Dealing with Unsupportive Family in Your Handmade Business

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Are you dealing with unsupportive family members while trying to grow your handmade business? You aren’t alone! In fact, this situation is more common than you might think. To help you sort through your feelings and move forward, this post is filled with practical tips for addressing this situation. 

Running a handmade business with an unsupportive family

When family members don’t support your handmade business, it can be extremely challenging, not to mention disheartening. 

Non-supportive family members can be anyone from a spouse to a parent, from a sibling to a child. Not to mention friends that are usually more like family.

No matter their role in your life, you probably care a lot about their opinion. We want to impress and please the ones we love. And more often than not, we crave recognition from our loved ones above anyone else. 

That’s why it can be so hurtful when family members are the ones taking the wind out of your sails. 

Deep down, we know that our family members are probably trying to protect us from harm. They may not understand why you would want to put yourself through the struggles of starting a business. It’s likely also uncomfortable for them to watch you struggle.

But regardless of good intentions, unsupportive family members are not helping you towards your goals. 

So, in this post, I’ve included practical steps that you can take to address the situation:

7 Steps to dealing with unsupportive family members

If you’re unsure of where to begin in addressing naysayers, start with these steps. 

1. Pray for guidance

I’m a God girl, and anytime I struggle, I immediately turn to God for guidance. 

I pray for discernment for me and also that my family member will soften their heart and have an open mind when it comes to my new handmade business endeavor.

I strongly encourage you to do the same. It can’t hurt and you may be amazed by what you find!

2. Communicate openly

Begin by having a conversation with your family members and try to understand their perspective. 

• Explain your passion for your business and why you believe it’s important. 
• Listen to their concerns and be open to their feedback.
• And finally, explain to them that the off-handed remarks of not making sales fast enough or asking why you’re purchasing more supplies when you’re not making sales are hurtful and not helpful.

This open conversation will help everyone open up to new perspectives, and hopefully, you’ll be able to find common ground. 

3. Find alternative support

Though family is extremely important, they are not the only support system available to you. 

Look for support from friends, other entrepreneurs, or online communities that share your interests.

Having a support system such as our Success Circle Group can help boost your confidence and give you a safe place to share ideas and challenges.

4. Prove unsupportive family wrong

Use your determination and hard work to show your family members that your business can be successful. 

Keep track of your progress and be ready to share your successes with them. Every time you have a “cha-ching,” celebrate it in front of them.

And, when you make your goals or reach new milestones, make sure to share in the joy with them so they can see how much it means to you.

Eventually, they’ll get the picture and start to rejoice with you.

5. Set boundaries

It’s important to respect your family members’ opinions, but it’s also important to set boundaries around the support you need for your business. 

Set boundaries on your time by letting your family member know when you’ll be working on your handmade business and also when you’ve allotted time for family.  

Let them know that while you value their input, you need to make your own decisions about your business.

6. Focus on your customers

Remember why you started your business in the first place, and keep your focus on your customers and your product. 

The support of satisfied customers can be a great source of motivation and help you push past the setback of unsupportive family members. 

7. Don’t assume

Sometimes, we assume we don’t have the support of our family members when this really isn’t true – we come to false conclusions due to our own insecurities. 

If you’re assuming you don’t have support, make sure to voice your feelings with your family member to clarify. Once you realize you’re simply making assumptions, your insecurities will become much easier to deal with.

Final thoughts: Dealing with an unsupportive family in your handmade business 

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that you are in control of your own life and your own business.

If your family doesn’t support your endeavors, it’s okay. There are many other people who will appreciate and support your work.

More tips for your small business

Looking for more information on how to navigate the world of small business? Check out these related posts to help you on your journey:

• How to Choose a Name for Your Handmade Business
• Controlling Overwhelm in a Creative Business
• How Selling Online With My Creative Business Has Changed My Life
• The Secret to Building Superfans in a Creative Business
• 3 Signs You Might Be Ready for Creating a Membership in Your Creative Business

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