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.

Ari Tenenbaum

Starting a business is one of the most challenging things anyone can take on. For me personally, having a strong network of family and friends has been critical to my success. When we started Revolution Landscape, our first landscape projects were done on yards of friends and family. When we launched Instant Biologics and our flagship product, Instant Plant Food, we ran a Kickstarter campaign that was successful in large part due to participation from friends and family. Read more>>

Chayna Douglas

I’ve learned such an important lesson about asking friends/family to support me on social media. Asking your friends and family to support you, while it feels motivating and you can feel the love, we can also feel like they’re obligated to fully engage in all of your business endeavors. But the reality is, as a business person, you have to learn the skill of creating a clientele outside of people you know. Read more>>

Malika Humphrey

When I was first starting out, I was lucky enough to have friends/family who were supportive and encouraging. They helped me practice my skills and gave me a chance to practice them on them. Read more>>

Trenesha Harrison

When I think about the majority of people who support my business and my brand, I’ve always felt that, in comparison, it’s been from people who have done business with me. I get most of my referrals from past clients and from people in the real estate industry. I have found it really challenging to get the majority of my support from family. Read more>>

Chelsea Oliver

My friends and family are the sole reason I started this business. They believed in me long before I did. One day in 2020, during the pandemic, my sister-in-law called me an artist. When I first heard her say it I thought she was crazy, but I eventually started to believe it. I’ve never had to ask for support from my friends and family. They have networked for me, shared all of my work, and made me take chances. I would not have made it this far without them. Read more>>

Justyna Pagan

I never thought I was good enough and had a lot to learn still (which is true, there is always something new to be learned) when it came to photography. I have always practiced on my kids and my friends and strived to be the best that I could be at that. And as I imporved I got more and more support from my friends and family. It was such a great feeling knowin I have that village behind me to cheer me on. Read more>>

Keshun Brice

Asking is something I had to do but believing in myself like they believed in me. My family encourage me especially my parents they are truly my biggest supporters. I absolutely love the ones I call friend they’re going share every post . Those days I feel like I’m in over my head they all let me know I’m walking in my purpose. Read more>>

Adia Jones

I am the owner and Lead Floral Designer for Amazing Decor Interior Aesthetics, LLC (ADIA). My mission to create classic Floral Designs for our client‘s special occasion, wedding, event, or home through floral design, event styling, and decor. Often times I ask my family and friends to assist with large projects and events and I’m so thankful that I have such a supportive group of people in my life. Read more>>