Well, hello there! I feel like I have some explaining to do about the rebranding…
First of all, welcome to LAFOTKA – just a little bit different to Secret little Stars, isn’t it? Secondly, Happy New Year everyone! I hadn’t blogged since last year (love saying that in January), so my best wishes for 2016 go out to all of you and hope you all had a lovely break. I did, apart from getting a cold on New Year’s Eve, which I’m still trying to shift. Nevertheless, it hadn’t stopped me from working on my blog rebrand that I’ve been planning for months and I know you are all dying to hear more details, so here it goes…
When I first decided to start this blog 2.5 years ago, I had no idea it would take me to where it is now and to be completely honest, I also didn’t know what exactly I’d be blogging about then either. I mean knew it was going to be mainly focused on personal style with a few healthy finds and recipes like it is now, but I also hoped to write about fitness (never did) and to somehow incorporate the fact that I’m a mum into my blog without being a total “mummy blogger”. That’s a lot of stuff isn’t it? My daughter played a big role in the initial name creation as you can imagine – she is my little star and always will be and I want to include her in everything. But picture this for a second – a cool confident kid with her own style, who doesn’t like Barbie dolls and adores outdoor sports (the muddier the better) in a fashion blog with her mum? “Secret little Stars” was out the window the minute it launched… ha!
As the time went by and I became more established as a blogger and in my own personal style (that took a while too, trust me), I began to lose my connection and excitement with the old brand. It no longer represented me. The humble meaning behind the name and my intentions for creating it were no longer that meaningful and remained just the three words that I didn’t even like to say out loud anymore.
I first considered rebranding over a year ago, but I guess the time wasn’t right so I stuck in this “relationship” with something I stopped loving long ago, but still really, really cared for. Know what I’m talking about? I’m just so unbelievably grateful for everything that I have achieved so far as Secret little Stars, because it proved that the name isn’t everything and I must have been doing something else right to get this far. Or maybe people liked that name? Do you?
PS! The word “Secret” came from the book called “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne. I live by law of attraction and I hope to share more of that with you if you like.
I felt really sad writing my last ever post on Secret little Stars and wearing my star print PJ’s on New Year’s Eve (total kid plus I was ill, remember?) as a farewell gesture to the old name, but I must admit, I felt so much easier seeing that my daughter didn’t actually have a strong connection to that name other than the fact that’s it was mummy’s blog. And to make me feel even better, she told me that the old name sounded like something from a nursery rhyme and even she was too big for that! Gotta love kids’ honesty, haha… And just like so, we waved Goodbye to Secret little Stars and started the New Year with the rebrand project already in full swing…
LAFOTKA & REBRANDING…
It took me quite a while to come up with this name and it doesn’t seem so complicated, does it? I wanted something short and simple, mainly because typing up Secret little Stars everywhere was just a real pain and it got even worse in the end when I really lost the connection with it. The new name had to be available as a domain and on all social media networks and as soon as I saw it available I bought the domain without thinking twice. I kept it a secret for a reason until the very last minute because you know – some people can be cruel by snatching up your social media handles for whatever nasty purposes and I needed to change mine right at the very end. The thought of adding more characters to it or even worse starting afresh – yikes!
I’m sure you know this already, but for those who don’t, I’m Russian. So when brainstorming for the new blog name a few months ago, I realised that I needed to come up with something unusual and maybe even with a hint of Russian in it. And here it was… one word that is on my mind constantly and it is “picture” or “photo”. Picture in Russian is FOTKA, which sounds very much like vodka. Very Russian! Of course FOTKA was not going to be available online and I didn’t feel it was 100% complete anyway, then shortly out from the blue came “LA” and there she was – LAFOTKA. I have to thank my better half for the “LA” part because I hear him say it a lot when he speaks to his family in Spanish and I think it means “the” with a female gender if there’s such a thing? There is now!
I love my new blog name now!
I love what it means and I love that it really finally represents me. I actually have a brand – something I definitely lacked before. The logo itself is so minimal and I love how the letter A is presented as Λ which is actually a capital L in Russian and I have to thank the amazing Peter at Love Design for understanding and translating my thinking into this new brand so perfectly.
Another person I have to thank is Kate from Kate Jordan Design who has helped me with the actual transfer of the blog files, setting things up and lots of other little things that I’d end up spending days on. She’s amazing!
