Discovering SarNDipity
Defining a framework for business, creativity and aligning with your truest self
Hello, and welcome to Dose of SarNDipity! Thanks for stopping by - I’m Sarah, and I’m glad you’re here.
What exactly is “SarNDipity”, you might ask?
Great question! I think of it as my unique spin on the idea of serendipity - me being Sarah Noonan, the “Sar N” in “SarNDipity” (Get it? 😁)
I coined the term SarNDipity while brainstorming potential names for my consulting business, SarNDipity Solutions. I’d been looking to start a business for a while, but coming up with what to call it was a challenge. I was looking for a moniker that could signify my professional identity and value-add while offering me latitude to explore potential service offerings and market niches. Building off my first name prompted my thinking about the concept of serendipity, leading to a Google search and the following American Heritage Dictionary definition:
Serendipity (n.):
The faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident.
The fact or occurrence of such discoveries.
An instance of making such a discovery.
Having a background in organizational systems, research and analysis, I welcomed the idea of framing myself as someone who could help others unlock Aha insights and opportunities. I also appreciated the chance to introduce a touch of whimsy to areas often presented and perceived as cut and dry. I started exploring potential ways to combine the word with my name:
→ Sarah + serendipity….
→ Sarah-ndipity…. 🤔
A lightbulb appeared when I realized I could also incorporate my last name, Noonan:
→ SarNDipity…
That could work! I thought further about potential business names, ultimately landing on the broad and alliterative “SarNDipity Solutions.” I ran a name search through GoDaddy and several online databases. Unable to find any analytics practices founded by someone named Sarah that utilized this same wordplay, the landscape looked clear for me to move forward.
Still, I felt scared to introduce and tie myself to the name. What if I hated it in six months? What if people couldn’t spell it? What if the connection to serendipity didn’t land? I let the name percolate, waiting for any other ideas to materialize, but none did.
Months later, I joined a local nonprofit-led business accelerator for aspiring female entrepreneurs. The program involved six sessions of business training and weekly pitches to class facilitators and participants. After the first few classes, I felt nervous but ready to test market my soon-to-be-launched business as SarNDipity Solutions. Thankfully, the name was well received!
With practice, my confidence in presenting myself as SarNDipity Solutions increased. I pitched my business plan to a panel of judges, who awarded me $2,500 in startup capital! I launched a company LinkedIn page, bought the sarndipitysolutions.com domain, and registered SarNDipity Solutions as an LLC. Each of these steps helped me advance my business from idea to reality.
Beyond serving as a business name, I view SarNDipity™ as an operating principle for both work and life. It is the practice of Designed Discovery: building frameworks that don’t just maximize efficiency, but also establish the necessary breathing room for wonder and breakthrough insights to occur.
As I have with SarNDipity Solutions, in launching this blog and community, I aspire to bring the spirit of SarNDipity to all of you. I hope it will become a space where we can connect, exchange ideas and gain perspective. Some of the themes I’ll cover will include:
A Founder’s Lens: Tactical lessons from scaling a business and working with emerging startups.
The Creative Process: Stories and tips for channeling inspiration in work and life.
Personal Reflections: Candid explorations of connection, purpose, and the lifelong journey to align with our truest self.
If you’re looking to build systems that leave room for discovery, I’d love to have you in this community. Follow to stay posted on the latest stories and offerings, explore the premium subscription tier, and share your own feedback and perspectives. Enter your email below to subscribe today.