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.

Adrienne Johnson

If it weren’t for my friends and family, I wouldn’t have a business. They were the ones who saw the talent in me, encouraged me to decorate other spaces, and when I finally started my business, they lined up to be my first clients. I believe it’s totally acceptable to ask friends and family to support my business because there are so many levels of support. Whether it’s interacting with my social media posts, referring me to other potential clients, offering to lend an extra hand on my organizations projects, or simply praying for my business –my friends and family have done all of these things and more. Read more>>

Pat Nason

Support from friends and family has been vital from the outset and remains vital even as my fan base – my customer base – grows well beyond that inner circle. Unconditional support in the beginning afforded a sustained opportunity to learn my craft and to begin to find my voice as a singer-songwriter and recording artist. A business can’t thrive on friends and family alone, obviously – at some point the equilibrium shifted and I have come to rely on the kindness of strangers to an increasingly growing degree. Read more>>

Heather Nunery

I passionately ask my friends and family to support my business endeavors because when it comes to dreams, I believe nothing is off the table. It’s a dream for a reason – go big or go home, as they say. I’ve learned that you don’t know until you ask, and seeking support is an essential part of turning dreams into reality. In terms of appropriateness, I don’t believe in setting strict boundaries. I feel there’s enough room at the table for everyone to be successful. Read more>>

Melissa Constancio

Well I hate asking my friends and family it never goes right say everything wrong and they get annoyed when I ask more than once Read more>>

Janine Hipple

I feel like this can be a sensitive topic when having a business that solely profits from direct sales. If customers are not buying your products, then essentially you are not making money. In my opinion, there is nothing more uncomfortable than asking people for money even if you are providing them with a service or product, especially with the economy in the state that it is in. For most people, candles are a luxury and not a necessity so spending money on a candle this week could result in not having enough money for groceries or gas next week. Read more>>

Grant Peeples

We are talking patronage here. It’s the oldest form of finance when it comes to the arts. Ask Da Vinci, Michelangelo Mozart, Picasso, Dali, Bukowski. The issue, of course, is the “ask.” If we feel support should simply be forthcoming, based on the genius of the work, we might be disappointed. But if you really believe in your work, in its important and relevance, why would you hesitate to contrive to find it a broader audience? Years ago I played a show with a nationally known fiddler. We were driving home after the gig and I asked him: “What is the damned secret to this business?” Read more>>

Rennell Welch

Like most people when you finally decide on starting a new business your are excited to share with friends and family. I have so many genuinely supportive loved ones. Even so, I remember the echos of those whose reactions did not mirror the roles they played in my life. That was hurtful. I’ve learned the best lessons from Dr. Maya Angelou. When it comes to things like compliments, kudos and criticism, ” I neither pick them up nor sit them down.” Read more>>

Mingze Li

As a freelance graphic designer and part-time tattoo artist, I find a unique joy in my work, especially in tattooing. It’s more than a job; it’s a source of energy and a canvas for boundless creativity. My journey in the arts is supported by friends, most of whom are art school graduates themselves, who understand and appreciate the nuances of my work. Read more>>

Nicole Chamberlain

I don’t outright ask my family or loved ones to support my brand unless it’s in the form of prayer. I try to keep my personal relationships separate from my business. If my jewelry business was ever in a place that solely relied on my loved ones for support then I either need to work harder or go do something else. Now if there’s a Pop Up Shop Event I will reach out stating that I’d really love to see them attend and I do so without expectations. Read more>>

RJ Quick

I deeply believe we are all deserving of as much help as we need to have to get to where we want to be. This past year I basically was surviving off of help. I dealt with some loss of a couple family members that hit me incredibly hard and was in one of the deepest depressions I have ever survived. I am a painter, and I could not paint. I would get knots in my chest just thinking about returning to my work. One of the family members who died was my grandfather, and he was actually the one who nurtured my artistic spirit as a child. Read more>>

JulieMarie Bonsanti

When I began my journey with the Pure Romance mission, I lost many friends. And what I learned is this. Friends and family are in our lives to lend us support when we need. They do not want to “be bought”. While some family members may want to support and help you kick off your business, do not expect all to. Business and family, in my opinion, should be kept separate unless they truly want to support or are interested in the products/mission. Read more>>