Oscar moment here, but I just wanted to thank each and everyone of you for your ongoing support, your amazing comments on Social Media before and during the rebrand and to those who always send good vibes my way – you know who you are. I’ve just published my blog name a few hours ago and already on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and there are so many positive comments and good luck wishes that make me smile. You mean a lot. I have such great followers and friends – thank you! As I mentioned before, don’t worry about not being able to find or remember LAFOTKA right away (How can you forget! Gasp!) – the old site is still live and it will take you straight here when you visit it or see you on the social, just search @lafotka.
First ever post on LAFOTKA is officially the longest blog post I have ever written, but don’t worry they won’t all be like that… What I do promise is more about me, things that make me a better me and lots of fashion – but all better!
Oh and talking of fashion, I’ve been so busy relaxing during Christmas – the only thing I purchased in sales was this ZARA “coatigan” and so far it’s the only thing I wear. Can’t get enough of my cropped flare denim either, they’re too cute.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on my rebrand, so please leave a comment below and lets chat, perhaps you’re considering a name change too or a new blog design? I love my new design too by the way! Happyyyyyy….
Big Love,
Tatyana x
Coat / Cardigan – Zara
Ankle Boots – Debenhams*
Cropped Denim flare – Lost Ink* ASOS
Polo neck – M&S
Bag – Zara (similar)
LOVE the new look, the new name, everything!
Thank you my lovely!! I always love to receive your comments nice and early! As you can see I’m still up 🙂 Have a fab day! x
Love, love, love the new blog design and branding – simplistic yet luxurious. I must admit, I struggled with the pronunciation but the moment you said vodka, it clicked into place! I’m not a vodka drinker by the way – haha!
Look forward to your new content. Best of luck x
Haha! Glad you got it in the end 😉 I’m not a vodka drinker either, but I feel I could do with some after all the sleepless nights! 🙂 Thanks for your lovely comment and your honest feedback – means so much!
Tatyana 🙂 x
This is fabulous Tatyana I just love, love, love it. The design is chic and current and I really like the link to your heritage. So pleased for you – you must be delighted (but exhausted!). Can’t wait to see all your new posts. Love Lorraine x
Aw thanks so much Lorraine! I am sooo pleased and so exhausted! haha… I hadn’t slept a wink yet, but as soon as the school run is done I might go for a snooze 😉
Thanks for all your support – always!
Tatyana xx
All the best with the rebrand! Looks amazing enjoy!
Come visit me soon
sarahgingellnails xx
Aw thank you darling! Was just thinking about you actually after looking down at my awful nails whilst typing for 12 hours… Will come and see you soon! 🙂 xx
Fabulous honey! Love everything about it 😘
Aw thanks so much pretty lady! Glad you like it!
Tatyana x
Fab fab fab!!!! Absolutely love this!!!!!! Luxurious but simply fabulous. So proud of you Xxxx
Aw thanks so much sis! YAY! Exactly what I aimed for and easy to remember (for Russians anyway) lol
See you later hopefully xxx
I couldn’t wait to see this & I love it! So pleased for you & looking forward to all your posts as LAFOTKA!
See you soon.
Gillian xx
I wish you lots of luck with LAFOTKA! I love the rebranding!
http://www.theavantguardian.com
Thank you so much! So glad you like it! 🙂
I LOVE the rebrand! Looking forward to following your journey this year 🙂 x
Yay! So happy you like it! Can’t wait to share my journey with you! Have a fab day! x
Tatyana, I love it! I think it suits you so well and I can only congratulate.you on it. Wishing you the best for 2016, hope we can meet somewhere this year. Much love, Kirsten
http://www.thelifbissue.com
P.S. Your outfit is amazing!
Oh HUGE thanks! So glad you like it – I was worried people may have a negative reaction, but I’m so happy to hear you love it!
When are you moving to UK? Must be soon? 🙂 xx
So happy to see this finally go live! Love the name, look, everything! But you already know that 😉
Yay! It wouldn’t look like this if it wasn’t for you! Thank you 🙂 xx
Congratulations on the rebrand my internet friend! The site looks amazing and I adore the name- on to the next chapter and here’s to an amazing blogging year in 2016! XO
Thanks so much my internet friend (love that!) X
Huge thanks for being part of my journey and so glad to see you on here!
Big love xx
Great transformation! I like the name, simple but catchy!
Thanks so much Olga! So glad you like it! See you back here soon 🙂 xx
Hello, beautiful Tatyana!
Firstly, let me say, I love your name – and by this i mean “Tatyana” – it has such a lovely lyrical sound. Have always, since I was young, found it to be so, and it suits you.
Secondly, the new blog name, LAFOTKA, is perfection!! Truly!
