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.

Savannah Brody

My name is Savannah Brody, I started my floral business about three years ago. Not knowing it would turn into what it is today. I started by making some floral arrangements for myself and my friends, which then proceeded to grow fast and fast with orders and then asking to do a wedding for the first time. Not only have friends and family been a huge part of me being able to have an at home business, but also to be able to provide for my family and be a more present mom. Friends and family have given me support and love, and I want to continue that support by continuing this business and to be able to bless future brides with beautiful Florals, and a small business that comes from humble beginnings. I am so thankful that I have been able to do as many weddings as I have the last three years, and that’s only because of all the word of mouth, connections, and sweet friends and family who have made that happen. I cannot wait to see what happens from here on out going into 2024, and to see more and more families come together during those wedding seasons, And to be able to be a part of that sweet time. Read more>>

Maria Delvs

I’ve never felt weird about asking my friends or family to support me and my endeavors. It’s such a natural ask. Usually once people see your motivation, they usually help and support organically. I think it’s appropriate to ask for a repost or a shout out on social platforms. Also a honest recommendation whenever appropriate. Of course I wouldn’t ask for any cash unless it was in support of a charitable organization I was collaborating with. That’s the only exception. Read more>>

Jean Walton

It is really hard to ask family and friends to support you in your business endeavors. I think it’s because we are afraid of what they will think if we fail. And women specifically tend to feel like they have to prove themselves to others anyway. But the main reason I went after my passions was because of the important relationships I have with the women in my life. I’m very close with my daughter Reese, my mom, my sisters and my girlfriends. I’ve seen so many times where women show up for each other to help, cheer one another on, or even just to be inspired by another woman’s journey. In a way we think, “If she can do it, maybe I can do it too!” Read more>>

Camissia Gooden

I have a strong support system with family and friends. My family has always supported me. The women buy and wear the earrings and the males share my post on social media which means a lot. Support is not just about spending money. Support is sharing and spreading the information about the business. Also, support is when you have a team of people that believe in your vision and cheer you on as you bring new ideas to the table. My spouse is my biggest cheerleader when it comes to believing in me. As far as my friends, all of them purchase from me. This style is not for everyone, but my friends tell me their preference and I give them what they want which opened another style to my customers that do not like the full look of the earrings. Read more>>

Marcus/Michaela Brooks/Hardeman

Asking friends and family to support your business is tricky and we do not think its wise. Typically asking your friends and family for support creates pressure for them. If you have to ask them for support they are not ready to support you. You have to first prove to your friends and family that you are not the little kid that they have come to know you as. Once they see your success they will come around and support on their time. If they do not there is no harm, no foul. Before we started KaylaMar I (Marcus) had a number of network marketing companies that I did as well as my own personal training company. In those ventures I went as far as to pay for multiple friends and family to join and they never took it as serious as the strangers who joined at full price. Friends and family are great for being there as you grow as a person, but strangers will be your biggest support. Read more>>

Amber Korban

My family loves to travel! Asking them to support my Travel Business was easy. It was natural to ask my family if I could start planning their next cruise or flight. I explained that I could get them insider deals and discounts. It was also great practice for me. Booking international is different than domestic. Read more>>

Kyle Salzer

Typically the most I ask from friends and family is nothing more than word of mouth and/or social media support. Cigars- and especially cigar accessories have such a niche target customer base. That spares me having to ask for support in terms of purchases. That in term spares any ego deflation in asking for direct support. The recommendations of my peers to a target customer holds way more value than a possible one time purchase anyway. I would much rather a relationship be built with a customer that has needs that I can fulfill by doing business. Read more>>

Leah Brawley

To be honest, this is a sensitive topic for me. I do not directly ask family or friends to support me. I used to plead but now I do not. Most of my asking is done via social media, which they are all on. Different types of support includes being a resource, monetary, social, etc. I know we hear all the time that the people you know will support you the least and in a way I have found that to be true. I have a huge family and I can count on one hand how many of them I can get to even share a post in relation to a project I have put out or contributing to help me get a production together. When it comes to asking for monetary support I also leave that to social media as well, posting a crowdfunding source to assist. Read more>>

Kasey Orr

When you are starting any new endeavor you always hope that your family and friends are going to be your biggest cheerleaders. Most of us will have at least a few of those from the start. If this is the case, great, but don’t expect it. Certainly don’t get upset or internally criticize anyone for not supporting or purchasing from you. When you start a business you don’t have the luxury of blaming other people for your lack of business or sales. That’s on you. Read more>>