the thing, mama — when you feel good about your business name, you carry that confidence into everything else you do. It’s not just a name… it’s the beginning of your brand story. ✨

So, now it’s your turn. You’ve dreamed up the perfect business name. You’re already picturing it on your website banner, that chic logo on your coffee mug, and your Instagram bio that screams “I’m the CEO, baby!”

But before you go all-in ordering branded stickers and business cards—hold up. We’ve gotta make sure your dream name is legally yours to keep. The first step is learning how to check if your business name is available and register it the right way—because there’s nothing worse than finding out after your Etsy shop goes viral that someone else already owns “MamasWhoHustle LLC” (ouch).

Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

Real talk, mama: this part might not feel glamorous. There’s no Canva template for legal paperwork (sad, I know). But getting your business name legally locked down is what separates hobby mode from CEO mode.

Grab your coffee, boss mama, and let’s walk through exactly how to check if your business name is available and the legal steps to lock it down like the powerhouse Boss Mama CEO you are.

If you’re like, “Girl, I do not have time to read all this right now,” don’t worry — I’ve got you! You can download my free printable checklist right here and come back to this post when you’ve got your coffee in hand.

Download the free printable checklist below!

How to Check If Your Business Name Is Available and Register It in 10 Simple Steps

Step 1: Brainstorm Your Business Name Like a Boss

Before you start typing into Google like a detective, let’s make sure your name idea checks all the vibe boxes.

Ask yourself:

• Does it fit your brand personality? (Playful, elegant, bold, minimalist?)
• Is it easy to say, spell, and remember?
• Does it tell people what you do or how you make them feel?

👉 Pro tip: Avoid overcomplicating it. “LuxeMama Studio” > “Luxé Māmãh Créãtîons”. Before you fall in love with a name, say it out loud — in a sentence, on a mock logo, in your Instagram bio. If it doesn’t roll off the tongue, it’s not the one.

Once you’ve got your list of top contenders, write them down. We’ll check each one for availability next.

Step 2: The Quick Google Test

Okay, first things first—let’s run the Google test.

Search your name idea in quotation marks (e.g., “Boss Mama Boutique”).
Look for:

• Existing businesses using that name
• Similar-sounding names in the same industry
• Domain names or social accounts that already use it

If your name is already taken by someone in your niche or state, it’s best to tweak it now rather than risk legal headaches later.

💡 If it’s a total match but in a different industry (like “Boss Mama Fitness” vs. your “Boss Mama Travel”), you may still be fine—but we’ll double-check that in a sec.

Step 3: Check Business Name Availability in Your State

When figuring out how to check if your business name is available and register it, start with a state name search before moving on to trademarks. Each state has its own business name database, usually run by the Secretary of State’s office.

Hop onto your state’s business name database (you can totally do this during nap time).

Here’s what to do:

1. Google “[Your State] business name search” (for example, “California business name search”).
2. Click on the official state government site (usually ends in .gov).
3. Enter your desired name exactly as you’d register it—capitalization and all.

If the name is already in use or too similar to an existing business, the system will usually flag it.

If it’s available—yay! You’re one step closer to making it official.

Step 4: Check the Domain Name

Even if you’re not ready to launch a website yet, snag that domain before someone else does — because you know how fast things disappear online (and in your toddler’s hands).

Head to:

• GoDaddy.com
• Namecheap.com
• Google Domains

Search for your exact business name (for example, “bossmamaceo.com”).

If it’s available—buy it immediately.
Even if you’re not ready to publish a site, holding the domain ensures no one else can grab it later.

If it’s not available, try small tweaks like:

• adding “the” or “shop” (e.g., thebossmamaco.com)
• using your name (e.g., bossmamabyashley.com)
• or using a different top-level domain like .co or .biz

Step 5: Check Social Media Handles

Next stop: social media!

Even if you don’t plan to use every platform right away, it’s smart to secure your handles now.

Check availability on:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• YouTube

Use a tool like Namecheckr.com to search all platforms at once.

If your name is taken on one platform, keep your branding consistent with simple variations—like “@thebossmamaco” or “@bossmamaceo_.”

Step 6: Check Trademarks (The Big One)

Here’s where a lot of new business owners stop—but you’re not just any business owner. You’re a Boss Mama CEO.

Checking trademarks is how you make sure your business name doesn’t legally belong to someone else on a federal level.

Go to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database:
👉 https://tmsearch.uspto.gov

Search your business name.

If someone has already trademarked it (or something confusingly similar) in the same category or class, you’ll want to brainstorm a new name to avoid future lawsuits or rebranding costs.

If it’s free and clear, you can go a step further and register your own trademark later to protect your brand nationwide.

Step 7: Register Your Business Name

Once you’ve confirmed your name is available—it’s time to make it official!

Here’s what that looks like depending on your setup:

If you’re a sole proprietor:

You may need to file a DBA (“Doing Business As”) name with your county or state.
This lets you operate under your business name instead of your personal one.

Example: You’re Ashley Lee, but you want to run your business as Boss Mama Co.
A DBA filing makes that legal.

If you’re forming an LLC or corporation:

You’ll register your business name as part of your formation paperwork with your state.

For example, when you file “Boss Mama Co., LLC,” that name becomes yours in your state as soon as it’s approved.

