Are you anxious that choosing an unconventional name for your child might hinder their future? Let’s put those worries to rest. Dr. Herb Cola Smith, a real individual, recently earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.
Yes, that’s right! Dr. Herb Cola is in the house.
Growing up in a tumultuous environment, with sisters named Jane and Emily, Herb was named by her mother with the belief that her unique name would take her places. Leaving home at fifteen, Herb found that her mother’s prediction held some truth. With a name like Herb Cola, she felt a strong drive to prove herself.
“People focus so much on my name that it was hard to escape it,” she shared with the local newspaper. Throughout her journey, reactions to her distinctive name have varied significantly—from individuals refusing to address her by her full name to others suggesting she should change it entirely. Nonetheless, she has always embraced her name wholeheartedly, with one small exception; when pressed for time, she simply introduces herself as “H.C.”
While her name might evoke images of a laid-back individual with a penchant for snacks, Herb has created a flourishing life for herself. She is a proud mom of three and grandmother of one, living with her husband on a picturesque hobby farm in Illinois. Alongside her recent doctorate from State University, she works in real estate and runs a coaching business called Empower Action, aimed at helping clients turn their visions into reality. Who better to guide others through obstacles than someone who has faced challenges linked to her very name?
Her unique name has not only posed challenges but has also inspired her work. Herb’s doctoral dissertation explored “The Impact of Unique Names in Educational Settings,” interviewing students who shared their stories of name bias—a topic she knows well. Furthermore, she plans to write a book expanding on this theme and is set to establish the Herb Cola Scholarship, offering $500 annually to a deserving first-generation college student.
Despite the eyebrow-raising nature of her name, Herb has never let it define her. When she gives talks, she encourages her audience to view challenges as stepping stones, a philosophy she has embodied throughout her life. It seems her mother was spot on!
And just to clarify, Dr. Herb Cola Smith does not actually consume cola or indulge in any related beverages; however, she does enjoy a good ice cream float.
If you’re considering unique baby names, whether traditional or unconventional, check out the vast array of options available in our database.
In summary, unconventional names can inspire resilience and success, as exemplified by Dr. Herb Cola Smith. Her journey proves that a name, no matter how unusual, doesn’t dictate one’s destiny.