When you think of Starbucks, two things probably spring to mind. First, great coffee. Second, the siren. So who is this memorable maiden, who’s been with us, in various forms, since our inception? She’s the brainchild of Terry Heckler, a corporate artist and the one-time creative partner of Gordon Bowker, co-founder of Starbucks.

Flash back to 1971. Inspired by Seattle’s proximity to Puget Sound and the coffee industry’s seafaring roots, Terry and our founders had given the company a name, but they needed an icon to go with it. Terry scoured old marine books until an illustration caught his eye – it depicted a siren, a seductive twin-tailed mermaid from Greek mythology who enticed passing sailors to their doom with her enchanting song.

Over the years the artist’s original creation has received a few makeovers, but her essence remains the same. She’s captivating, mysterious and, as Terry put it, “the perfect metaphor for the siren song of coffee that lures us cupside.”