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.

Chántelle Agbro

This is probably one of the hardest lessons that I’ve encountered as an entrepreneur. The first rule of thumb is please do not expect your family to continuously support you by buying something from you. I know that may sound weird considering our friends and family are our first customers but you ultimately are making your product/service for those who don’t know you. When I launched my calendars in 2019, Read more>>

Allison Holden

Asking others to support your business, whatever that business may be, can be uncomfortable. Many of us were raised with the notion that we should pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and not ask for help or rely on others, especially when it comes to something as controversial as money. But the fact is that every time you scan your credit card, make a purchase online, hit the like button, or share a post on social media, you’re choosing to support a business. Read more>>

Michael Will

When photography went from a hobby to a career, there was a big mental shift that happened. I remember thinking that I had to introduce myself as a photographer and tell my family and friends this is what I do now. It’s no longer just a hobby or side hustle, this is my career. People want to help and support you, a lot of times they don’t know how. Read more>>

Wynter Aiken

The biggest thing about trying to make it big in your career is having those around you that not only care about you, but also celebrating your craft with you. Ever since I started putting my work of writing and creating out into the world, getting my friends and even closest family members to support and share has been a major reality check because they don’t do it. Read more>>

De-Ven Atkinson

As A Chef nd Business Owner the main way I tell people they can help all businesses especially Black Owned is to Support! Whether it’s ordering from that business, sharing their posts, sharing their videos, passing business cards along it all goes a longgggggg way! Even as Business owners we should support one another by doing the same as well, cause it’s enough at the table for everyone to Eat as I always say!! But Yes Genuine Support in anyway shape or form to business is a Great Help! Read more>>

Michelle Shelton

I don’t really ask anyone for support. I kind of just do it on my own. I always have been a go getter and have always been that way since I was 15 years old. If someone want to support you they will and plus I never want to feel like i have to beg “friends ” or “family” to support me. Read more>>

Celia Jardon

Strangers will make you rich! Unpopular opinion, your friends and family will not be your best clients. They may support your dreams, however it doesn’t matter what business you start, you will need to expand your network in order to truly become successful! Read more>>

Roshel Madden

I have the most amazing friends and family who have shown incredible support to me throughout the years. What has that looked like? It is when I get a text from a friend or family member that encourages or commends my work. It is also when friends and family don’t expect a discount-they value me and my business and want to pay full price. I also love when a friend or family member subscribes to my blog, or tells me they enjoy reading my blog. Read more>>

Davaughn Hailey

Just in general asking for help is something many don’t want to do. When it comes to business, my personal opinion is that it’s a hidden fear of many. To build your brand and push it with hopes that it’ll mean something to the next like it does to you. You just wish and hope those closest to you would be ecstatic to rush and support you or just give the solid insight or what they think you should do to help business get better. Read more>>

Tarek Husseini

When it comes to my friends and family supporting Tarek Bakes, they have had the largest influence on my successes. Since day one, my family–especially my mom has been my biggest cheerleader. She helped me with everything from deliveries to social media, and most importantly the dishes. She was the one who came with me to Los Angles for Kids Baking Championship, and even now that I can do most things myself, she still continues to be that cheerleader. Read more>>

Irvin Retiz

One of the most misunderstood things when you start a business is that you should give discounts to family and friends. To some extend when you start off from scratch in business your prices will definitely be lower because you’re brand new in the game and nobody knows your name yet. You need to build clientele and a portfolio of projects or products that you’ve successfully sold. Read more>>

Krishawn Huggins

My name is Krishawn Huggins, 31 year old black female, in KCKS, and also a small business owner. I specialize in anything eyelash. I also now have under my belt diploma in Aesthetics, Herbalist Certificate, and am certified in Yoni Steaming. “Blink Pretty By Kitty” is where you will find anything eyelash, book appts , get facials, body waxing, and I host classes, etc. I even customize item like my new ” Bossy Budget Binders”. Read more>>

Diamond Smith

I have always been a person with many ideas. I remember being a kid and using my imagination to “build” a cleaning robot, and all of the ideas for inventions and businesses I would come up with and let flow out of my brain into nothingness. I had the idea for MadCollab based on a different idea I had a while back and decided to look into the process of creating an app. Read more>>

LaQuann Easton

Asking for support form family and friends is kind of good and bad. The good about is it shows you who’s with you and supportive of your business. The bad part is not everyone will support you just because they’re your family/friend. I’ve experienced both ends of the deal and at first it bothered me, then I accepted it for what it was and not what I was expecting it to be. Read more>>

Jess Simon

being a small business owner is tough, and support from your friends and family is huge! there are so many ways people can support small businesses without having to even pay a penny! sharing posts on social media, spreading by word of mouth, and writing reviews are small ways that can help make an impact on business owners. Read more>>

Morgan Stinson

When I first started out exhibiting my work in group shows in San Diego, I think many of my friends and family wanted to support and even purchase their own pieces, whether my work truly spoke to them or not. I’ve always appreciated the support I’ve received, and I’m really honored that so many of my pieces have found homes with my loved ones and not just strangers or collectors. Read more>>

Nora Gavarrete

We started out as a small family business and still depend on the support we receive from them. We would not be able to do this without the support of our friends and family. With the type of business that we have, events come up where we may need additional hands and someone is always there to jump in when needed. Whether it’s to help pick up a refrigerator in a trailer because we can’t fit it or work a shift because someone called off. Read more>>