Growing Up in an Entrepreneurial Family
I was born into an entrepreneurial family. During my early years, I thought it was normal. Then, when I became a young business student, I thought it was special. Now, that I’m a young person going through this special phase called “adulting”, I have come to see that this situation is more of a hybrid of both. There are lots of people out there who have started businesses, be it a small grocery store or a big multi-million dollar company; to me, they’re all entrepreneurs. And, at the same time, there are probably a lot more people that are employed at all sorts of companies; which also makes my situation not entirely normal either. But, whatever it is, it has definitely changed my life.
Both my mom and dad have been serial entrepreneurs ever since they got married 36 years ago. I witnessed some of their ventures from the creation to its failure or success, and for most of them, I wasn’t even born. My dad now has his own agricultural company, my brother started his own tech startup a few years ago, my other brother has a little import business on the side, my mom is starting her own line of handbags, and my sister-in-law has her own jewelry business. So, I’m fully immersed in entrepreneurial vibe.
I have learned as a secondhand entrepreneur that starting a business affects other people’s lives; starting with your family’s. It is not an easy breezy experience for anyone, but it is worth it. In my experience, it has brought out the best and worst in me. So, if one of your loved ones is deciding to take this leap or you are the one thinking about doing it, you are not alone. Here are some experiences I’ve had as the loved one/supporter:
I’ve felt with them. I’m someone that feels everything I feel and what others feel as well. I celebrate victories that aren’t mine, be it from people I care about or even people I’ve never met and might never meet. Whenever I see a random startup get a new round of funding, I get excited. And, when I see a business close, my heart breaks a little.
Just as I’ve been able to celebrate my family’s wins; such as getting a big client, surpassing their crowdfunding goal, or finally have black numbers in their balance sheets, I feel their defeats as well. When they have big problems and feel desperate and sad, I feel that way too. When they worry, I worry, and if they need my help, I leave my own work and projects aside to come help; which takes me to the following point.
I’ve become a mentor & an un-paid employee. Being the youngest and fresh out of college, I’m a lot more familiar with modern digital strategies in business. Also, I got my degree at an American college in San Francisco, the heart of Silicon Valley. So, my thoughts and ideas are very appreciated by them. It makes me feel good that I can help them out, even though sometimes I think I’m not experienced enough to give them big business advice. But, hey, I do my best.
Also, I’m an artsy person. I’ve been doing photography for a few years now, and write almost everyday. So, I’ve been asked to do photoshoots, copywriting, to blog, edit pitch decks, write press releases, etc. without a pay. It’s my family, and I’d do anything for them, but it can get annoying if ground rules aren’t being set, which I have learned to do now.
I’ve asked them to shut up. Entrepreneurs are, by nature, passionate people. Their new business takes a lot of space in their day-to-day, even on days off. So, it is only normal that they don’t stop talking about it.
Personally, I have always found the business life very stressful, so hearing about it 24/7 is too much for me. Of course I want to know how their business is doing, what are the latest news and everything, but if that is all they talk about, it drives me insane. This has driven me to ask them several times to stop talking about that, and talk about that new Netflix show or the new workout they are trying out. And, they understand it and change the subject, but, usually, retort back to the business talk. At least I tried…
I’ve fought with them. I have worked at both my dad’s and my brother’s companies. It is already hard to work with family. Now, imagine them being your boss. Twice as hard. If I have an idea on how to make something better, I will say it. Sometimes, they have felt attacked by this and, since we all have strong tempers, it can turn into a battlefield. At times, we have been able to solve our differences right on the spot but there have been times where we didn’t speak for months. But there is a lot of love, and we find the way to apologize to each other and move on.
We’ve sacrificed. Trips, gifts, toys, trendy smartphones, clothes, and eating at restaurants are some stuff we have had to sacrifice in order to save money for the businesses. What I remember the most, in terms of sacrifices, are the relationships that have been lost and important events that couldn’t be attended. But, making sacrifices is a blessing in disguise. We have learned to value people that have stayed through thick and thin and cherish every joyful and hard moment we have lived together.
Overall, this whole life experience has made me grow more empathetic and understanding of those who have achieved success and those who struggle everyday to achieve their dreams. And, even though I didn’t choose to grow up in an entrepreneurial family, I’m happy I was brought up in this environment. What I have learned from their own experiences and lessons learned are so valuable to me and it has given me an education that I wouldn’t get anywhere else.
