I believe connections—even the seemingly small ones—can be powerful.

Just last week, I was picking up chicken and fries (don’t judge—comfort food was calling). The teenage girl at the window handed me my order and said, “Have a great day, Beautiful!”

If you know me, you know that’s my favorite way to greet other women: “Hi, Beautiful.” It’s something I do in honor of my Grandma Rose. A self-proclaimed hillbilly from Virginia, Grandma Rose never truly saw how beautiful or strong she was. When I began my career in the beauty industry, her memory inspired me. That phrase—Hi, Beautiful—became my mantra, my mission: to remind women of their God-given worth and intrinsic beauty.

So when that sweet, bleached-blonde teen used the word “beautiful,” it made me smile. It reminded me how much I love that word—and why.

Words are powerful. The words we speak over others can shape their identity.

After a painful first marriage, Grandma Rose eventually married my Grandpa Herb. He greeted her every morning with, “Good morning, Most Beautiful One.” Where others had spoken “worthless” and “forgotten” Grandpa Herb gave her a new name. “Most Beautiful One.” And with that name came a new story: one of being loved, cherished, treasured, and seen.

Just as words shape us, so do the names we call one another. It’s said that the sound people love most is their own name. To use someone’s name says, I see you. You matter. On the flip side, when we want to diminish someone, we often withhold their name.

Early in my career, a mentor encouraged me—shy, quiet, and in my twenties—to start using names when interacting with strangers across the counter. “Look for the name tag,” she said. “Say, ‘Thank you, Rachael,’ or ‘Thanks, Steve.’” Some looked surprised. All looked up and made eye contact. For me, it was a personal challenge to speak more than a “thanks.” And it worked. Most of the time, it sparked a tiny, meaningful interaction—a short moment in someone’s day, but a moment that made them smile. And a smile? It’s contagious.

That little “name game” turned into something more. It became a way to leave a positive mark. 

Here’s the thing: it doesn’t matter how the other person greets you, or whether their job performance is perfect. Just use their name. Their worth—like yours—isn’t tied to productivity. It’s inherent.

So let’s be kind.

Try it: greet the person handing you your coffee, or dropping off that delivery by name. See what happens. You might brighten their day—or even help reframe how they see themselves. You may spark a ripple effect of kindness in your community.

Let’s do it.