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 Scavo

I would not be where I am if it wasn’t for the people who love me. I started this because I wanted to support loval artists, and they supported me in tenfold. Support comes in so many forms: my dad told me how to adjust my editing style, I had my friend Keri behind the scenes on my website, I found a better camera because of Black Moon Media just vibing with me at a show, I met Gavin Rossdale because a friend knew someone… from small suggestions to huge gestures none of this would be possible without my crew. Read more>>

Veronica Moreno

When starting a new business or maintaining one after 25 years like I have, it is so important to have support from your friends and family. My whole business has relied heavily on word of mouth. Even though I have done marketing through popular search engines, nothing beats a great referral. Some may assume that I’m busy enough and don’t need added pressure to my schedule but I would never deny a new person to sit in my salon chair. I would encourage my friends, loyal clientele and family to keep Geofox.studio in the forefront of their minds when it comes to recommending a hair salon. Read more>>

Kate Lazutina

I think that asking your family and friends for support is a must. But only at the start! Spreading the word, helping with events, advertising, even buying your items. It’s how it works, especially if you don’t have a big budget from the start, you have to use your connections. I was super-shy at first, but as far as I’ve decided to earn some money, I tried to use every possible sales channel (I am still banned at one community, don’t know why exactly, but I think they were afraid I am “stealing” their customers). Read more>>

Kenneth Harris Iii

I feel like you shouldn’t ask or have to ask when it comes to getting support from family/friends. if they support you let them support you if not its cool. Me personally I get a lot of support from family & friends, but I get way more support from strangers and people outside of my area. One thing I can say is some family will look at you and rather a discount when this is the way you feed your family and that’s where you draw the line. It’s crazy because when I first started cutting hair, I was told family/friends are going to be the ones that do you the worse, and I have experienced it a few times from them wanting discounts to them not respecting your time, and I feel like when it gets to that point its ok to cut them off because its business nothing personal. Read more>>

Erika Cobbs

I believe it’s absolutely okay to ask friends and family to support your business—if what you’re offering is truly beneficial to them. If your product or service can genuinely improve their lives, then you’re simply offering value rather than just seeking support for the sake of it. However, just asking them to support you because it’s your business isn’t enough. The relationship should be mutually beneficial, not built on obligation. Read more>>