Simone in Bordeaux, a family above all!

Starting a business as a family: a unique adventure

Working with my husband, Éric, is undoubtedly the best decision we made for Simone in Bordeaux. Where I'm the creative dreamer, he's the master of organization and management. Thanks to his sense of timing and structure, our small business has really taken off.

Of course, the lines between professional and personal are thin. We talk about work at the dinner table, we brainstorm in the evenings, and our car rides become impromptu meetings. Sometimes our daughter looks at us and says, "Are you fighting over jewelry?!" – a reminder that it's important to know how to tune out every now and then.

And what about vacations? Let's just say they're nothing like our daughter's, who comes home tanned while we're still answering emails. But that's the game, and we love it.

Starting a business as a family is an adventure full of challenges and laughter, but above all, it's a project that unites us and excites us. 💛

Starting a business as a family or as a couple: how to find the right balance?

Starting a business as a family or as a couple is a unique adventure, both exciting and demanding. Working with my wife, Agnès, is undoubtedly the best decision I made—joining her in the Simone adventure in Bordeaux. Working with a spouse, partner, or family member offers unique opportunities, but also presents specific challenges. So, how can you take advantage of the benefits while overcoming the drawbacks and maintaining work-life harmony? Here are my thoughts on the subject.

The advantages of starting a business as a family or as a couple

Strengthened Trust One of the greatest benefits of doing business with a loved one is mutual trust. You know you can count on each other, which is essential in critical moments.
Shared vision Projects led by couples or families often share common values and objectives, facilitating strategic decisions.
Flexibility Working with a loved one allows you to adapt schedules or roles according to family or professional needs.
Reduced initial cost Family collaboration can avoid additional costs, such as those associated with hiring outside employees.
Emotional Support During times of hardship, having a close and understanding shoulder is a real relief.

Disadvantages to consider

Role Confusion It can be difficult to separate personal and professional life. Personal disputes can erupt into work settings and vice versa.
Risk of burnout Spending all your time together, at the office and at home, can lead to relationship fatigue if the balance is not well managed.
Shared Financial Pressures When economic hardship strikes, the impact can be devastating for the entire household.
Lack of Objectivity Emotional closeness can make it difficult to objectively assess certain situations or make difficult decisions.
Risk of long-term conflicts Unresolved conflict in the professional sphere can have lasting repercussions on personal relationships.

Finding work-life balance

To minimize risks and maximize benefits, it's crucial to find a balance. Here are some strategies to adopt:

Define clear roles Make sure everyone knows their responsibilities in the company to avoid overlap and conflict.
Set boundaries Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. For example, decide not to discuss work at the dinner table or during leisure time.
Plan time together. Set aside quality time outside of work to maintain your personal relationship.
Call on a neutral third party In the event of conflicts or important decisions, the intervention of an external advisor or mentor can help provide an objective perspective.
Cultivate open communication Take the time to regularly discuss your expectations, feelings and goals, whether for work or personal life.

Practical tips for success

Prioritize transparency : Don't allow misunderstandings to occur. Speak honestly about your needs and concerns.
Invest in training : To work better together, take training in management or interpersonal communication.
Celebrate your successes : Take the time to recognize everyone's accomplishments, whether big or small.
Be prepared to adapt : Flexibility is key in this type of collaboration.
Have an exit plan in place : Have a strategy in place to deal with failure or to organize succession if necessary.

Conclusion

Starting a business as a family or as a couple is an intense human and professional adventure, rich in opportunities and learning. With good organization, fluid communication, and a willingness to maintain balance, it's possible to transform this experience into a true shared success. So, are you ready to take on the challenge together?