What’s your view on asking friends and family to support your brand? We asked members of the community to open up and share their views on this controversial topic. Check out some highlights below.

Marcus Johnson

I feel like when asking friends and family to support you is not the correct way of doing business. Your target is bigger than them but I will say getting support from them is a plus. Shows love and gives motivation to keep pushing. Pricing does play a big part and if have family and friends who will pay Orginal Price then you will not run into certain situations that could possibly end friendships or family connections over Money. I draw the line when some come to me only looking for a deal or think I suppose to do something for free. When being an entrepreneur you have to stand firm regardless of who your doing business with. Read more>>

Sofiya Saykovska

A big part of growing your portfolio and experience is getting access to any and every project you can, even if it means creating your own and doing everything from directing to camera to editing. For me, this means collaboration with friends and family, especially in the beginning of my career. Read more>>

Jasmine Jones

I feel as though this is a touchy topic because it really does depend. Through my experiences in this industry starting out, I would only ask for my friends and family to be my models. Of course they would be supportive then because it’s almost free and I wasn’t that bad at doing hair anyway. As I got better and made this my profession my clients become more of my support system then anybody else. Even then my clients became my friends. With that being said I don’t really have that issue now, but what would bother me was when family/friends would reach there hand out so fast for a discount but wouldn’t hesitate to go to the next person or buy that new pair of shoes that just dropped. Read more>>

Quinn Marie Carl

Finding your support system in the Arts industry is challenging. Art is so subjective that finding those who relate or see something within your art is always changing. Finding an audience is hard and I always find that asking family or friends to support feels burdensome. I often give works away because it feels less intrusive than asking for people to buy it. Currently because my online presence is mostly on Instagram, you rely on algorithms to bring like minded individuals to your page and hope that they become customers! I am a fairly introverted person but every time my work is shared, liked, or interested with in anyway by family or friends my heart does a somersault! I appreciate any and all support in this business and hope that it continues to grow. Read more>>

 Ziruo Wang

During my first year of graduate school, I took a leave of absence due to health reasons, which allowed me to fully focus on my illustration career. I started selling my artwork online, showcasing it at art festivals, and turning it into merchandise. Throughout this journey, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the unwavering support of my family, friends, and mentor. Read more>>

Elainna Browner.

I have a supportive friends and family so I am okay with asking my family to support my business. I don’t think it is appropriate for friends and family to ask for discount from my business. Sometimes people feel that just because your family they are entitled to a discount. That’s where I draw the line. Read more>>