I changed my name from Lauryn to Lalita. I still love both names and changing my name has had its ups and downs.

ONE
I have so much work of mine on the internet under Lauryn. So when people now search for Lalita, I doubt they find much of my older work unless I feature it on my current site.

TWO
People mispronounce Lalita all the time and often call me Lolita, which has an entirely different connotation.

THREE
People used to ask me why I changed my name and I felt self-conscious. Now, I'm open about it and it doesn't matter. People will call you what you tell them to most days.

FOUR
Regardless of that, I chose the name I felt most empowered by. For me, I wanted a name I could see myself building from. Lauryn had had her run. Did I feel like I was building from scratch a little bit? Yes. Is it confusing still for some? Yes. Was it worth it? I think so. :)