The journey to starting one's own business would not be possible without encouragement from family. From humble beginnings to their endless gratitude towards partners, grandparents, and even the kids, here's how these Launchpad small business owners get by with a little help from family!
Embarking on starting your own business can be lonely. While you can connect with an amazing community of entrepreneurs (like Launchpad, of course!), sometimes family’s all you got! We spoke with the entrepreneurs of Launchpad to find out how integral their family members and support systems have been to their entrepreneurial journeys – from supportive partners to encouragement from little ones and a little help from grandparents, you may just look back on how your own family has been there for you!
1. Precious year-end gatherings
Bochechas’ recent endeavor, organizing a family portrait session with 11 female entrepreneurs, dressing their family in glam with our latest CNY collection, underscores the significance we place on the crucial support systems within our lives, our family. Amidst the hustle and bustle, year-end gatherings with family transmute into a precious once-in-a-year oasis. This rare moment is an ode to the vital support and inspiration our families provide, driving us forward.
– Angela Li, Founder of Bochechas
2. Family is a pillar for life, business, and heart
Coming from a traditional family, the idea of entrepreneurship was foreign to them. Despite this, I knew I wanted to venture into this adventure and needed their support. I took time to educate them about entrepreneurship, dispelling their fears and misconceptions. This process also prepared me for the risks and mindset shift I needed. Their support has been invaluable, they show genuine interest in my work, provide unique ideas, and offer a judgement-free space to discuss my challenges and victories. Even if they don’t fully grasp the intricacies of my work, like AI or deep technology, their willingness to listen and share my ideas with others, makes me feel valued within my community. Their support reinforces the importance of my work and makes the journey more meaningful. Family is indeed a pillar for life, business, and heart. Without their support, entrepreneurship would be significantly more challenging.
– Vincent Guittet, Founder at MagicTellers.com
3. “My husband drove me for my first delivery”
My family has been incredibly supportive right from the start of my business venture – MiliMilu. They helped me and encouraged me to plan and launch it, which was not an easy decision to make as it was a big step. It involved countless sleepless nights and a lot of planning. I vividly remember my first deliveries; my husband drove me there, and the excitement mixed with a rollercoaster of emotions was indescribable. My family has also been incredibly helpful with events requiring personal attention, such as private events, showroom events, pop-up setups, and moving boxes and suitcases. As a business owner, I often work weekends and evenings, as my work hours are not fixed. I feel that there should be more hours in a day to complete everything on my to-do list for MiliMilu, but I am working on managing my time better.
– Linda Morrison, Founder and Creative director of MiliMilu
4. Showing the kids that both mom and dad work and share responsibilities
As a mom of two, a girl and a boy, I feel very strongly that my children should see both mom and dad working outside of the home and sharing responsibilities inside the home. But I also want to spend quality time with my children. Traditional corporate life meant the children saw very little of either of us. Entrepreneurship has been a game-changer for our family. While I probably work more now than I did before, I have control over my schedule and priorities in a completely new way.
– Helena Gilmour, Founder, Studs+Stones and The Place
5. “My kids have helped become sales persons during events!”
The entrepreneurial journey is often a solitary trek and after spending many years in the corporate world, I really wanted to manage everything by myself. Looking back, I can tell EDITION LIMITEE could not celebrate 10 years this year without my family. Their support and honest feedback have shaped my path and equipped me to tackle the inevitable challenges. From decorating the middle of our living room with my stocks to taking our house furniture as props for events, my family has been bearing it all. My husband became the master chef of my accounts, making spreadsheets at night after his job. My kids would come and help me during events as sales persons. My mum would always be my biggest critic in every matter and my sister my shiny support, believing in any of my choices. Their love, their unwavering support, and their faith in me have been the greatest assets I could ever ask for. So, remember this: you are not alone. Embrace the role of your family!
– Julie Tardieu, Founder of Edition Limitée
6. “My husband has become my partner in every sense”
In my entrepreneurial journey, my family has been the cornerstone of my success. It all began during a memorable trip to New Zealand, where I discovered my passion for photography through my husband’s camera. It was then that the spark ignited, propelling me towards photography as a profession, and since then, there’s been no turning back. While my parents encouraged me fearlessly to pursue my dreams, my husband became my guiding light, assisting me in procuring the right gear and spending weekends with me in the library. Even today, he stands as my tech wizard, aiding in tasks like website coding and managing Google ads. Amidst the challenges, including the arrival of our child during a pandemic, he’s been my partner in every sense, sharing childcare duties wholeheartedly. It’s truly remarkable to have a family who not only nurture my dreams but also are my biggest cheerleaders.
– Ananya Pandit, Owner and Photographer, Eat Crave Grub
7. Grandparents who lend a hand
After the birth of my child, juggling the responsibilities of parenthood and managing my tuition business became quite a challenge. With work scheduled for late afternoons and evenings, I often found it difficult to pick up my child from school promptly. Thankfully, my family has been an unwavering source of support. My parents step in to pick up my child from school and provide care until my husband and I return home. Additionally, my understanding husband lends a helping hand whenever possible, making the balancing act a bit more manageable.
