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.

Cynthia Maurer.

Into the Known was born out of a desire from friends were clairvoyant readings & energy healings. After pursuing & receiving my doctorate in Childhood Studies, I was certain that higher education was not for me, but I wasn’t sure what I desired to do. After an intuitive training program, I discovered that the combination of my higher education – particularly in ethnography & qualitative research – supported energy work in a very unique way. Read more>>

Katie Fisher

I’m a West Coast gal. I was born in Oregon, grew up in Arizona, and then moved to California for college. I’m a San Diego State University alumna and I began photographing for The Daily Aztec, SDSU’s student newspaper my Sophomore year of college. I contributed to the paper until I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with and emphasis in Media Studies. After school I found myself drawn to photographing people, so I continued on that path shooting more and more portraits and weddings. Read more>>

Sheree Swann

Let me start off by saying that I’m so grateful for the friends and family that have supported me along this journey and continue to do so. I’ll be honest, this topic is an interesting one for me… It hits home in a different way right now and is something that’s been on my mind because it just happened. I must be candid about this: I took part in Sound of Fashion Week Connecticut last October when it debuted as a week long event in multiple cities… Read more>>

Kamari Brownlow.

Once I had a clear understanding of what I needed, asking family and friends for support was a lot easier. They proved to be great resources for me, and I am incredibly grateful. They offered valuable feedback, helped get the word out about the business, purchased products and helped me land collaboration deals as well. Having the support of family and friends is invaluable; especially, when you’re starting a small business on your own. I can absolutely say that without the help of family and friends my business would look a lot different. Read more>>

Georgina Delreal

Thank you so much for having me it is my pleasure. Absolutely, starting your own business is a risk within itself. As a new business owner betting on myself has been my biggest risk. I’ve invested so much in my makeup kit. Any makeup artist reading this can totally relate. Our kits are our money bags! I’ve also invested on my website glambygeo.com Invested on the bridal extravaganza and all the marketing that goes into that. All of these baby steps are steps is what I remind myself and risking on yourself is one of the scariest and most beautiful things you can do. Read more>>

Madelin Guzman

friend family, I invite you to support my business so that I can grow and that large dams know the work that expensive cleaning does Read more>>

Chrystal Brown

I would love for more people to support my small business. Read more>>

Zay Poole

So this is honestly kind of a touchy subject for me in most cases, so forgive me if I can’t say it correctly or get lost in transit. This is probably one of the biggest and hardest thing to do for me. I say that cause a friend and or family member you would think that you shouldn’t have to always ask for support, it should in my opinion already be shown and supported. There is of course certain things you will have to ask for that extra push of maybe something specific, but naturally the general support should always be there. Read more>>

Eileen Sieck

When I first started out, I didn’t have a way to sell my products figured out. I posted on social media advertising that I was starting to make and sell dog bandanas and to reach out if you were interested. I was amazed at how many people supported me right away. The people that supported me at the beginning have continued to support me every step of the way. Without my sales at the beginning, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to learn and grow from my mistakes. Read more>>

Geena Hughes

Asking friends and family is hard when you’re just starting out. I personally get more nervous asking for help from my family and friends than total strangers! Once I was able to get over my worry and anxieties, my sister actually became my first client! I took her senior portraits for her. It was a lot of fun to work with her and it helped me get comfortable to ask the clients to pose or move the way I need. Read more>>