Do you run or work for a family business? If so, we’d love to hear from you for our family business series. In this series, you’ll find insights, stories and a discussion of the pros and cons of family businesses.

Valeriia Illiashenko

The story of my business is directly related to my family because it is thanks to my grandmother Tamara and mother Tatiana that I have been creative since I was young. I draw, knit cross-stitch. I remember even making toys for myself from improvised materials, from cardboard and scraps of fabric, which I found in my grandmother’s closet. The 90s were not the easiest years for my family and for Russia in general, it was very difficult to find something and even more difficult to find funds for it. Read more>>

Alan Escalante

Twin Lens Roasters (TLR) started with family in mind. A year ago, my idea for TLR was to be a place where I could employ my sister since it is challenging for her to work elsewhere due to her disability. Also, my parents are getting older, and my father is close to retirement, so I wanted to create something where we could all work together. Read more>>

Vanessa Bryan

Originally, VB Photography and Videography started out as VB Freelance. It was just myself working a regular day job, and following my passion during the nights and weekends. While I enjoyed bringing joy and memories to my clients, I was quickly burning out. After meeting my husband (Lee), he convinced me to take the leap to full-time. Aside from marrying him, going full-time has been the best decision of my life! Lee came on part-time helping with wedding photography, but quickly realized his passion for Videography. Read more>>

Philip Wood

I think family businesses are great, because you get to spend time with who matters the most. When my wife & I started our business we would joke about not only were we married and lived together, we also worked together. As our business started growing we saw where we were spending less time with our son, because all our events were on weekends. We started taking him some and let him “help” where he could. As a few years passed our business really grew and we had to ask my uncle, cousin and my sister-in-law to help us out just so we could meet the demand of the events. Now our son is older and he is involved now in the events we DJ, and not only are we working and making money we get to spend time with family. Read more>>

Ebony Strickland

Having a Family Business builds relationships especially in community settings. Having a family owned business in an area where every one knows each other and support one another is an advantage for the community. It keeps resources and finances where it is needed. Read more>>

Cary Smith

Before opening The Victorian, I didn’t have a prior history of a family-run business but I am fortunate enough to have started the company with my wife, Libby. Working side-by-side with my partner has its challenges but the good definitely out weighs the bad. She’s the heart and soul of this company and we wouldn’t be where we are today without her. Working with my wife / co-founder has given me the opportunity to never be alone when making business decisions and we can pick each other up when in stressful or scary moments. We’re actually expecting our first kid early next year, so our small 2-person family business will soon be more. Read more>>

Beth Ferester

I have spent the past 30 years of my 40 year career working alongside my husband, Bob. It definitely has it’s pros and cons. It is very rewarding to be able to build a successful business, sharing it with your family, and being able to spend more time together. The cons, in my opinion, are that the business is the main topic of discussion during the workday and after. Another con would be that one person most often is “the lead” person, so the one that is supporting the lead person has to have the confidence in themselves to work in the “background” most of the time. Read more>>

Destiny Castillo

My mom and I went into business together! Together we have opened Premier Paws. It has been wonderful getting to work with her day in and out. She has always been my best friend and strongest support system. I know we both care for this business and are able to do what needs to be done together. It has given us a new way of communication and a new passion that we can grow together. Its always nice to know I will never have to face a challenge alone! Read more>>