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.

D’anae Grandberry

This topic is one that has been argued about for the last few years when it comes to anyone growing and owning a business. I’ve been fortunate enough to have family and friends that truly do support my business. They have been great about spreading the word about my business and my family has always invested in my work. Read more>>

Raisa Natividad

You can’t just ask for business and not do the effort. I do ask friends/ family to repost my posts so I could reach more audience. But you have to put in the effort, show that you have credibility in your business. Gain your friends/families’ trust. In a short amount of time, I was able to generate business just with referrals. If you know someone who is a business owner, show the support you want to receive. And whoever supports you, make sure you show gratitude. Read more>>

Loren McManus

My business would not be where it is today without the support of my family and friends. My parents specifically, have been one of the main reasons i made it through the hardest season of life while starting out on my fashion design journey. They supported me in ways i’ll never be able to repay them, but i hope to make them proud! My husband has been a true backbone of my business ventures as well and has stood by me every step of the way, even when my ideas seem completely crazy and unrealistic, he has supported me and encouraged me through it all. Read more>>

Anasiah Clark

Well when I first started our business, I wanted my main support to be family and friends. At that time you would expect them to be the first to support, I had to learn the hard way. I think too much of my focus was to get them to shop, share things on social media and so on… for the most part I have great family and friends that support to the fullest which I appreciate so very much, but when reality kicked in I had to tell myself that I’m not doing this for friends or family… Read more>>

John Frame

When it comes to asking friends and family to support my business I find that I don’t really ask. I have done that before but normally when I ask it doesn’t always happen. I have learned that I don’t really have to ask for support, just continue to push the business and the support will come. My friends and family do support my business but not because I ask them to, they support because they want to! Read more>>

Whitney Victoria

When starting a new business/venture, it is common to want your family and friends to support you. I have grown to understand that family and friends are not obligated to support me (if they do it is definitely a plus). There were times, I was discouraged when certain friends or family did not support me. I realized that when God gave me a vision, it was not meant for everyone to understand or support (and that is ok). Most times others will not understand or support your vision until they see the actual fruit that is harvested from your work. I am forever grateful to my friends, family, and loved ones that continuously support me. Read more>>

Antoinette Turner

You’d be surprised to know that asking friends and family for support, could prove to be challenging Read more>>

Shannon Abney

Your friends and family are not your target audience but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways for them to support your business. I didn’t realize this until almost a year in business. I wanted to expand my business and add candles to inventory. I didn’t want to make the candles myself but I wanted to be able to oversee the process. I was talking with one of my friends and she said I want to do it. Why didn’t you ask me? In that moment I was thinking and I realized I didn’t ask because it was never a thought. I was thinking I need to pay someone instead of investing in my friend as she was investing in me. She did an amazing job learning and will be taking classes to perfect the process. Read more>>

Ali Kinsey Keith

Since the creation of Kinsey Designs in 2015, support from my family and friends has not been in short supply. I know when my friends or family need a gift they think of Kinsey first, and they’re always willing to share a social media post. Read more>>

Litta Monea

You should not have to ask family and friends to support your dreams. If they do, they will. If they want to they will. Strangers will always be more supportive is what I’ve learned. Read more>>

Sharonda Williams

This topic has been a revisited topic of discussion in my life since the tender age of 12. Yes! 12. I have the hustler gene from my late father and, unfortunately, the same heart for helping others and not having that same energy reciprocated. Now, before I continue, please read my tone as honest and not bitter. Read more>>

Ta’Naiyah Jenkins

When I first started my business, I relied on my family and friends to support my business but they never fully cooperated. We small business owners explore the role of friends and family in helping us succeed. Throughout my 3 years of business, I’ve learned that strangers will support you more than your own family and friends. They will show up and show out for you. It’s discouraging when your family and friends don’t support you. That always made me go harder! It’s totally fine though because they’re not my target audience. Read more>>