Running an ecommerce business is an exciting yet challenging endeavor for anyone, but when you’re autistic, the hurdles can feel even more pronounced. As I’ve navigated the journey of entrepreneurship, I’ve come to realize how much family dynamics can shape the success or struggles of building a business. While many entrepreneurs find strength in their family’s support, others, like myself, face significant challenges when the people closest to them fail to understand the unique struggles of running an ecommerce business—especially one that relies on dropshipping.
The Disconnect: Family Support or Criticism?
My experience with family has been mixed. I didn’t expect them to financially prop up my business, but I did hope for some understanding and support. When I initially started my ecommerce journey, I simply asked my family to consider purchasing gifts from my own website rather than larger platforms like Amazon. Instead of receiving encouragement, I was met with criticism and misunderstanding. They thought I was asking for thousands of pounds in support, which was far from my request. The reality is, without financial backing, dropshipping businesses face limitations that aren’t always visible to those who aren’t familiar with the model.
Even worse, when I explained why I wanted to stick to high-quality products, one of my family members suggested I try creating costume jewellery. While I understood their intention to help, I felt ignored and dismissed when I explained that it didn’t align with the high standards I try to uphold. Unfortunately, my family’s response was more belittling than supportive, as they undermined my ability to make informed business decisions. They seemed to assume that, as an autistic person, I couldn’t figure things out on my own.
Dropshipping: The Struggles of Limited Options and Financial Constraints
One of the greatest struggles of running a dropshipping business is the lack of financial backing. Without a substantial upfront investment, many of the ideas I have for expanding my business simply aren’t feasible. My family, not fully understanding the limitations of dropshipping, would often suggest ideas that were either financially impossible or logistically impractical. Without the funds to bring these ideas to life, it’s disheartening to explain why certain plans can’t happen and to be met with resistance or disbelief.
The misconception that anyone can start a business without substantial support from investors or family can be discouraging when you’re working within tight constraints. I’ve had to learn to find creative solutions within these limitations, but it’s hard to do that when those closest to you are telling you that your ideas won’t work.
Autism and Business: A Double Struggle
Being an autistic entrepreneur adds another layer of complexity to running a business. For many autistic individuals, things like coming up with creative business ideas, interacting with customers, or even managing day-to-day tasks can be incredibly difficult. Social interactions, such as responding to inquiries or crafting social media posts, often require more mental energy than others might understand.
This challenge is amplified if you have a partner whose parents don’t understand the unique struggles that come with being autistic. In my case, my partner’s family often fails to recognize how hard it is to secure stable employment as an autistic person in the UK or the complexities involved in managing a business. When they don’t care to know what those struggles are, it makes everything feel more isolating, as if your efforts are invisible and unimportant.
The Support of Friends: Limited, Yet Important
Another crucial aspect of entrepreneurship is the support of friends. For many autistic individuals, making friends and maintaining relationships can be challenging. While I have a small group of friends who are supportive in other ways, many of them don’t purchase from my ecommerce store. It’s easy to feel that the support from friends is often conditional or that it’s not enough to sustain a growing business. Without regular financial support from those around you, whether family or friends, it can feel like the weight of building a successful business is entirely on your shoulders.
Ignored Ideas: The Cost of Dismissing Autistic Vision
One of the most frustrating moments I faced was when my family suggested I try creating costume jewellery to expand my store. While they thought it was a great idea, I felt unheard when I explained that it didn’t align with the high-quality products I aim to offer. My brand is all about sourcing high-quality goods that are unique and well-made, and costume jewellery simply doesn’t fit into that vision. Instead of receiving support for staying true to my values, I was met with ridicule. This lack of understanding from my family made me feel like my abilities were being undermined, solely because of my autism.
Belittlement and Doubt: The Emotional Toll of Lack of Support
As an autistic entrepreneur, the struggle of running a business is often compounded by the emotional toll of being belittled by family. The assumption that I am incapable of “figuring people out” or managing a business is a constant undercurrent in my family’s behavior. This lack of faith in my ability to succeed, just because I’m autistic, makes it incredibly difficult to stay motivated.
What makes it even harder is that I know I have the potential to succeed. But the constant belittling can leave me questioning my abilities and whether it’s worth continuing the journey. It’s especially painful when I see others—whether family or friends—pushing their dreams forward, while mine are dismissed.
Building Self-Reliance Despite the Odds
Despite the lack of understanding from my family, I’ve learned to stay true to my vision and continue building my business. For autistic entrepreneurs, self-reliance and independence are key to overcoming obstacles. While it’s tough when those closest to you don’t support your dreams, it’s essential to keep moving forward, even when it feels like the world is pushing against you.
I hope my story resonates with other autistic entrepreneurs who face similar struggles. Building a business isn’t easy, and doing so without the support of your family or friends can make it even harder. But we are resilient, and no matter what others say, we can carve our own path to success.
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