DEAR HARRIETTE: A few months back, I decided to start my own business. It is similar to other businesses on the market, but I think I create the best products. It is an online hair bow shop with a name that has a pun. Admittedly, the name is similar to other businesses out there. However, I never thought this would be considered anything to worry about until my friend accused me of stealing my company name from another bow company! I thought long and hard about the name of my company, and it was my own idea, so I got very defensive. Just because the names are very similar doesn’t mean I couldn’t have thought of it myself! My friend took this as me admitting my guilt, and this falling out was a lot to deal with. I am now thinking about potential copyright issues and my online reputation. Is it too late to change the name of my company? I don’t know if this would damage future sales because customers will look for me and find the other company. – Too Similar, St. Petersburg, Florida

DEAR TOO SIMILAR: What you need is a trademark

attorney who can do a proper search for you to help you determine what makes sense. Regardless of your creative process, the search will reveal whether you are infringing upon copyright laws based on the similarity of your name to any others. It is wise to figure this out now before your business has established too large of a presence, so that if you need to change the name, it won’t be too difficult.

While your friend’s way of communicating concern about your company name rubbed you the wrong way, it may have been a blessing in disguise, as it woke you up to potentially serious challenges down the line.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I gave birth eight months ago. I see all of these women on social media getting back to their skinny frames so quickly after giving birth; they attribute it to breastfeeding and stroller exercise. I try to do this, but I cannot shake off the last 25 pounds. When I was at a family cookout, my mother-in-law mentioned that I was obviously not at my “ideal weight” yet. That totally stung. It’s one thing to feel bad about your weight,

but when other people bring it up, it hurts more. The worst part is that I comforted myself with ice cream and brownies later that night.

I don’t want to get stuck with this baby weight on me, and I want to feel good about being a mother in control of her eating habits. Where do I start? I feel like this isn’t just regular weight loss, it’s baby weight! – Extra Around the Edges, Jackson, Mississippi

DEAR EXTRA AROUND THE EDGES: Schedule an appointment with your doctor. Get expert advice on the next steps toward your optimal health. You already know that eating ice cream and brownies will take you in the wrong direction. Find out what you can do to be as healthy as possible. Your doctor may want you to work with a nutritionist or a trainer. As challenging as it will be, follow the guidance. Your health is worth it!

— Lifestylist and author Harriette Cole is president and creative director of Harriette Cole Media. You can send questions to [email protected] or c/o Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.