Annie Figenshu: the Marketer formerly known as Annie Schiffmann
If you’re seeing the names Annie Figenshu and Annie Schiffmann in search results, it can be hard to know whether you’re looking at the right person. That moment of uncertainty can stop you from reaching out or moving forward. This post explains the name change, clarifies what hasn’t changed about my work, and shows you exactly what to expect, so you can move ahead with confidence.
Why You May See Two Different Names
What This Means for My Work
How This Change Reflects My Brand
Practical Details for Clients and Collaborators
“You may know my work under the name Annie Schiffmann. I now go by Annie Figenshu. Here’s why.”
Why You May See Two Different Names
Annie Figenshu helps growth-minded businesses clarify their message and build content systems that actually get used.
You searched for a name and found Annie Figenshu. Or, wait, is it Annie Schiffmann. No, it’s Annie Figenshu? Huh?
That creates a simple but real problem. You’re trying to make sure that you found the right person, and the details don’t immediately line up.
That uncertainty can slow you down. You might hesitate before clicking, second-guess whether the work is current, or wonder if you should keep looking before taking a next step.
And you shouldn’t have to do that extra work. When you’re deciding who to trust, clarity shouldn’t be optional.
For many years, my work appeared under the name Annie Schiffmann. That name is attached to articles, podcast interviews, projects, and a body of work that still reflects my experience and approach today.
I’m no longer married, though, which is why I no longer use my married name. I go by my maiden name Annie Figenshu. (Sidebar: it is wild to call it my “maiden” name. Like, what a weird word to use in this day and age.)
Figenshu is German. I think it used to be a lot more letters, like Fiegenschuh. But when the first of my kin came over to Philadelphia, the immigration people were like, “we’re gonna take away all of the unnecessary letters.”
And Figenshu it’s been.
Fun fact: if you meet another Figenshu we are somehow related.
What This Means for My Work
My name has changed, but the work remains the same.
At Downstage Media, I help businesses clarify their message, develop sustainable content strategies, and stop overcomplicating their marketing.
If you’re refining StoryBrand messaging, building a content system, or trying to make sense of what actually moves the needle, you can expect the same level of thoughtfulness, clarity, and follow-through you’d find in my work under my former name.
How This Change Reflects My Brand
My work has always been rooted in clarity.
As a StoryBrand Certified Guide and Mailchimp Partner, I help businesses say what they mean, make intentional decisions, and build systems that don’t create unnecessary friction. Reclaiming my maiden name reflects that same principle.
Names are one of the clearest signals we have. They tell people who they’re dealing with and what to expect. Using the name that actually fits removes disconnect and makes everything else simpler.
I won’t pretend this transition is seamless. There are years of links, podcast appearances, and published work under my former name. Updating all of that takes time.
But clarity is rarely the easiest path. It’s just the one that holds up over the long term. And that’s the same standard I bring to my work.
Practical Details for Clients and Collaborators
Updated Contact Information: All communications will now come from Annie Figenshu. My email, website, and social media profiles will be updated by the end of this quarter. If you notice a Schiffmann in there, please tell me!
Same Focus, Same Expertise: Whether you’ve worked with me before or are just getting started, you can count on the same level of care, creativity, and results.
If you have any questions about this transition—or just want to connect—I’m here for you.
Closing Thoughts
Life is full of changes. Returning to the name Figenshu feels like the right step for this chapter in my life. It’s a nod to where I’ve come from and a declaration of where I’m going.
Thank you for being part of this with me. I’m excited to continue working with you as Annie Figenshu and to see what we can create together.
