What does NFE stand for?
Ever wondered what the NFE stands for in our business name?
Read on to find out…
The story behind NFE: more than just a name
Ever wondered what NFE means and what it stands for in our NFE Branding Co business name? Many have tried to work it out over the years and finally I am here to spill the tea!
It has nothing to do with Newcastle (which is where we are based) and no we didn’t spell Photography with a F…
It’s not just a catchy acronym; it’s a reminder of the heart and soul behind our brand.
Once Upon a Time…
There was a little girl with a name that rhymed with “banana” 🍌 So, naturally, she became known by her Grandad as “Liana Banana”. But when she could finally talk, she’d adamantly tell everyone she WAS a banana, just not the kind you eat.
Her full introduction to strangers at the age of around 2 went like this: “My name is Liana Banana Not For Eating Kathryn Corbett”. Sometimes with the added reminder “so, don’t eat me!”
And there you have it… NFE = Not For Eating.
Sounds a little crazy, right?
But, back when I was starting my business in 2008 I knew one thing. I didn’t want to use my name as a brand name. I spent a looooong time trying to come up with a great alternative and finally it hit me. It had to incorporate not for eating, or NFE.
Back then, even though I was a photographer I didn’t want to pigeonhole myself as ‘just a photographer’. So I went with NFE Design. It left room for growth, it allowed me to be somewhat anonymous and it was just perfect!
I guess it’s so the opposite of crazy that it’s kinda crazy. A bit like me, actually. I’m a quirky, eccentric, last-minute kind of gal, but there’s one constant in my life: my daughter, Liana.
She’s the reason I do what I do. I’m so grateful for the love, patience, and gratitude she’s taught me over the past 19 years of being her mama. She’s the inspiration behind NFE, a reminder of the passion and purpose that fuels my work.
NFE: A Legacy of love and creativity
Liana grew up, and now most people call her Lee. (I refuse to, I spent way too many months stressing over the perfect name for my baby to shorten it, haha). A few years ago, when Liana embarked on her own creative journey as an illustrator and merch designer, I knew there was no better gift than the not for eating brand name and domain. She now runs her thriving business, notforeating, using that same moniker that once described a little girl who thought people loved bananas just a little too much.
From Liana Banana to NFE Branding Co.
While I started as a newborn photographer (you can see some of my adorable newborn baby photos [here]), and I spent many years building the NFE Design brand, my passion developed for helping other brands shine. In 2023 I decided to tweak the name a little from NFE Design to NFE Branding Co.
Lee helps out in the business nowdays (especially with the UGC content creation – she’s a master at iPhone content and UGC reels!) and since I’m no longer just a photographer the name felt like a good change.
Speaking of social media…
At NFE Branding Co we offer a range of services, including:
- Natural light product photography that captures the essence of your products. We specialise in skincare product photography, but we are available for just about anything!
- UGC-style content creation that feels authentic and relatable.
- B-roll videos that add movement and magic to your social media reels.
- Brand strategy sessions to help you define your brand identity and create a cohesive visual presence.
- Graphic design services to bring your brand to life with eye-catching logos, graphics, and marketing materials.
Want to learn more?
If you’re curious about how we can help tell your brand’s story, check out our services or get in touch! Let’s create something beautiful together.
I hope you enjoyed this little peek behind the scenes of our brand and finding out the NFE meaning!
Love love love 🙂
What a lovely read! And I really love the meaning of NFE, too! Thanks for sharing this with us all!
I love to hear the story behind how people come up with their business names, and this is a great story!
What a lovely story! Love it 🥰