– Bel Hwang, Director of IB Super
8. Teaching my kids it’s okay to be terrified, but to try anyway
Since starting TaskforAI, it’s been a rollercoaster of anxiety and growth – both product-wise and personally. It’s terrifying to build a startup while pregnant and having two young children, but I hope they know it’s okay to be terrified but to try anyway. When everything seems to be going wrong, the kids’ carefree play and laughter remind me that I need to show them that Mum can chase her ambitions, with them every step of the way. It’s possible to pursue your passions and be a present parent, to have kids and dreams.
– Angelica Faye Handover, Co-founder of TaskforAI
9. “My mom actively engages with our content on social media”
As the founder of a boutique Social Media Marketing agency, I’ve experienced firsthand the profound impact family can have on the entrepreneurial journey. Leaving a secure, high-paying in-house position as a marketing manager initially raised eyebrows from my parents, who were understandably concerned. However, their hesitations transformed into unwavering support as they witnessed my joy and fulfillment in building something of my own. One heartwarming detail is my mom’s active engagement on social media. Her genuine love for the client content we push out is not just endearing but a testament to the power of family support in entrepreneurship. Together, we’ve navigated challenges, celebrated victories, and created a bond that goes beyond the conventional roles of parent and child.
– Adelphia Lim, Founder, For the Love of Socials
10. Witnessing my kids’ adaptability remind me about flexibility
Beside the incredible team at Frolic for Life, my husband is the unsung hero of my entrepreneurial journey. These past two years, his unwavering support has been my anchor. He is my sounding board, helping me navigate the rollercoaster of business and family. His encouragement fuels my drive, and together, we tackle challenges head-on. Even our kids, with their infectious energy, unknowingly teach me resilience. As I witness their adaptability, I’m reminded of the need for flexibility in business. With my family and team by my side, every obstacle turns into an opportunity for growth.
– Selina Wirz, Health & Wellness Coach at Frolic For Life
11. With family in the mix, the solo journey becomes a shared adventure!
Jumping into entrepreneurship is a solo and pricey ride. And let’s be real, it gets lonely. But my fam? They’re my ride-or-die crew facing the grind with me. Mom and dad aren’t just cheering from the sidelines; they’re knee-deep in sourcing trips and sitting through endless meetings. Total troopers. Then there’s my partner in crime, my hubby—he’s not just my sounding board for crazy strategies but also the money maestro that keeps the dream alive. It’s like we’re rewriting the script of this wild entrepreneurial rollercoaster, proving that with family in the mix, the solo journey becomes a shared adventure.
– Kriti Gupta, Founder & CEO, Nimbu
12. Family makes the demanding journey more manageable
Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey is undeniably challenging, with numerous tasks demanding attention. Fortunately, my family serves as my life team, providing unwavering support when challenges arise. My husband contributes in subtle yet significant ways, checking on my well-being and occasionally picking me up from work during overwhelming periods. Together, we meticulously plan our schedules, ensuring the care of our furkid and making time for family bonding. Amid the entrepreneurial hustle, their unwavering support becomes the cornerstone of my efforts, making the demanding journey more manageable.
– Eileen Tan Yi Ling, Founder of Spacing Co
13. The importance of a support system
I couldn’t do any of this without my fellow co-heads of our family: my husband and our wonderful helper, Florianne. My husband is so supportive and despite his very busy job, we try to share parenting responsibilities: nursery drop off to bath and bed time. He also has a brilliant business brain, doubling up as my sounding board. He is the ying to my yang; I want to do everything…yesterday. He is calm, measured, helps me to take a step back and see the bigger picture. Our helper is the other backbone to our family and supports us in all areas. I am forever grateful that she is in our lives and can’t begin to name everything that she does, allowing me the time and space to run my business.
– Lucy d’Ambrumenil, Managing Director, Phoenix Wills
14. What seven years of entrepreneurship and being a special needs mum has taught me
I am seven years into the journey of being a business owner and seven years into the journey of being a special needs mum. Here are two lessons I will be forever grateful I’ve learned. #1: If we open our hearts to support we will find it everywhere. Seeking support has been the biggest game-changer in my life and my business. It’s made parenting and running my business richer in so many ways. Lesson #2: We are exactly where we are meant to be. ‘Ahead’ or ‘behind’ only mean something if we let them. Whether that’s feeling ‘behind’ our peers (seeing that person on Instagram who started their business at the same time as you but seems to be killing it) or ‘behind’ the goals or milestones we had set for ourselves. We are each on our own journey, with its unique triumphs and challenges and we get to make the decision that where we are is perfect for now.
– Nina Mucalov, Photographer, Nina Mucalov Photography
