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.

Eric Mcmurtrey

As a general rule, I’ve found that friends and family fall into two general categories – the ones that say they want to support you, and the people that support you without hesitation or question. Experience has taught me that the world is comprised of far more of the first than the latter. There is a benefit to that – it makes you appreciate the few people that actually support you all the more. Read more>>

Shay Terrell

I do think it’s appropriate to ask friends and family to support my business. My family and friends are not ones to hold back the truth, so if there’s something I can improve, they will let me know. That kind of honest feedback is invaluable because it allows me to make adjustments and grow. Most of the time, friends and family will extend grace during the beginning phases of a business because they understand you’re still learning—grace that may not always be granted elsewhere. Read more>>

Sarahmae Atchley

To be honest, I think it can feel a bit awkward to ask friends and family to support your business. It’s great when support happens naturally and respectfully, but pressuring them is not the best approach. It’s important not to make them feel uncomfortable or obligated to choose you over someone else.

For me, the line is crossed when they assume I’ll do things for free just because we’re friends or family. As a creative, my time and effort have value from start to finish, and it’s essential to respect that. Read more>>

Ebonie Baker

Asking friends or family to help support your Business is a great way to get disappointed and could be a big set back to your ambition. Speaking from experience. Be mindful and respectful to your boundaries and theirs. There is a good possibility they will not be as helpful as you expect them to be and you cannot get upset if they do give the feedback you expected. Learning from experience I gave out several samples and got no feedback nor were they taking the products as instructed. At first I was upset because the Businesses I am building are Legacy’s that will be left behind, but then I had to realize this is my passion not theirs and I cannot be upset at them for not following through. I will get results from asking strangers who will be way more thrilled to help get me success stories that will feature them. Read more>>

Taj Cowan

I feel like it’s okay to ask your loved ones to support you. It’s appropriate to ask them to check out your work, your ventures. I’d say that if they act like they’re not interested, then don’t force them; that’s not appropriate.

I wouldn’t say “interesting”, but I form my opinion based on life experiences and that of others. I have very few supportive friends and little to no family. The people that support me, I’m grateful for. Honestly, you get more support putting yourself out there for strangers, rather than people you know. Read more>>

Alejandro Ortiz

95% of my business has been supported by strangers, Surprisingly, I didn’t receive as much support as i was hoping to come from the people I’ve grown along with. I was fortunately able to hire a few of my friends, and i might have installed one of old friends gutters for them, but aside from that, its difficult to even get a repost on social media from friends and family. Nothing against them, but it hits harder when a stranger comes along and shows pride in my achievements that I’ve been able to garner. Personally, supporting local businesses is my save the world ideology. It retains economic stability in community, reduces waste and expenditure on most products, and provides a livable wage for those small business owners willing to pay a suitable wage to their employees. Read more>>