"Taking over the family business? What made you decide to do that?" I get asked that a lot.
For me, it began with a sticker. My mum started The Sticker Factory when my siblings and I were young. By the time I was nine, I asked if I could draw a sticker for her and, to this day, she still uses the design she based on my drawing.
A few years ago, when I was home in Suffolk visiting from university, I asked my mum what she would do with the business when she and Dad were no longer there to run it. "Oh, I don't know – maybe sell it, give it to someone, I'm not sure." I didn't like the idea that it might be taken over by someone who didn't understand the organisation, its ethics, design ethos and everything it stands for.
At the time I was studying for an MA in history of art and was seriously considering applying for a PhD. But stickers had always been in the back of my mind, and the conversation with my mum made me realise that if I did a PhD, I would regret not taking the opportunity to continue the family business. The only thing that makes me a little sad about not pursuing an academic career is that I'll never be called "Dr Ruth".
I'm now 25 and have been working for the family business for just over a year. We design and make stickers, mostly for schools, hospitals, parents, guardians and child carers. It's been a steep learning curve, and I'm lucky to have had the support of my parents and our team. Working with my parents is useful because we can offer each other a level of understanding and support that would be hard to find with a non-family colleague. We can also question and scrutinise each other in a way that I think only family could – and this can be tough.
A few months ago I had a hard conversation with my dad. I felt that part of a project he was managing was not being done as effectively as possible, so I wanted to share my ideas with him and take over the work.
For a few days I'd been thinking about what to say and how to say it, and I was struggling. Then one day we were having a discussion about a decision I'd made for the project that he didn't like. I knew this was the right time to tell him. In a nervous blur, I looked at him and said firmly that I thought it would be best if I took the project over. He looked shocked (and Mum looked a bit impressed). It's not a tone of voice I use very often and it was tough. But once we'd finished talking – and I'd finished shaking – we agreed it was a good move.
I often get asked if it's hard being the bosses' daughter. I'm lucky that I've known the rest of the team for a long time, which made coming into the business fairly smooth. I manage certain areas and projects, but my parents are in charge overall. It's tough because I worry whether I can successfully continue the legacy my parents have been building over the past 15 years, but I'm lucky to have the opportunity.
I hear lots of people say that working with your family isn't, or shouldn't, be personal: it's just business. But the reality is that it's both – and that can be a good thing. You need a strong framework, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and a high level of accountability to leave you secure in the knowledge that working with your family is the best thing for you and the business. Some outside support can also really help. We've been guided by our coach, Jim, from GrowthAccelerator. He's challenged us and helped us see the wood from the trees when we felt unsure.
Working with family is very special. You need to think carefully, talk about it and make sure you are all doing it for the right reasons. You need to work out and understand the advantages and disadvantages that will be specific to you and the business – and you need to know that you can handle them.
Ruth Laws is digital marketing manager at The Sticker Factory.
This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. To get more content and advice like this direct to your inbox, sign up for our weekly update and career ebook.