💡 Tip: Your LLC filing doesn’t automatically protect your name in other states—that’s where trademarking comes in (we’ll get to that next).

Not Ready to Commit Yet? Reserve That Business Name, Mama!

So, you’ve found the one.
Your dream business name.
It’s catchy, it’s classy, it’s so you… but maybe you’re not quite ready to file your LLC or DBA just yet.
Maybe you’re still perfecting your business plan, waiting for your maternity leave to wrap up, or just not ready to go full Boss Mama CEO mode.

Here’s the good news: you can reserve your business name!

📝 What Does “Reserving a Business Name” Mean?

It’s basically like putting a “called dibs” sign on your name.
When you reserve a business name, your state holds that name for you—so no one else can swoop in and claim it while you finish getting everything in place.

It’s ideal for moms who:

• Are planning to launch soon but not today
• Want to make sure their perfect name doesn’t get taken
• Need a little extra time before filing paperwork

🕒 How Long Does a Name Reservation Last?

Every state is different, but most let you hold a name for 60 to 120 days (and some even let you renew it).
You’ll usually file a short “Business Name Reservation” form with your Secretary of State and pay a small fee—typically around $10–$30.

💡 Boss Mama Tip:

If you’re still playing with ideas or planning your official launch timeline, name reservation buys you peace of mind. You can focus on designing your logo, building your brand voice, or even setting up your website without worrying your dream name will disappear.

🚀 When You’re Ready to Go All In:

Once you’re ready to form your LLC or register your business officially, you’ll use the same name you reserved. Your reservation gives you priority, so it’s smooth sailing when it’s go-time.

In short: reserving your name = protecting your vision before it’s public.
It’s one of those savvy moves that future-you will thank you for when your brand takes off.

Step 8: Grab Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)

Even if you’re a one-woman show right now, you’ll want an EIN from the IRS—it’s like a Social Security number for your business.

It’s free and takes about 5 minutes to get online here:
👉 https://irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online

Why you need it:

• To open a business bank account
• To file taxes
• To hire employees later
• To keep your personal info (like your SSN) off invoices and W9s

Step 9: (Optional But Smart) Trademark Your Business Name

You don’t have to trademark your business name right away—but if you plan to grow your brand, it’s 100% worth considering.

Here’s why:

• It gives you exclusive nationwide rights to your name
• It makes it easier to protect against copycats
• It increases your business’s value long-term

You can apply directly through the USPTO website or use a service like:

• LegalZoom
• Trademark Engine
• Rocket Lawyer

Fees vary but generally start around $250–$350 per class of goods/services.

If that’s not in the budget yet, just keep documentation showing you’ve been using the name first—it can help if there’s ever a dispute later.

Step 10: Open a Business Bank Account & Celebrate

Once your name is legally registered, it’s time to make it official-official.

✅ Get your EIN
✅ Take your approved business registration documents
✅ Head to your bank of choice

Open a business checking account so you can keep your business finances totally separate from personal ones.

Then celebrate, mama! Because you’ve just taken a major CEO step most people never get around to.

Bonus: What To Do If Your Dream Name Is Taken

Don’t panic. It happens all the time.

Here’s how to pivot like a pro:

• Add a twist: If “Boss Mama Co.” is taken, try “The Boss Mama Collective” or “Boss Mama Studio.”
• Play with words: Use creative synonyms or your own name (“Ashley’s Boss Mama Co.”).
• Focus on your niche: Add what you do—like “Boss Mama Travel” or “Boss Mama Designs.”

The goal is to keep your brand essence while finding a version that’s uniquely yours.

Final Thoughts: Claim Your CEO Crown 👑

Choosing your business name is more than just paperwork—it’s the birth of your brand baby.

It’s what people will Google, say out loud, and associate with you.
So take your time, do your checks, and make it something that makes you smile every time you see it.

So go ahead, mama — claim that name (and make it something that makes you smile every time you see it), file that paperwork, and pour yourself a victory latte. This is where your dream gets real.

You’ve now got all the tools to:
✅ Check name availability
✅ Register it legally
✅ Protect it like the boss mama you are

Now go grab that coffee, open your laptop, and make it official.

Because this is where your CEO era really begins. ✨

Next Steps (Because You’re That Kind of Organized)

• ✅ Check your name availability in your state
• ✅ Secure your domain + social handles
• ✅ File your LLC or DBA
• ✅ Apply for your EIN
• ✅ Pop the sparkling cider—because you just made it LEGIT

If this whole “making it official” thing feels a bit overwhelming — from picking the perfect name to navigating all the legal steps — you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I created my Coffee.Chat.Create sessions.

We’ll sit down (virtually!), sip some coffee, and walk through your ideas together — from naming and branding to those tricky registration details that make your business official.

Because building your dream business shouldn’t feel confusing or lonely — it should feel fun, empowering, and totally doable. 💪☕

👉 Book your session here!

Here’s to all the incredible Moms juggling a million things—keep shining bright, cheering each other on, and building the life you love!

Ashley

Friendly Note: I’m simply sharing my journey, experiences, and lessons learned as a Mom in business. This isn’t legal, financial, or professional advice. Always check with a qualified pro for guidance tailored to you.