In this episode, Leah and Aminder walk through the journey of naming their firms, building meaningful brands, and making their businesses official. They share personal stories behind the names Orca Accounting and Sequoia CPA, talk about how branding goes far beyond logos, and break down the legal steps every business owner needs to take when getting started. If you’re launching your firm or rebranding an existing one, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

Takeaways

• A meaningful business name can create emotional connection and stand out in the market.

• Nature-inspired names helped both hosts reflect their values and local roots.

• Branding includes visuals, voice, tone, and client experience, not just a logo.

• Canva is a powerful tool for building brand consistency and creating content.

• Checking name availability for legal use, domains, and social handles is essential.

• Investing in your website and brand from the start can differentiate your firm.

• Your website is your storefront, so make it feel welcoming and aligned with your brand.

• Legal steps include forming an LLC or PLLC, filing Articles of Incorporation, and getting an EIN.

• Business registration requirements vary by city and state.

• It’s okay to ask for help from a lawyer or accountant when setting up your firm.

Website: TheAccountingEdit.com

Aminder's Links

Website: sequoia-cpa.com

Instagram: @sequoiacpa

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/sequoia-cpa

Leah's Links

Website: orca-accounting.com

Instagram: @orcaaccounting

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/leahmccool

Keywords: Naming your business, branding for accountants, accounting firm startup, nature-inspired firm names, Canva for design, LLC vs PLLC, business registration steps, EIN setup, website branding tips, tax entity selection, and creating a memorable client experience.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – Where it all begins

03:00 – The story behind Sequoia CPA

04:30 – How Orca Accounting was named

07:15 – Why branding matters (especially in accounting)

10:15 – Making sure your name is available

12:00 – Avoiding oversaturated names

14:00 – Branding tools and voice

18:00 – Developing color palettes and visual direction

20:00 – The importance of emotional branding

24:45 – Legal steps to become official

28:00 – Local registrations and tax entity considerations

30:30 – Final thoughts