Business partnerships inspire me, especially since I am in business with my husband of 20 years. There's nothing quite as motivating as an enterprise built by “couplepreneurs” who love and support each other as they simultaneously serve and support their clients and customers, each other, and the household. As great as it sounds (and it is great), it also has its own special challenges.
Being in business with your spouse is a rewarding tightrope walk. It's challenging enough to butt heads with your life partner about life things, but when you simultaneously do it from an income perspective as well, the ride can become very bumpy. My husband and I have had many rough patches — too many to count. But all in all, it's been worth it since the family that grinds together binds together.
I'll save more on that topic for another day. For now, I am excited to introduce you to some IBN member couplepreneurs from across the nation. Let's celebrate these IBN members who are raising each other and profits (and sometimes kids too!) in a family business.
Indie Business Network Couplepreneurs!
Danielle and Russ make exciting sundries for adventurers, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Jennifer and Steve (Mr. Celtic Complexion) offer luxury artisan skincare for pale and fair skinned women.
Tyrone and Lakia sell handmade scripture candles. A portion of sales support local churches and charities.
Marilyn Mae Farm, LLC (Connecticut)
Named for pet goat (Marilyn) and daughter, (Mae), Dan and Beth's farm is home to their soy candle business.
Bonnie and Kurt Brochhausen own a lavender farm, making organic products in small batches.
Smith House Crafts (New Jersey)
Natural, 100% homemade bath and body products by Asale Harris-Smith and her husband, Hopeton.
Khadija and Jamal Carryl have provided henna products, community and hair education for 10 years.
Jennifer Kurko and her husband's allergy-friendly bath + body business was inspired by their children.
Iliyan and Christie Krasteva created their business to infuse nature back into your daily skin rituals.
Chris and Carolyn Griffin make handmade candles. (Blame Chris, it was his idea.) Website coming soon!
Laura Luther and Gary Palmer make everything for the home, with one main ingredient: olive oil.
Supporting local farms, Michelle and David Touchstone make artisan eco-friendly + cruelty-free products.
US Army veteran Pamela Booker and her husband, Oronde, offer hair and skin products for men and women.
Evelina and Charles Charpentier make artisan products that address itchy and cracked skin.
Married 40 years, Captain Roland Thunder and Pirate Maiden (Janet) make aromatherapy products.
Aren't they inspiring? I mean, like, even adorable?!
I'm excited that, today, family is defined more broadly than in times past. While all of the member couplepreneurs featured here are part of a traditional marriage relationship, IBN has grown so much that I know there must be some members who are part of a business and relationship partnership of a different sort. I want to meet and feature you too, so please comment below and introduce yourself!
Want more? Check Out Couple Incorporated™!
After 20 years of doing this, my husband and I have a thing or two to say about making it as couplepreneurs. Follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our new Couple Incorporated Show on YouTube as we inspire and encourage couplepreneurs to be successful taking all the risks associated with making love and money at the same time!
Questions for discussion and sharing
What are your favorite aspects of a family owned business? Do you have one? Would you like to have one? Do you think you could go into business with your spouse or significant other? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
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