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.

Martina Marcet

One of my professors once told me, “your fan base starts with your friends and family” and till this day, it is something that I keep in mind whenever I embark on a new project. Stripping away from the economic aspect of my business, I believe, having a good support system of people that are close to you and stand behind your ideas and passions, is key when building something from scratch. Both friends and family are always going to be your number one supporters even before anyone knows about your project. Read more>>

Melissa Rudd

We opened our first DaVinci’s Donuts in Alpharetta in 2014. We really had no idea what we were getting into and needed help. We are a family owned and operated business. I have 2 sons who have worked in the business from the time they were 14 and 10. We have had our brother and sister in law help with marketing and branding. Even our parents have worked in the shop and any family that comes to visit will help. Read more>>

Vanessa Jeune

Hi, my name is Vanessa and i am a upcoming singer and photographer. I appreciate all the support and love that everyone shows me already but it would be great if everyone continues to repost and share my music/photos so i may become more out there. My music page on Instagram which i have just started is @lyricallyenchanted and my photography page is @_theperfectcapture. Thank you in advance Read more>>

Kait Fontenot

In the beginning, it was really difficult to ask friends and family to show up and support me because it was hard for them to grasp the concept of what I did for a living. Now, after 8 years in business, they’re finally at a point where they understand what I do and try to support me and encourage me along the way. My best advice for anyone dealing with that issue is this: give them grace. Continue to explain to them what you do for a living & be okay with the fact that they may take a while to grasp the concept! Read more>>

Kiaira Ferguson

When you start a brand, you expect your first clients to be your own people. I found out the hard way that is never the case! Family and friends will often expect free or discounted services! They do not understand that this is our bread and butter lol. I have implemented a no friend and no family booking rule. The only exception is if they pay full price with no complaints. You will find complete strangers to be your biggest supporters and money makers, so do not focus on the woes of friends and family when there is a whole field of consumers waiting to support you! Read more>>

Marina Awerbuch

As a mom, I often invited friends with children to come to my programs. Starting your own small business always requires a leap of faith. I knew and believed that my programs would bring the participants value. However, it feels amazing to have my friends and family be my biggest cheerleaders. My friends have also been my active promoters. They have helped me spread the word, invited friends, and volunteered as professional photographers for social media. I attribute my success to my close knit community. Read more>>

Nishia Slater

When I launched my Coaching business in 2020, I knew the support from my friends and family was not going to be as supportive as I would like. At first, I didn’t know how to take it because I thought they would be proud of me. I knew that things would take off running for me because I could rely and depend on them. News flash! As I started healing within my Coaching business, I learned that friends and family may not support me because they don’t know how and they might not be as proud of me as I would like. My smile became bigger because I learned how to not take it personal. Read more>>