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.

Lexie Bristol

When asking friends and family to support your business, it is essential to remember why you started. Connecting your circle to the why behind your brand is critical. If you keep your eyes focused on why you started your business in the first place, you can share why your friends and family would want to support you! Those closest to you want to be involved in your dreams when they flow from a genuine place of passion. Read more>>

Cheyanne Larsen-glenn

Starting a business often feels like diving into the unknown, and in those early days, the support of family and friends can be the safety net that keeps you afloat. When I first stepped away from my marketing job in 2020 to pursue entrepreneurship, I had no roadmap—just a passion for photography and a dream. My community became my foundation. They didn’t just cheer me on from the sidelines; they stepped up as my first clients, my biggest encouragers, and my most vocal advocates. Read more>>

Anwar Alston Jr

I think that’s where everything starts, a supportive family can go a long long way in becoming who you are as an entrepreneur. Nothing’s frowned upon in my opinion when it comes to asking for support it’s just as important as showing up for each other. Whenever my friends and family want me to make them something or even come out to my events it gives me an extra boost of “I’m right where I need to be” Read more>>