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.

Katrina Blyum

The hardest part about owning a business is actually having your friends and family support you properly and not them just saying they support you. It’s important for them to like, comment, share your products achievements etc. not just on social media but also in the real world as they encounter individuals looking for a service like yours instead of promoting big Corps. Read more>>

Jeremy Braggs.

Not a story, but an understanding. I’m always telling business owners that asking for support from their friends and family will kill their business. You have to ask yourself, Is what you are offering something you’ve seen your family and friends by before you started doing it? I know for myself I come from a family where the only time they bought photos was when it was school photos. Also, are your family and friends in a circle that will get you in front of people who will purchase your service, or will they recommend you to people just like them? Read more>>

Deseri Rice

This is where I feel a lot of creatives get discouraged. Something that I never too much had an issue with but I preach to my creative friends on the daily that strangers will support you more than people you know and that’s ok! Our goal is to build an authentic liking or audience because what happens when you start trying to appeal to family and friends just for their support is you’ll start creating things you don’t enjoy. Your passion becomes a job not in a good way. The motivation and drive dies. Read more>>

Jaeda Davis

I don’t sweat this much. I promote my business to the audience it is intended for. Whether it be friends, family or strangers. What is for me is for me. I promote, they see, whatever is the outcome is the outcome. I can say though being an entrepreneur shows you who is really in your corner. Who really supports you and your decisions. Small business owners appreciate the support! Even if its as simple as a share on social media or a word of mouth referral.. Support isn’t always monetary. Read more>>

Victoria Mclean-Callaway

It has been a wonderful experience to ask my friends and family to support my red velvet cake line that includes candles, room sprays and carpet freshener . I have so much support from family and I am very grateful for that they also told there friends about my line and I have received orders that way as well.A lot my friends have been repeat customers and they absolutely love the red velvet cake candle ,room spray and carpet freshener they love the smell. Read more>>

Shakera Stith

While I would hope that family and friends would be a part of my growth with success, it is not something I pressure them with. Fincailly I don’t feel like that type of pressure to spend money with you should be a thing. Your family and friends should not be your target audience, neither should they be a big percentage of it. However i do feel like they are a big part of my support on their own in other ways, especially my wife! Read more>>