There is often more than one right answer, and this seems to be particularly true for the question of whether folks should lean on family and friends for support with the brands. Your circumstances, relationships and other factors can determine what’s right for you – but we wanted to get a conversation going on the topic as it’s something that comes up often in our chats with entrepreneurs and creatives in the community.

Stewart Mcclain

When I first started asking family and friends to support my entrepreneurial journey, I naturally expected everyone would be on board. I thought, “They love me, they’ll definitely back my vision.” However, I soon realized that wasn’t always the case. Some friends showed up for every event and shared my work enthusiastically, while others were more distant, perhaps because they didn’t understand the vision. Interestingly, those moments when support didn’t come from expected sources forced me to look outward. For instance, I connected with someone completely outside my circle, who became a major supporter of All Hoods Unite. They believed in the mission even before some close to me fully did. This taught me that support isn’t about who you know, but about finding those who believe in your vision. Read more>>

Taylor Mcnally

I feel very comfortable asking friends and family to support my business! My family is my biggest support system and my business wouldn’t be where it is without them! They love me and want to see my business grow and will help me in any way that they can! I do think there are certain times where there is a line of what family should and shouldn’t do, but who am I to say! Everyone runs their business in a unique and special way that works for them! Read more>>

Kenny Jones

I personally feel that if you friends & family truly love you they should WANT to support your business. This is due to not all support comes in the form of money. This can be as simple as re-sharing your content on social media or spreading the word about your business. There is no greater way to show your support than these ways. I try to do all of these things for each & everyone one of my friends who own businesses. Yes buying a product may cost money but there are many ways to support without having to use money. Read more>>

Precious Dixon

I don’t believe that, asking your friends and family to support your business is a necessary step in success. You will attract the people that want to support your business without asking. I can remember when I first launched my brand on April 7, 2021 being upset that there were certain people that were not in my order list but as I continue to look through hundreds of orders from lunch day, I realized that the success was there and success does not always turn out how you want to turn out it doesn’t need to.  Read more>>