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.

Shiva Shamooil

I was never shy to ask family and friends to support our business as I was always confident of our products and service. I have always been convinced that they would be very happy with our exquisite line. Read more>>

Eleazar Mascorro Melchor

Asking friends and family for support in your business can be a complex and sensitive matter. Open and Honest Communication, It’s essential to have open and honest communication with your friends and family when seeking support for your business. Be clear about your needs, expectations, and the level of involvement you are seeking from them. Read more>>

Logan Kozminski

Todd and I are fortunate to be surrounded by great families. They are our biggest supporters and have been excited to see us grow. Our families were the very first customers of Perfect Circle Proteins+ and continue to purchase our products. Their willingness to help us in any manor is greatly appreciated as well! Our friends are also eager to assist us along the way, too. Not only do they support us by purchasing products, but they are continually providing us with new ideas and insight. This is just as crucial for adapting and growing as a company. We would not be the same without our awesome and supportive families and friends! Read more>>

Clarence Robinson

Now that’s a stumbling block everybodys running into being an entrepreneur. When I created my business, it was for my community, and it turned into greater. Asking your friends and family for support some may come up short because it’s not there. They may not understand your dreams and vision because they’re not clearly on their toes. My support has come less from my family and friends but I don’t focus on who’s not supporting me I focus on who is. That’s really what counts. I focus on my gift and continue to share it with the world. I mean it’s hard for me to charge my mom, and grandma for their food. It’s even harder to charge your friends and family for feeding them when someone passes away. I can count on both hands how many times I’ve donated my gifts for family and friends. I’m also a firm believer in knowing the universe will take care of me! Read more>>

Alisha Wilder

I read a quote the other day and it has really resonated with me. “Your hustle needs to be put on display in order for your business to grow and in order to find people who will support you and champion you.” When we first started the idea of Bookish Bliss Literary Retreats I was afraid to tell people as I did not want them to tell me we would fail or lie to me saying that we would kill it. So I only told select family members and friends and as I started telling them I stumbled across that quote and now I will tell anyone and everyone that will listen about our new business. If I am not out there being my own cheerleader no one else will and any start up needs a cheerleader and not only do they need one they need many cheerleaders so the more you tell and the more they see and feel your passion they too will become your cheerleaders. Read more>>

Ashley (Miss Marie) Olson

Asking your friends and family to support your business can be difficult. On one hand, they are the people closest to you and should ideally be supportive of your endeavors. On the other hand, your style of business may not align with their belief system, and in turn, they may not feel comfortable supporting you full force. Read more>>

Jenny Sifontes

I was lucky and had the support/push from my friends and family to start my business and I didn’t have to ask but I don’t think that it’s inappropriate to ask for friends or family support. I don’t believe you should force them. Support should come from a genuine place. We live in a very virtual world today where most things are seen online and I think it’s ok to ask them to support your online accounts by sharing, liking, etc.; the free stuff. I don’t believe you should ever ask them to buy something from you. People can sniff out when people buying items or people’s reviews of your items are disingenuous. Read more>>