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.

Timiah Brooks

I honestly feel like you shouldn’t have to ask for support from people who you know and love . It’s funny I’m going through this same situation as we speak ! The family and friends that do support me will always be in my heart . My main support comes from strangers ,whether it’s from me passing out my cards to them commenting on my social media . I’ve learned some things you can’t take personal . It used to make me feel sad in way . I see a lot of them post celebrity Businesses or one of their peers Businesses . I have separated myself from alot of people just because the support wasn’t genuine . I’m ok with that now . “Everyone can’t go with you “ is one of the best quotes I’ve stuck with for a long time . I have come to peace with a lot in my life and all I want is To become better for my Business Read more>>

Heather Elzinga

I would not be in the position I am now with my business if it were not for my family and friends support. What started solely on word of mouth and repeat customers has grown tremendously throughout the past 10 years. This has gone far beyond the hobby I started. Having a strong presence in the community and meeting customers face to face has also helped gain attention to my business. It’s not always about the sale, I am grateful for any like, comment, review, personal thank you and recommendations that I receive and often ask my customers to do so. It’s not always about the sale, but the connections that make you succeed. Read more>>

Randall Collins

Asking friends and family to support my business has always been conflicting to me. I have this idea that in a perfect world, everyone supports everyone by purchasing their items and services from small businesses. I have come to realize that not every person in your life will share or use your services. This is not because they don’t support you at all, but because your services may not be in their interests at the time. I never will be mad at someone for not supporting my business the way that I want them to support it. Word of mouth, social media shares, and using my services are the ways that speak to me the most, but I may not see everything that my friends and family are doing. I will not let business come between me and family. I’ve actually had one family member that abused my services when I first started. I learned from that situation and continued to make my foundation stronger. My aunt didn’t pay me for my services. I was observant enough to not send her the photos before the payment. A few years later she sent me money and asked if “we were good”. From that initial moment, I knew that I had to secure deposits before starting business with anybody. I appreciated the support from a family member, but at the end of the day, she was a client too. Read more>>

 Joey Neas

We think that out of mouth is the most effective and important way to promote. We are simply to looking for eyes and ears. Enjoy what you see? Show the love. Support shown is what we are gearing for. With this brand we have had the opportunity to work with all levels. And learn from each project as well. From touring to just doing local projects it’s all apart of the JGN Legacy. Read more>>

Sheila “Nefertiti” Montas

Unfortunately, I always been the type to not ask for help. I’ve Always been that way since I was younger, always been independent and that “get it on my own” type of person. I understand that people have their own lives to live and most people have a lot going on so me asking someone for help when their probably struggling helping themselves is just pointless for me. BUT, I do appreciate those who support my movement and add on to it without me having to ask them. I also figured that if I don’t ask for help then It will leave no room for feeling hurt or disappointed whenever someone doesn’t support if I were to ask them. Read more>>