Everyone at Mississippi College that knows me calls me Anna Livi. Before college, I just went by Anna. I decided after I graduated that it was time for a change of scenery. Here's why I changed my name:

1. I've never had a nickname

I've always loved the concepts of nick names or shortened versions of names. My dad's name is Anthony, but he goes by Tony. My sister's name is Katherine, but we call her Katie Grace. I also loved the idea of a double name. My full name is Anna Olivia. Olivia just never really set well with me, though. I loved the shortened version, "Livi". And thus, Anna Livi was created.

2. It's my stage name

When I turned 15, I started going on stage as Anna Livi rather than Anna Sheppard. Anna Sheppard was such a plain and boring name. I needed something that made a statement about my music. I need a name that represented me as an artist. I had originally planned to just use Livi. But the double name sounded way cooler. That's kinda how I created Anna Livi.

3. It's a better representation of who I am

Back to Anna Livi being a stage name- I feel like when I'm performing or making music that I'm really being myself. That's the only time I really feel like my true self. Anna kinda represents the past... lame... boring... not excited. Anna Livi is alive! She is a performer, a writer, a singer, an artist.

4. There's too many Annas!

Literally at church or school or choir practice, every time someone said Anna, I'd turn around, and they wouldn't be talking to me. I went by my last name for a while at church, but I didn't feel as if Sheppard really represented me.

5. It's another side of me

Okay, not to be cliche or anything and use a Hannah Montana reference, but that's kinda how I view Anna and Anna Livi.

I went by Anna my whole life until I got to college. I now use my stage name, Anna Livi, because it represents who I am in a better way. I feel as if Anna and Anna Livi are two different people. Anna is basic: very laid back, not very exciting, does not know what she wants in life. Anna struggles a lot and labels herself negatively. But Anna Livi carries herself. She is a lot more confident and strong willed. She is creative and motivated and excited about life. Anna Livi knows what she wants, and she does everything to get it. That’s why I used Anna Livi as a stage name. Because I’m never just Anna on stage. I am Anna Livi, because I am myself. I am happy and alive and vibrant. Anna represents the past. Anna Livi represents the future.