💡 Choosing Growth Over Convention: Why I’m Reclaiming My Maiden Name

I usually keep this site for the professional side of my life, but today I spill over into personal — because this personal news is also about identity, brand, and the journey behind both.

18 years ago today, I got married and changed my name to Boorman. I had met my ex-husband as a teenager, and together we built a wonderful life with two beautiful children.

But as we grew and matured, we realised we wanted different things. The empowering choice we made was to separate back in 2017 — not out of conflict, but out of respect. We decided not to simply conform to what society expected of us, but to create lives that allowed us both to thrive.

For me, that decision was a turning point. Having been in a relationship from such a young age, separation marked the beginning of adulthood on my own terms. Much of what I have achieved since — in leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal growth — has come because of that step.

And in my personal life too, that choice has shaped who I am today. For many years now, I’ve been living in a blended family of six — full of love, laughter, and all the beautiful complexities that come with rewriting the traditional rulebook. It’s another reminder that family and identity can take many forms, and that what matters most is building something authentic.

So today, on what would have been our wedding anniversary, I’ve decided to reclaim my maiden name: Salussolia.

This isn’t about erasing the past, but about embracing it as part of my story. My marriage gave me so much — love, family, memories — and my divorce gave me growth, clarity, and the courage to live authentically.

For me, this name change is a reminder that we are always free to redefine ourselves. We don’t have to conform to expectations. We can write our own chapters, honour our past, and still choose who we want to be moving forward.

I remain deeply grateful to my ex-husband and extended family. Carrying the Boorman name has been an honour, and it will always represent an important chapter of my life

So if you’re looking for me in the future, it’s under my (slightly more complex!) maiden name: Salussolia.

I’m still me — but this choice reflects the identity I’ve been shaping for the past eight years, in both my personal life and my work. It’s a name that feels authentic, rooted, and ready for the next chapter.

Francesca Salussolia (formerly Fran Boorman)