What's in a name, Sihaya Designs?

I met Chris of Sihaya Designs at Terra Firma recently. I had to ask, How'd you come up with your name? This is what she had to say.

The name of my shop, Sihaya Designs, comes from a handle I've used on the Internet for over ten years now. When I was in seventh or eighth grade, I was a huuuuuge Star Wars fan. Well, I still am, but now I'm one of those snobs who completely disavows the prequels. :) But, as a young geek-in-training, I was eagerly searching for other things within the realm of science fiction with which I could fall in love. And that's how I came to Frank Herbert's 'Dune," which I read voraciously. Fascinated by the concept of tribal and secret names, I started using 'Sihaya' online, as it was a secret name for one of the novel's protagonists, Chani. In the novel, the meaning of "Sihaya" is "the desert springtime with religious overtones implying the time of fruitfulness and the paradise to come." The imagery of a beautiful flower blooming in the middle of a desert was beautiful, and it was a metaphor that spoke to me.

The name stuck, and has followed me for years. People who have known me for a long time occasionally use it as a nickname. And, as Frank Herbert used the basis of Arabic language in creating his universe, it became an appropriate stage name when began to dance American Tribal Style bellydance, my other love. Overall, since it is a name that people so closely associate with me, it was a natural choice when it came to naming my jewelry business. It's unique, it's melodic, and it reflects me. Perfect.

Curious about how folks made up their Etsy Shop name? I am too! Let's ask! If there is a shop that you have always been curious about, but were too afraid to ask, leave it in the comment box, I will be happy to play detective for you.