We were lucky to catch up with Brittani Northern recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brittani, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us 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?

When it comes to asking our friends and family to support us , it can be troubling because of course since we are family/friends we should support each other right? In my opinion no that’s not true. Some family/friends will support but they aren’t your target audience. Sadly someone who doesn’t know you will support you more than your family/friends. I used to ask myself why my friends/family didn’t support me? Why was this stranger always supporting me by sharing and liking posts? And I had to come to terms that , Strangers will support you! Strangers are the reason our businesses are thriving , YOU never know who’s rooting for you behind closed doors.

Brittani, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Brittani Northern , I have a business name Barbie Bee’s Apparel . I’ve been in business for 3 years , we provide pullover sweatshirts , fitness items such as sweat cream , sweatbands/ sweat vests etc. I started this business in 2019 with only $250 and only having one item on my website.

How did you build your audience on social media?

My audience came from my home town El Paso Tx . I come from a small town in Texas where everyone knows everyone. A lot of us went to elementary, middle and high school together and stayed in touch. They’ve always been supportive in everything I’ve ever done in life and I never knew how many of them believed in me or even relates to me in so many ways . If you are relatable you will have your audience of supporters behind you. If they genuinely believe in you they will support you .

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

When I started my business I only had $250. I had to shop around and dig deep for so many of my products . I knew what I wanted for my business . I started small with only having 1 item and a website. I am still currently working so it helped me fund my business along with sales!

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.barbiebeeapparel.bigcartel.com
• Instagram: @barbiebapparel
• Facebook: Barbie Bee’s Apparel