For some, family businesses mean spending more quality time with their families, financial freedom and so much more while for others it feels like a prison sentence. There are so many pros and cons, positives and negatives and so we wanted to create a space for folks who have experiences with family businesses to discuss the pros and cons.

Jodi & Sam Krantz

Family is the core of Ohio Wood and Iron Works! Our shop began as a father-daughter operation, and has expanded to a point where everyone in our family is involved. We have always been a close family, and therefore we approach business with the same household values that have grown strong over the years. Our company is comprised of my parents, and my brother and I. Together, we have endured life’s rollercoaster of successes and challenges during our business journey. We each have different strengths and talents, which when combined, create a rewarding venture. Read more>>

Maud Jean-Baptiste

Family business isn’t a long quiet river like French would say! Such o rollercoaster of emotions, interrogations, doubts, surpises, joy and tears! We have learned so much since we created Maison Porcella in 2018. Read more>>

Anabel Sanchez

It’s hard! As a single mom, my children have seen me work from day one. My son now 21 works for his dad’s business. My daughter 9yrs old asks me everyday when’s our next event so she can earn money. Read more>>

Nancy Leon

This is a great question for me! Fun fact: I come from a line of business owners! My grandparents, my parents, and now all but one of my (6) siblings are a business owner. When I was about 8 years old, my parents opened the very first Mexican/Latino grocery store in the valley that we lived in. Therefore, I instantly became an employee, along with the rest of my family. This first hand experience, showed me that running a family business flows relatively nicely. Everyone in my family played an important role, and together, we grew the business and became very well known in our community for it. At one point, we had 3 locations, as well as a warehouse!! I think that all of us coming together as a team is what worked well for us. It’s a little difficult when you spend practically 24/7 with your parents and siblings, but I feel that that is why we were such a united and strong family. I definitely would want my children to join my business, and in fact, they already have!! My daughter assists me with setting up/cleaning up, as well as other duties I might delegate to her. She will be taking a nail tech program soon, and will became Damoza Beauty’s nail tech! My middle son is a self taught graphic designer. He actually is the one who created my logo, he makes my decals for my business, flyers, ads, etc. He plans to formally attend a graphic design school and grow his own business as well. My little one is still very young, but he also helps me around at the studio with tasks that he is able to fulfill at his young age. I’m trying to instill, if not feed this hustle mindset that runs in our DNA. If I can set them up to have their own businesses even before graduating high school, I’ll be fulfilled! Read more>>