Naming Exploration for Sela K
Our naming exploration for Sela K was grounded in the belief that names are not just identifiers — they are vessels for history, intention, and future possibility. From the outset, this work centered heritage, leisure, and modern luxury, with a clear goal: to create a name that honored cultural lineage while positioning the brand confidently within the contemporary luxury space.
As a Savannah native, Kimber’s roots are connected to a city layered with history and resilience within the Black diasporic journey. Savannah represents lineage, craft, ritual, and the enduring beauty of Southern hospitality — traditions shaped by generations of Black creativity and cultural continuity.
New York, by contrast, sharpened and expanded her perspective. Immersed in a fast-paced, design-forward environment, Kimber developed a modern, editorial eye and an appreciation for experiential luxury. The city refined her sensibility — bold, unexpected, and culturally fluent — and reinforced her desire to claim space within the contemporary luxury market.
The name Sela K draws from the Xhosa word “sela,” meaning to sip or to enjoy leisurely. It evokes the ritual of slowing down, savoring the moment, and reclaiming rest and pleasure — acts that feel especially intentional when viewed through a diasporic lens. The name reflects a philosophy of presence and indulgence, positioning leisure not as excess, but as inheritance and self-authorship. The “K” grounds the name in Kimber herself, reinforcing authorship, legacy, and a personal claim within the luxury space, resulting in a name that feels both intimate and expansive, rooted yet forward-looking.
Our Scope of Work
For Sela K, our role focused on building a culturally grounded and strategically sound naming foundation that could support long-term brand growth.
Our services included:
Cultural & Diasporic Research
Exploration of African languages, cultural rituals, and historical context within the Black diasporic experience to inform naming direction with integrity and respect.
Brand Discovery & Founder Interviews
Deep listening sessions to understand Kimber Warren’s personal journey, design philosophy, and vision for the brand.
Naming Strategy & Direction
Defining naming criteria rooted in heritage, leisure, modern luxury, and longevity within the premium home and lifestyle space.
Name Ideation & Exploration
Development of multiple naming territories and concepts, including linguistic meaning, narrative framing, and brand relevance.
Name Story & Rationale Development
Articulation of the final name’s meaning, origin, and strategic value to support brand storytelling, launch, and future communications.
Linguistic & Trademark Screening (Preliminary)
High-level vetting of name candidates for linguistic appropriateness, cultural sensitivity, and initial trademark considerations.