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.

Jondell Lafont-Garcia

Friends and family were my first supporters. If it wasn’t for their years of taste testing, feedback, and encouragement, I would not have started my marshmallow business. It was never in my “plan.” They gave me the courage it took to take the leap! Read more>>

Olivia Strgacich

I find that a lot of the support from friends and family comes naturally. There are sometimes isolated moments where I feel my work, my photography, or my vision for my account (or maybe a specific shoot), was not met and I will reach out to them more in those moments to validate any concerns or bounce ideas and concepts off of but more often than not they are vocal about their interest in my work regardless of me initiating the conversation. I think I can however at times draw a line when I start to place too much value in other opinions, whether it is friends or family or what I think friends or family will think of how exactly my work may be perceived. I can understand that I need to be comfortable with my choices and my creative direction before seeking certain advice or I may become insecure. Read more>>

Kelsey Scott

As a photographer, I’ve learned that asking friends and family to support my business can be both rewarding and delicate. I genuinely appreciate their encouragement! whether it’s sharing my work, referring others, or booking a session, but I also believe it’s important not to assume they owe me their business. Support should come naturally, not from obligation. What’s appropriate is offering them the opportunity to engage with my work, not pressuring them into transactions. I once had a close friend who offered to pay my full rate without me asking, and it reminded me that true support respects the value of your work. On the flip side, I’ve had experiences where people expected heavy discounts or freebies simply because we’re close, Read more>>

Tiaran Bryan

Asking friends and family to support your business can be helpful when done with care. It’s absolutely fine to let them know what you’re working on and invite support—just avoid making it feel like an obligation. A simple, no-pressure message like “I’ve just launched something new—if you know anyone who might be interested, feel free to pass it along” respects their space while still getting the word out. Offering value and showing appreciation for even small gestures, like a social media share or word-of-mouth referral, goes a long way. Read more>>