What To Do When Your Friends and Family Aren’t Supportive Of Your Online Business Dreams

May 22, 2025

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Content from the Not Just Momma Podcast Click HERE to listen to the full episode!

Starting an online business can be both exhilarating and terrifying. You’re putting yourself out there, chasing a dream, and maybe—like me—you expected your closest friends and family members to be your biggest means of support.

But what happens when they’re not?

Maybe they gave you blank stares when you shared your idea. Maybe they questioned your choices, ignored your progress, or worse—laughed it off. And let’s be honest: all of that hurts.

As a mom building an online business, you’re already juggling so much. When the people closest to you don’t offer their support, it can feel like rejection—or even worse, it can trigger Mr. Imposter to enter the room. So if you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why can’t they just believe in me and support me?”—you’re definitely not alone.

Let’s talk about what’s really going on in their heads, and more importantly, what you can do about it.


Why Your Friends and Family Might Not Be Supportive

First, let’s normalize this: lack of support from family and friends is incredibly common for entrepreneurs—especially in the online space.

Here are a few reasons why:

1. It’s Generational

Many people grew up believing that a “real job” comes with a steady paycheck, 9–5 hours, and health insurance. So when you talk about selling digital products, launching a course, or building an online business from home, it simply doesn’t click for them. They literally cannot see your vision. And it’s not your fault at all… they just have a different belief system of what success looks like. So, don’t take it personally.

2. It Triggers Their Own Fears or Insecurities

Sometimes, your ambition makes others uncomfortable. Your courage to step out of your comfort zone can highlight their own fears of growth or change. They may not say it out loud—but it’s there. But even so, don’t let it hold you back from your dreams. If we all let simple things such as other opinions hold us back, most of us wouldn’t accomplish a lot of the things we have today.

3. They Don’t Understand the Online Business World

Let’s face it: some people still think making money online is a scam or a hobby at best. They don’t see the hours you pour into building your course, crafting your message, or learning tech tools. Because they don’t understand it, they dismiss it. And if you have gotten started already on your course or online business, you know that it’s tough stuff. It’s not for the weak minded. I mean, it’s a ton of work… and no one will realize that until they enter that world themselves.


How to Handle Lack of Support (Without Letting It Break You)

Here’s the truth: it’s not your job to convince people of your vision—it’s your job to walk it out.

So how do you do that with grace, confidence, and strength?

1. Protect Your Energy

Stop handing your dreams to people who don’t know how to hold them. You’re not obligated to share every new idea or win with people who consistently downplay your progress. It’s okay to keep some things sacred—between you, God, and your laptop.

Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out—they’re about keeping your peace and momentum intact.

2. Find Your People

If your current circle doesn’t “get it,” build a new one that does. That’s not to say that you should get rid of your current circle, but to just make space for people that do understand what it takes. Whether it’s an online community, a supportive Facebook group, or a podcast that fuels your spirit—find your tribe.

There are women out there who know what it feels like to stay up late after the kids are asleep, chasing a dream with zero guarantees. Connect with them. Share with them. Learn from them.

Having just one business bestie who believes in you can make all the difference.

3. Keep Showing Up Anyway

The best response to doubt is action. Keep showing up. Stay consistent. Let your work speak for itself.

People may not understand your dream until they see it in motion. I’ve had friends who were skeptical at first but later said, “Wow. I see it now. I’m proud of you.”

But that moment only came… because I didn’t give up.

4. Let Your Results Speak

You don’t owe anyone a long explanation for your dream. You don’t need permission to build the business that’s on your heart.

Just keep showing up. Let your impact—and eventually your income—do the talking.


A Gentle Reframe for Your Heart

Maybe the people who are doubting you aren’t meant to be part of your business support circle. And you know what? That’s okay.

You don’t need everyone’s belief to move forward—you need your own.

Sometimes, a lack of support is what teaches us to back ourselves up fully and fiercely. And that’s the kind of strength that carries you through the messy middle of entrepreneurship.

So to the momma who feels alone right now: I see you. I am you.

And I want you to remember:

  • Your dreams are yours for a reason.
  • Not everyone will understand, and not everyone needs to.
  • You don’t need permission to pursue your calling.
  • Keep building. Keep believing. Keep going.

One of my favorite quotes from Mel Robbins is, “Let them.” Let them doubt. Let them question. And then let yourself rise anyway. (If you haven’t read that book, I highly recommend it!)

You are allowed to live out your dreams, even if others don’t get it. You’ve got this!

If this message hit home for you, I’d love to hear from you. Drop me an email, join my email list for more encouragement, and be sure to subscribe to the Not Just Momma Podcast.

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This blog post is taken from an episode on my podcast listen to it HERE

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