When first you posted the name as a teaser, I immediately did a Google translate, saw that it was “photo” in Russian and thought, “Nailed It!” What could be more suitable? I love the conciseness, the simplicity, and now, knowing that “la” comes from your husband’s native tongue, it’s all the better. A beautiful blend! (Your daughter’s comment about the SLS title sounding like a child’s story was hilarious, and I admit, it kind of does! Lol! No offense intended.) And I will be looking into that “The Secret” book, btw……you’ve piqued my curiosity.
The logo is incredible! – it is appealing, and intriguing, and sleek, which are all words that I would use to describe you, btw, and your IG and blog as well. Kudos to Peter for the design interpretation! That “A” that is also a Russian “L” – brilliant!
So this is my very long-winded way of saying I think your new name is ideal. I have been mostly following you on Instagram (which I enjoy immensely and always appreciate your replies. Thank you.) but am slowly catching up on the blog itself. It’s so charming, and makes me feel as though we are friends sitting down having a bit of coffee and a chat.
You’ve been doing a stellar job (ha, SLS reference) on IG and the blog and I look forward to reading more. I wish you the very best in all of your pursuits. Your joie de vivre and appreciation are refreshing.
Happy New Year! Happy New Blog!
Best –
Tari
@tezza630 on IG
PS I like vodka. 🙂
Hey Tari!
Thank you soooo much for your sweet words – always!
I absolutely adore your comments on my Instagram and really appreciate the support you’ve been giving me in the last few months. You always make me smile and you sound like you are such a sweet person. I’m still laughing about what my daughter said – SLS outgrew herself haha!
See you in IG!
Big Love
Tatyana x
Tatyana, I am flattered by your words. I’d like to think that I am sweet – and nice – but a bit sassy as well. Thank you!
Cheers!
Tari
Love this redesign so much! it’s simple yet completely mirrors your classy vibe. I love clean blog designs myself and can’t wait to delve into mine (eventually, maybe next year ;)). I did notice you don’t have a “search” box anywhere on the blog. I’d highly recommend one!
Looking forward to your next posts!!
xoxo Cristina
Hey my Canadian friend!
Your feedback is so valuable – thank you! Search box added and I’m sure it will be used a LOT, by me mainly! 😉
So glad you like the new design and I would definitely recommend going for it (not that your blog needs it). It’s just so refreshing.
See you soon! xx
Hey Tayana,
Congratulations on your very awesome new re brand, love the name & what it means – it’s as fabulous as you are, I wish you the very best with your new chapter. we must catch up soon & celebrate the only way we know how 🍾🍳
LRx
Ps great cardi, picked one up too in the sales haven’t had it off since, soooo cosy!!!!
Oh hey lovely!!
Soo good to see you here 🙂
Thanks so much for your sweet words – so happy you like the rebrand!! My blog desperately needed it!
Celebrations with bubbles and brunch you say? IT’S A DATE!!!!
I’ll email you soon 😉
Big hugs
Tatyana xxx
Your outfit is brilliant!Very chic urban look.You look incredible in this casual outfit!
http://www.newpatagonia.com
Thank you 🙂
Thoroughly enjoying reading your Blog & following you on Facebook. Good luck for 2016 & I look.forward to reading the next installment!X💟
Thank you sooo much for your lovely comment and for the follow! 🙂 Really glad you liked the blog and can’t wait to share more with you!
Tatyana x
Like your coat and bag 🙂
Maria V.
Thank you lovely! 🙂
Hello Tatyana,
thank you so much for contacting me on my blog and for your wonderful comments – i am so glad to hear feed back about the new site – it really really does mean a lot to me and my partner – who made the site and who will soon be joining me on the blog as a contributor to living in clips from a male perspective! i love how your site is different from others as you are a mother who blogs! I am just loving your re-brand too … congratulations ! Good luck for 2016 x
Thanks so much lovely! So glad you like my new site and lets keep in touch! Big love xxx
HI tatyana! I’m kikakika from asosff, really like your style and your new name. I never stop checking your looks. Blogging is one of my dreams but sth keeps me back. Love to see you happy! Congratulations for everything . Bye bye
Hi Tatyana
Your new rebranding looks fab, seems very natural for your style! Best of luck for the year ahead. Our 8th Birthday party is coming up next month with some surprises! In store!
Take care
Maria @oohrubyshoes xxx
Hi Maria!
Thank you so much 🙂 I’m so glad you like the new branding and thank you for your kind wishes!
All the best in 2016 to you too and can’t wait to see what surprises you have in store (literally) next month! X
Love the new blog chick, cool name! And nice to have you back on bloglovin, I can keep up with all your posts now
Lauren
livinginaboxx | bloglovin