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.

Akea Collins

In all honesty, I only shared my dreams with friends and family members who were visionaries like myself. My business started off truly through word of mouth. I basically was helping friends enhance their brands. I never thought I would see it prosper in the manner it did. My friends and family were doing the simplest things to improve my online profile. They invited their network to my business and shared ALL of my Facebook lives. I never truly ‘asked” I just dropped my vision online and it took off from there. I have 15 plus years of enhancing personal & business brands into lucrative brands. Read more>>

Tki Francis

I have an amazing support system when it comes to Tki Francis and the brand Real Gunkie. The Real Gunkie fan base is made up of friends, family, former classmates, customers, and others who I have met on my journey as a fashion designer. I am always overwhelmed with joy of the outpouring of love and support from those that I know. Just recently, I created a campaign to sell raffle tickets to afford the opportunity to showcase my brand with an organization during Los Angeles Fashion Week. Read more>>

Tiffany Malcolm

Back in 2018 when I started Sweet T’s my family and friends were my biggest cheerleaders and still are today. Most of my orders back then came from them and they would continuously share business cards, posts, and reviews with their friends or co-workers which was so helpful in growing my business. I am extremely grateful for my parents who motivated and guided me in creating my business. Especially since I started at a young age, they were very helpful in giving tips to stay organized and run the business. My boyfriend, Euwin, also plays a big part in helping me with my tasks and is so encouraging. Read more>>

Cabria Hunter

Support is something that you honestly just have to let happen. It’s not something that you want to force. It’s perfectly natural for you to want support from your family and friends. Trust me if they believe in what you have going for yourself and if it’s their price range. They’re definitely going to support. From my experience, I’ve honestly had more clientele from strangers. Over the years I had to learn that God will send me the business. There’s so much to focus on when having a business, no need to stress over who’s “supporting” you. Just pray about it and keep promoting! Read more>>

Marshall Benson

I feel as though if someone is truly interested in helping you succeed, then there would be no need to ask for the support of family or friends. Read more>>