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.

Majora Bengtson

When I first started out, I was adamant that I had to do everything on my own. It was my business idea, so the struggles were also mine to deal with. Thankfully my family can recognize when I’m struggling and they stepped in to help. Read more>>

Melissa Olguin

Clearly communicate your request for support, whether it’s sharing your work, referring clients, or purchasing your products/services. It’s helpful to explain why their support is meaningful to you. Respect their boundaries: Understand that not everyone may be interested or able to support your business. Do not pressure or guilt-trip them if they decline your request. Respect their decision and maintain your relationship regardless. Read more>>

Nigeria Hills

Family and friends are my biggest supporters. When I started Oh So Pretty Kreations, my first customer was my mom. My family and friends supports my business and take it seriously so they don’t ask for discounts because they’re aware that this is a way I provide for my son. But I have a big heart so there isn’t I time that I don’t show my gratitude and appreciation for their continuous support. Read more>>

Timothy Richards

I typically never ask my friends or family to support my business. The reason is because I don’t want it to be a forced relationship. I want it to be authentic because they genuinely believe in what I’m doing. I know a lot of my peers may disagree with that statement because the people closest to you should, but with the way I think it’s gonna be the random strangers who you don’t know who’s gonna be the reason why your business grows Read more>>

Meriah Cummings

When it comes to the support of family and friends i honestly feel once you see what i have going on and I’ve made you knowledgeable to what im involved in im not chasing anyone to support or promote my business that would just be a disappointment to myself. Read more>>

Trish Hawthorne

When it comes to family and friends supporting your business, I think it’s important to place them where they fit best for your needs without taking anything personally. Utilize your resources, but don’t count on friends and family to be your main customers or the main support system for your business. If you have friends in photography or family in web design, place them in the appropriate area so you can maximize your productivity without having to work as hard to find talented individuals you can trust. Read more>>

Antoné Graham

In my view, I believe that those closest to us, such as friends and family, should share a genuine desire to support our endeavors. I consider myself fortunate because I have been lucky enough to experience the positive impact of my circle’s support. For years my family and friends were pushing me to “stop being scared” and start a business due to my many talents they’ve witnessed evolve over the years. Read more>>

Valerie Nieto

I opened my tattoo shop “ Blackbear Tattoo and Design Company” last May. I opened it on a whim, because another friend suggested I do so . I was humbled by the support that i received from friends. My shop was pretty much all word of mouth and its my friends and family spreading the word. No ones asked me for discounts, I have regular customers. If it wasn’t for my friends I think my shop would be dead in the water. Read more>>

Amaya Jacques

I feel like the biggest way to support my creative work other than booking me for a job is sharing my work on social media. Engagement goes such a long way and sometimes people don’t understand. By Liking, commenting, and sharing a post, you can help an artist reach such a bigger audience. I always tell people my next client could be one of your followers. Read more>>

Irene Mudd

I would not be where I am with my business without the help of my friends and family, and I think most small business owners would agree with that. Support comes in many other forms than buying my goods or commissioning art—many of my friends and family have shared their knowledge and used their skills to help me execute projects. In turn, I do the same for them. Read more>>

Jason Robinson

Asking your friends and family to support your business is such a slippery slope in my opinion. Most people are eager to support you once, but it’s a false sense of what your business true customer will look like. Often times, people are just happy to see someone they love trying something new. They are less honest about how to hone in on how the product can be better, or if they truly even plan to use it. More often than not if you are starting out when they tell people about your products, it’s going to be some sorta of mediocre story told. Read more>>

Desi Rodgers

My family and friends are very supportive of Desi Daily Coffee. There is not a week that goes by were one of my family members are not sending me a coffee shop they passed, a new coffee drink they have tried, or just telling random people about Desi Daily Coffee. My grandmother was not clear on what I was doing at first and thought it was just a hobby. Read more>>

Jackie Kilgore

As a small business owner, I feel having a support system of friends and family is super beneficial. My friends and family help me tremendously both personally and professionally. The best help they provide doesn’t even cost the anything and usually I don’t even have to ask for help. Read more>>

Michelle Shattuck

Asking for support is never wrong! the way you go about it . . . can be. I’m a firm believer that your biggest advocates when it comes to your business and professional development are your friends and family. That being said never in the history of being, owning, or starting a business will a family member not ask for that special discount. Often times our biggest cheerleaders can forget decorum when it comes to owning a small business. Read more>>

Alexis Driver

Having a business, while also being a first generation business owner has its ups and downs. A lot of times you may not feel like your getting the proper support you would like from family or peers but it’s shouldn’t stop you from accomplishing your dreams and aspirations! It is good to ask for opinions and ideas but I feel like it’s always key to be sure to follow YOUR first mind as well because you know what best suits you. Read more>>

Jen Risley

Since 2017, I’ve used rewards-based crowdfunding to invite friends and family to support my work. Emphasis on the “invite” — since I hope they’ll contribute to my campaign because the mission (or the “why” of the work) resonates with their values and work. I use the Local Crowd Cooperative’s crowdfunding platform and make it available for other entrepreneurs and community members in my community to use. Read more>>