From Isis to Ise: A salon owner’s experience with public backlash

The salon formerly known as Isis Day Spa has a new name. They’re now going by “Ise”.

“We chose Ise because we wanted our clientele to be familiar with the name, or at least familiarized with the name,”said owner Lori Pawson. “It stands for quality. I believe the services we provide to our clients is quality, so it was a great match.”

Pressure mounted on the new business over the past year to change the name.

The salon received numerous calls and messages saying it wasn’t appropriate to use the title “Isis” anymore because of the violent terrorist group with the same name.

Pawson chose the name ‘Isis’ after the Egyptian goddess.

She stayed the course for a while hoping it would blow over, but ultimately decided it was in her best interest to change the signage.

She held an online contest to come up with a new name. She received over 600 entries. All those people have been given a 20 per cent off coupon for the spa.

The woman who suggested the name “Ise” received a free day of pampering.

Pawson asks that the public be patient with the business as it’s a big investment to change all the signage and business cards. She says some signage is already changed, and the rest will be changed slowly over the course of the year.