Starting a business takes an immense amount of grit and focus, but as with all big endeavours, sometimes it takes a village. Whether it’s offering financial help or just a shoulder to cry on, family and friends can be an intrinsic (if invisible) part of the success story.
We speak to four women about how their family helped their push to start a business and be successful.
Ishita Ranjan, 29, Co-Founder of Copy and Code
I started my business around a year and a half ago – it creates websites, social media and online copy for start-ups, small businesses and social change organisations.
At the beginning, I realised I wouldn’t be able to afford to live in London and do the business at the same time. My parents were absolutely incredible - everything from rent free accommodation to constant support when I was struggling. They also gave me some much-needed reality checks when I compared myself to my peers.
The other thing they helped me with was looking after myself better. It’s really easy to let the wellbeing side of things slide when you’re launching a business because you are so busy, so they encouraged me to work out, eat right and sleep well. Moving back home was a really important step for my in terms of re-learning good habits, which has now massively paid off as I’m just so much calmer running my business.
They both challenge me in different ways; my mum is a pro with numbers so she quizzes me on profit margins, cash flow and overheads. She has really made me think lean. My dad is a big picture and bold ideas person, so he is great to have debates and discussions with. I wouldn’t have had the confidence, courage or financial means to set this up without them.
Bryony Farmer, 21, CEO and Founder of Precious Stars
I set up a small business when I was 15, in May 2013 selling reusable menstrual products, designed to be eco-friendly, super comfortable and easy to use.
My family were vital in the early stages of starting my business. At the time I had just dropped out of school before finishing my GCSEs due to chronic illness (I would later learn this was Lyme disease). Having my period in bed was awful and I decided there must be something better available.
That was when I discovered reusable menstrual products and they changed my life. My mother had taught me to use a sewing machine when I was 9, so I thought I would have a go at making some. After a few attempts they came out pretty good and I thought I would try selling them online, and promoting them through YouTube.
It took off within a matter of months, but because I was still sick I was limited with how much I could physically do. My parents’ support became crucial at this point; Mum would help me out by cutting up all the fabrics for me so that all I needed to do was sew them, and she’d also help me with printing out and sticking on labels. My dad would then take them to the post office, as due to my illness I developed agoraphobia and was scared to leave the house.
Around this time, my mother had also qualified as a business coach, which was useful and now, every six months or so I will sit down and have a session with her where we’ll talk about what the business is doing, where it’s going, and what I’d like to change. Because we always do this in her office we can switch from mother and daughter to coach and client quite easily.
Pragya Agarwal, 41, Social Entrepreneur
I started my creative studio Hedge and Hog Prints in February 2016 after I started linocut printmaking just before my twins were born. I started my social enterprise The Art Tiffin in October 2017, after my own experiences with depression and anxiety. The social enterprise is an eco and ethical business, and we donate to mental health charities from our profits.
My husband has been a huge support for my business. Leaving my academic position and going completely freelance has meant quite significant implications for us financially but he has been nothing but supportive.
He gives me time and space, happily accommodates my mess, listens to me moan, makes me laugh when I am stressed, and lets me have a lie in and looks after the twins when I am tired from working until late at night. He is also the best cheerleader when I am feeling down.
He has helped me pack orders when I’ve had too many to manage on my own, staying up late at night with me and making me cups of tea. We don’t have any family nearby and so his support has meant so much.
He also painted my studio for me and has helped me with DIY for various exhibitions and trade shows.
He is a really good person to bounce ideas off, although he is not really my ideal customer so it isn’t always easy for him to understand them. But, in that way, he always challenges me and makes me think more deeply and from different perspectives.
Riya Grover, 29, CEO and co-founder of Feedr
I have an incredibly supportive family who have played a pivotal role in helping me to launch and scale Feedr. It’s an online marketplace that brings together employers with artisan food producers - with my co-founder and friend, Lyz Swanton in late 2016. We’ve now grown to a team of 12 people.
My husband is an entrepreneur as well, and the one I bounce ideas off - we talk about everything from product strategy to how we grow and build the team. He’s seen the journey through from writing on a napkin to raising our recent second round of capital, led by a top tier venture capitalist.
He is also my rock in times of high pressure, helping me to stay calm and focused, and keep perspective on what really matters.
My parents are my source of inspiration as an entrepreneur. I saw them build businesses growing up and create a healthy balance between their careers and family. I strive to do the same, ensuring I make lots of time for my daughter while still applying myself fully to my venture.
Having a co-founder is also invaluable for idea-sharing - we are constantly challenging each other which ultimately makes us both better. It also means we can share the challenges together.