We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alexandra Wagner a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alexandra, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear how you think where to draw the line in terms of asking friends and family to support your business – what’s okay and what’s over the line?

Without the support of my friends and family, I most likely would not be able to have a successful small business. However asking friends and family for support can be a double-edged sword. They may be willing to support me due to our emotional connection. But on the other hand, it can create complicated dynamics and expectations that have the potential to strain the relationships if not handled with care.

My biggest advice I can offer is to:

1. Respect their decision: Understand that not everyone may be interested in or even able to support your business venture. That doesn’t mean they don’t love or support you or any less. Avoid putting pressure on them or creating a sense of obligation.

2. Offer value in return: If your friends or family do choose to support your business, show your gratitude and appreciation. Offer them value in return, such as discounts on your products or services, taking them out for a nice meal, or helping their ventures in return.
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Also it’s important to maintain a healthy balance between your personal relationships and business aspirations.

While I luckily don’t have personal anecdotes of things going wrong, it’s worth noting that some entrepreneurs have experienced strained relationships with friends or family members when business matters became complicated or expectations were not aligned. However, others have successfully navigated these dynamics by maintaining open communication and setting clear boundaries from the beginning.

Ultimately, it’s crucial to approach the situation with sensitivity and respect for the individual choices of your friends and family, while balancing your entrepreneurial ambitions and putting the personal connections before business always.

Alexandra, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

​My name is Alexandra, I am a working professional and creative in my late twenties and currently reside in The City Beautiful, Orlando Florida. I am an alumni from the University of Central Florida and currently have my own retail business as well as being a brand new professional Photographer, Videographer and Editor.

At The Spiritual Planet, you can find me every Sunday at The Orlando’s Farmers Market at Lake Eola in downtown Orlando. I create and sell spiritual merch, such as; stickers, clothes, tote bags, crystals, decor and jewelry. To support me and get your spiritual merch, Go to “thespiritualplanet.com”

On the creative side, I am wedding videographer, amateur photographer and editor, as well as being an assistant for a prominent photo studio in the Central Florida community, “Kossina Creative Photography.” I am at the beginning of my journey into this field and am loving every second of the process. My goal is to gift others memories that will last a lifetime, as well as showing them the beauty that exists in them, that they may struggle to see for themselves. For any inquiries of my services, one can follow my IG page @lovealexandraphotography

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

My goal is to one day become completely self employed and to be full time pursuing my passions and grow a team to help me. However currently I am working multiple part time jobs to make that dream a reality while taking care of the bills.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

While I have absolutely gained clients and followers online through IG and a viral TikTok, I believe I meet the most supporters and customers in my own community, in person through vending at Orlando Local Markets.

Contact Info:

• Website: thespiritualplanet.com
• Instagram: @thespiritualplanet and @lovealexandraphotography