What boundaries do you create with family and business?

This is something I’ve had to get better at, especially being a one man business.

For me, one of the biggest non negotiables is that I cannot do custom work for next to nothing just because someone is family, a friend, or someone I know personally. I still have material costs, consumables, tools, time, wear and tear on equipment, and the regular business expenses that do not go away just because the person knows me.

I am always willing to help where I can, but there is a difference between helping someone and undervaluing the work. If someone wants something made for almost nothing, there is usually no realistic way for me to make that work without taking a loss or putting myself in a bad position.

One thing I do offer instead is the chance to come hang out in the shop and learn how to do it. If they are genuinely interested, I can walk them through the process, teach as we go, and help them understand what actually goes into the work. That way I am still helping, but I am not giving away the business.

That has also helped me get more comfortable teaching, which is something I want to keep building over time.

I think the boundary is really about respect. I respect my family and friends, but I also need them to respect that this is not just a hobby. It is my business, my time, my skill, and my livelihood.