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.

Michael Gaglione

Redline Athletics – Sutton Square is a family owned business that opened its doors in July of 2021. We are Raleigh’s premier youth training facility for youth athletes. We train any athlete from 5-18 years old and specialize in injury prevention, speed, agility and strength training. Read more>>

Dean Ellis

Asking friends and family to support your business is a bridge that every entrepreneur will cross at some point during the growth of their business. Family and friends are not always clients to our businesses although we usually wish that they were. But they do and can play an extremely important role as it relates to support that is not by exchange of the dollar. Entrepreneurs are always in need of operational , financial and emotional support, as navigating through running a business can be extremely challenging at times, but what I have found to be the most Important support is my circle. Read more>>

Trey McRae

One of the hardest concepts for young entrepreneurs to understand and deal with, is lack of support from family, close friends, and people they grew up with. I have worked with countless entrepreneurs and most of them have the same experience when it comes to who supports them and who doesn’t. The narrative is always strangers show more love and support than family and friends. I tell young entrepreneurs one of the first things they have to do is remove all expectations that they have for people. Having expectations leads to disappointment and frustration. Read more>>

Kritika Katwal

My name is kritika katwal. I moved in Atlanta GA, from Melbourne, Australia in the end of year 2020. I am originally from Nepal. Travelling has always has been my hobby and passion. I am always drawn and amazed by the beautiful and authentic architecture , houses and landscapes since my childhood. Although I have contributed my career as a health professional for nearly a decade, COMING to America has given me the courage to try new adventure in life. I am glad I choose to be a real estate agent as it has given me the power to help people explore their financial opportunities and options, find their sweet home and happy place to live in. Read more>>

Michelle Donald

The hardest thing I learned in the fashion industry that its going to be outsiders that support your business more than family/friends do that’s a very hard pill to swallow especially when you wanted to make those people proud and show them that even though most people don’t make it far in this industry you beat the odds and actually succeed. Read more>>

Alyxandria Schroeder

Friends and family have always been a vital part of making our space what it is. The biggest compliment I have received as a business owner is that when people walk into the shop they feel warm and welcome and a part of it all – and that’s always been my goal. Initially friends and family would come in and show their support and hang out at the bar – then strangers would join in conversation and before long they would be friends hanging out at the bar too. It’s really special and feels very gratifying to be a space where people feel at home. Read more>>