What’s your view on asking friends and family to support your brand? We asked members of the community to open up and share their views on this controversial topic. Check out some highlights below.

Allison Liffman Innenberg

From a very early age I have had that creative energy. I can remember painting with my Oma (paternal grandmother) as a little girl. Everything seemed so effortless with her. Her creativity just engulfed everything she touched. She painted on purses and wore beautiful clothes. She designed window displays and even had a scholarship to The Lourve before the war started. She inspired me then, and she continues to inspire me now. Even though she has been gone more then 20 years. Read more>>

Niecey Davis

Family and Friends SHOCKINGLY are the least to support your business unfortunately. I’ve been in this business for a few years now and only a hand full of family members have supported me. They won’t even share a post and friends only support while it’s popular to support you, But i want to tell everyone, never let that stop you. Read more>>

Racquel McGee

I can’t say I had to ask for support for my business, it came without mentioning. Support for Spotless Detroit has come from family, friends, “Insta-friends” (social media), former employers, you name it! Their support has shown up in different ways including: reposting social media content, referring my business to others and/or assisting with larger cleaning projects. I couldn’t be more grateful for my “Spotties” aka my support system. Read more>>

Liv Schafer

I’ve always been asked if I am going to pick a job but, I don’t think I can! I love being a hairstylist as my main gig and filling my free time with photography. As a very creative person I am able to mix them together to grow both of my skills. Of course you have to give credit where credit is due, and I never would have got this far if my friends and family hadn’t been the Guinea pigs! Everyone has to start somewhere and looking back I had a long way to go, but even though the beginning of my journey and where I am now look a lot different, the support I have gotten look the same. Read more>>

Briana Stroman

The interesting thing is it hurts more when a friend/family member gives you their word that they’ll support you, but it’s the complete opposite. I receive more support from strangers & friends than family. I’ve actually blacklisted family members due to past experiences with them or them provide me false hope. Read more>>

Deadra Wright

I’ve always grown up in a loving and supportive household. It was quite natural to have the support of my immediate family when I decided to take the journey of baking from home. I also truly believe every path we go on in life is a journey and sometimes certain family and friends aren’t meant to be on that journey with you. It’s not always meant to be taken personal. When people are meant to go on a path with it will happen organically. Read more>>

Jill Williams Licensed Esthetician & Professional MUA

I stopped asking friends and family to support my business a long time ago. I try my best not to ask anyone in my family to support my business. If they do its appreciated. My biggest support came from people I never met. Read more>>

Raven Holmes

I started out asking friends and family to support my businesses. Some did some didn’t. I didn’t let that stop me. Strangers most definitely got me where I am today. I love & appreciate all of you for rocking with your girl Raven a.k.a Strawberrie. Read more>>

Learical Jonez

I think what most creatives have to remember is that, although we would love for our friends and family to support our business, they are not our target audience. Once we realize that, we can get to our goals much faster and with less headache. Read more>>

Jozzi Rainey

Of course we want support from the people that know and love us Personally but I don’t expect it not anymore. Many people can love what you do and others misunderstand it because it is out of their realm of exposure, especially family. A lot of the time they want the best for you and sometimes that just looks like what’s worked for them and their life. Read more>>

Emily Carter

I started my business because of the support I received from my friends and family. The very first baby blankets I made were for my nephews as a Christmas gift. My sister greatly appreciated the thoughtfulness and personalization applied to each blanket design, fitting each of the boy’s personalities. Seeing the boys still use the blankets today, 6 years later, brings so much joy to my heart!  Read more>>

Lala Parker

I learned the hard way that family and friends will be the last to support you. Your biggest supporters will be strangers. Family and friends are more likely support you when they see strangers supporting you….when it’s popular to support you. Read more>>

Crys Fye

What I’ve learned during this time, is that expecting support from your family and friends is not going to be what you expect it to be. The truth is I have had more support from people that I didn’t know or from people I would least expect to get support from than my family and friends. Read more>>