The Story of Our Logo

How Our Logo Became More Than Just Branding

I recently read an article about the importance of logos for businesses, and it got me thinking about our own path to creating one for West Coast Hydrosols. I want to share that journey with you, especially because I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved, thanks in large part to Gina, my wife and the creative force behind our brand.

You see, while I agree with the article that branding is vital, I always felt that it missed something — a personal touch. Our logo, for instance, is not just a branding exercise. It’s a story, a struggle, and ultimately, a triumph that goes way beyond business. It’s something I believe a lot of small business owners can deeply relate to.

The journey to our logo was not a straight path. It was more like a hike through a dense forest, where each turn brought a new challenge and a new perspective. In the beginning, our ideas were a jumble — sketches and concepts that felt disconnected from what we truly wanted to convey. We tried various designs, playing with elements that spoke to our products and our values. Trees reaching towards the sky, waves crashing against the shore — these were the early musings that filled our sketchbooks. But none of these early iterations felt quite right. They didn’t capture the essence of what we wanted our brand to stand for.

Then, inspiration struck in the most unexpected way. Gina, always the more intuitive between us, had a moment of clarity thanks to a nostalgic piece about children’s television shows. The article mentioned Mr. Rogers, and specifically, his fondness for the number 143 — as in, the number of letters in “I Love You.” This simple, beautiful concept resonated with Gina, and suddenly, all the pieces began to fall into place.

From this spark of inspiration, our logo was born. A heart, four mountains, and three waves. A tribute not just to the natural beauty that surrounds us but a secret message of love. 1 heart, 4 mountains, 3 waves. It encapsulated everything we wanted our brand to represent — care, nature, and a deep connection to the world around us.

The response to our logo has been heartwarming. People often tell us how much they love it, and each time they do, it reinforces our belief in the power of a well-thought-out logo. It’s more than just a symbol for our business; it’s a reflection of our journey, our struggles, and the love we put into our products.

So, to anyone out there thinking about their branding, remember this: it’s more than just a business exercise. It’s an opportunity to tell your story and share a piece of yourself with the world. And trust me, when you get it right, it feels incredible.