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.

Ahlam Almanini.

My success in the real estate industry relies solely on great relationships formed and word of mouth. I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for close friends and family that believe in me and want to see me sore! I am extremely dedicated and driven to offer the best possible services for whomever I’m working with. In order for me to continue to succeed, I ask everyone that loves and cares for me to support me! Read more>>

FAMA Entertainment

Starting the Movement we’ve created just this year, we had no working capital. We just started hosting our own events and reinvested all profits over and over again to then spend our profits on smaller investments such as biodegradable post cards, banners, etc. for marketing. Applying for business loans today, especially after the pandemic is almost impossible. Read more>>

Perla & Christian Zamora.

Before starting Crush Superfoods, we both had dropped out of school. We knew that wasn’t what we wanted. Our family, especially our parents, were not too happy with the idea of us quitting school. Family members always wants what best for their children and wants to see them grow. When we told them our idea of starting our own business, they didn’t seem fond of it. They were scared it was too much of a risk and to us, it was a HUGE risk. Read more>>

Kelli McCollum

Most of my friends and family support me on social media. They share posts and give my name out when someone might be interested. That means a lot to me. Two of my brothers don’t have a big presence on social media and don’t really applaud me or my efforts. Trying not to take that personally. (Ha.) But for the most part I’m very blessed by a large group of supportive people. I don’t advertise so social media and word of mouth is key.. Read more>>

Angel Gray

Before I started my business, I always heard that strangers will support you before your friends and family will. I’m grateful that my experience has been a little different than this narrative. I started my business outside of my hometown, away from my family and friends, and I still feel loved and supported 100%. I’m blessed that I didn’t have to ask my friends or family to support me. I made a business Instagram account, and all my loved ones automatically followed. Read more>>

Kayty Pryor.

When you finally take the leap and start your business, it was probably backed with a lot of “you’re so good at that, you should sell it!” Or “Omg I would so buy that from you.” These are just a couple examples of friends and family supporting your ideas before. But now, are they still as friendly and supporting? It’s a fine line when it comes to relationships and business. You always want to give them the “family discount” but do margins actually allow you to? Not when you’re a start up small business. Read more>>

Trevis Bailey

Becoming an entrepreneur is super fun in the beginning. You get. very excited about the possibilities and what could be. As you pull the plans together, you get your friends and family on board. When you finally launch, your social media goes wild with likes, comments, and shares… you can FEEL the support! But after a while, the support lessens more and more… and it’s not because your friends and family care any less, it’s generally because those lovely people aren’t your audience. Read more>>

Tykia Peterson

I feel we expect friends and family to be the first to support our business. We expect them to be there hand and foot when we put out a new product or new accessories pertaining to our business. But that’s not always the case when creating new projects and content , realistically. Family and friends love to support but you only have so much of them that it just seems like it’s not enough support. Read more>>

Tamani Lyn

Starting any type of new business can be extremely difficult and super scary. But there’s so much beauty in community that seems to make all of those thoughts and doubts fade away. With both WOMEN OF LYN and HOUSE OF LYN, I had the genuine support of my city (the DMV) close friends, and family. This pushed me to see past my fears of starting both businesses and to just go full force. When you have people behind you that genuinely support you, it makes your entrepreneurial journey ten times easier. Read more>>

Sarah Mikulski

I’m sure that you’ve heard this before, but success is lonely. The people that you thought would be there for your highest highs and your lowest lows are the same people who are nowhere to be found during, well, any of it. On the flip side of things, you come to realize the lengths that the people who love and care about you will go to to show you support, build you up, and lend you a hand wherever they can. Running a business is a very personal thing, and people won’t understand. Read more>>

Clarissa Maldonado.

When you start your own business I think asking friends and family to support your business is probably the best thing because with them so much potential clientele can come in. Promoting your friend or families business doesn’t cost anything so why not? I know sometimes it can feel annoying asking people to share, comment or refer you to people but honestly networking is the biggest thing you can do for your business. Read more>>