A Muse We Can Use (and drink!)

Sometimes we can see something every single day without ever really looking at it.

I have been guilty if this on more than one occasion, but the one I'm talking about today is one I think some of you may relate to. 

Have you ever stopped to look at the Starbucks logo?

It's a twin tailed siren, aka a mermaid-like creature from Greek mythology!

I never knew (or took the time to look at) this fun fact until several years ago when I was doing a research paper on the history/mythology of mermaids.

Now you might be wondering why a coffee company would choose a mythological creature to represent their brand...

The company wanted the logo to reflect the nautical history of coffee and Seattle’s (the birthplace of Starbuck's!) roots as a seaport city.

Starbucks senior writer Steve M. answered several questions regarding the birth and evolution of the company's logo on their website, but I figure it can't hurt to reiterate his thoughts here with you.

In the search for inspiration to capture appropriate themes of the company's roots, they stumbled upon a 16th century Norse woodcut of a twin-tailed siren in a book and low and behold: the Starbucks Siren was born!

The company has adapted and updated the logo since its origins in the 1970s...

.... but the Siren still remains at the heart of it!

So what does she stand for?

She is meant to be a muse - inspirational and mysterious, exempt from the confinements of being defined. 

She's a storyteller, a promise, and an invitation says Steve M. 

To me, she's an excuse to be fanciful and indulgent. 

She means many things to many people, so now I ask you this...

What does she mean to you?!

Stay Curious!

xoxo