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.

Willie Mewborn III.

Asking friends and/or family to support your business should be a guaranteed habit but somehow it’s not. In other words, spreading and promoting your loved ones skills only feels right if you truly love them. However, based on my experiences most family and friends decide to show support only when you show certain progress. It seems like most want to see you reach a certain level or accomplishment which isn’t a bad thing. It gives them more excitement. Many people seek support from their loved ones and when it doesn’t happen it can create a disappointment. Read more>>

Jamie Foreman.

Deciding to become my own boss was not an easy decision, but in 2018, I took the plunge and got my REALTORS® license in Tennessee with one goal in mind – to HELP people while providing for my family. Since then, I’ve stumbled, I’ve achieved success, and overcome obstacles I never thought possible! And it turns out, it was the HELP from mentors, family and friends that got me here… Read more>>

Edris Naseri

When I founded Orzala Beauty, I knew that I was on to something special. I was confident in the products I had created, all of which were infused with Himalayan saffron. But as any entrepreneur knows, success doesn’t come easy. I had to reach out to friends and family to support my business and spread the word for bringing traffic and spreading word-of-mouth. And of course, social media was a key part of this campaign; Read more>>

William & Stephanie Kimbrough

I don’t ask friends and family for support. Why should I have to ask? You’re looking for disappointments asking some friends and family members for their support, and in this fast moving business you have to surround yourself around like minded people. The trick we use is this. You find someone who’s interested in what you’re doing, and also friends with your family or friend(s). Let them keep promoting your brand around family and friends and in most cases family and friends will come around depending on your company’s presence and popularity. Read more>>

Terrance Manning

I am currently a soccer coach/Director of Coaching for a club called Total Ginga Academy here in the local Cincinnati, OH area. I grew up playing for the club when they were only a futsal club but have expanded exponentially since then now becoming a soccer and futsal club. With my skills and learning experience as a coach, my family and friends then encouraged me to become a soccer personal trainer. Read more>>

Semaj Sheppard.

When I first started my brand I automatically thought family and friends would be my main supporters but it actually turned out to be more strangers that turned into family and friends Read more>>

Brie Chester

I had a close friend who I noticed did not support my business. She would not repost or share anything nor would she shop. I started to see her promote the businesses of others and shop with their brand. Although I was hurt by her actions and did not understand the lack of support, I decided to put myself and my business first by distancing myself from her. Read more>>

Danielle Leigh Dale (Dani Leigh).

Although going into any business ultimately our goal is to use our sphere of influence to gain a following sometimes that can come with unforeseen disappointment. From selling real estate, to opening businesses that are customer driven I have received support in places I never expected it, and never received it in places that I did expect it. It can be very disheartening when you are passionate about anything to see that people you are the closest to choose another professional or business over you. Read more>>

Maureen & Emilie

The catalyst for Midnight Teas(e) was the enthusiasm of our friends. For years we only-half-jokingly entertained the idea of opening a tea shop, but it always felt like an unrealistic dream. When we told a friend about our idea, she was so certain of our abilities and idea that she, in turn, inspired the confidence in us that we needed. Not enough can be said about the power of surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family. Read more>>