We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Edwards recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Nicole thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights 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?

Asking friends and family to support your business can feel like a mix of opportunity and discomfort. On one hand, they are often your first and most supportive network, genuinely wanting to see you succeed. Their support can help you gain initial traction, build credibility, and even provide valuable feedback. On the other hand, some people might feel hesitant, fearing they may come across as pushy or overly reliant.

To approach it effectively:
• Be transparent and respectful: Let them know why their support matters to you and emphasize that there’s no pressure.
• Offer value: Share how your product or service can genuinely benefit them, rather than asking for blind support.
• Diversify your outreach: Avoid leaning too heavily on friends and family; focus on building a broader customer base over time.

Drawing a line

Drawing the line when asking friends and family to support your business involves balancing your personal relationships with your professional goals. Here are key considerations to maintain that balance:

1. Respect Boundaries: Don’t pressure them to buy or promote your products/services if they’re not genuinely interested. Allow them to decide how (or if) they want to support you.
2. Limit Repetition: Avoid repeatedly reaching out to the same people with sales pitches or requests. Overdoing it can strain relationships.
3. No Guilt or Obligation: Never make them feel guilty if they’re unable or unwilling to support your business. Your relationship should not hinge on their participation.
4. Focus on Value: Ensure you’re offering something that meets their needs or solves a problem for them. If it’s not a good fit, don’t push it.
5. Separate Business from Personal Life: Don’t let business discussions dominate your interactions. Preserve the relationship by maintaining personal connections outside of your business.

While I deeply value the support of my family, it’s important for them to understand that they still need to pay for the product. While I truly appreciate their help in spreading the word about our business, it’s essential they recognize that this is a venture we’re working hard to grow and make successful.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I used to suffer from migraines, but I’ve always loved the smell of a good burning candle. Unfortunately, most scents would trigger my migraines, making it difficult to even visit a candle store. I often relied on friends to suggest scents, but buying candles was always a gamble since I never knew if they would cause a migraine.

Eventually, I decided to start making my own candles with scents I knew I could tolerate. This allowed me to control what I burned in my home without worrying about triggering a migraine.

What began as a personal solution quickly turned into a hobby I enjoyed. Trust me, making candles isn’t as simple as it seems—I definitely learned that the hard way! But once I got the hang of it, I found it to be a relaxing and rewarding activity. It also gave me something to focus on during the Covid pandemic and even provided an opportunity to make a little extra money. I started selling my candles and wax melts to friends and family, and they loved them.

That’s how NE Crafty Treasures was born!

When I came up with the name for my business, I wanted something simple and flexible—something that could represent a variety of handmade crafts if I decided to branch out beyond candles in the future. Once I established the basics, I expanded by offering candle-making classes. These classes allowed customers to create their own candles with me guiding them through the process.

At first, I hosted these classes at local coffee shops or private parties for customers. As my business grew, I decided to open a shop where people could come in and make their own candles. However, I quickly realized we needed something to do while the candles cured. That’s when I came up with the idea to invite local vendors to showcase and sell their handmade items in the shop.

This combination of candle-making and supporting local artisans brought the store to life—not just for me, but for the other talented vendors as well!

What I’m most proud of is creating a space that allows local vendors to showcase and sell their handmade items to the community. It’s my way of giving back while highlighting the incredible talent we have right here in our area. Instead of waiting for a craft fair or special event, people can stop by anytime to shop local and support these amazing artisans.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I believe what helped build my reputation in the market was my commitment to being compassionate and understanding. I always strived to be open and fair to everyone, regardless of age or race, and was willing to give people a chance. I believe everyone deserves that opportunity in life.

For those starting a side business and trying to get their name out there, having a place to showcase their products consistently can make a big difference. It not only helps them gain exposure but also builds their confidence. While not every situation works out, I’ve been able to foster meaningful relationships—both in supporting others’ products and sharing my own.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I maintain strong relationships and loyalty with my clients by following up with them after a sale to ensure everything is going well and to answer any questions they might have. I also like to include a small free gift with their purchase. It doesn’t have to be anything big, but for repeat customers, I make an effort to personalize it based on their preferences. This personal touch reflects the commitment I have to truly get to know my customers and add value to their experience.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ne_crafty_treasures
• Facebook: @necraftytreasures