Faith, Family & Friends: How to Build a Purpose-Driven Business That Changes Lives

Building a family business with faith at the center isn’t just about profit—it’s about creating lasting impact that extends far beyond your bank account.

When my husband Brian and I started sharing our vision for The Homestead Bar & Retreat, we never imagined how many entrepreneurs would reach out asking the same question: “How do you build something bigger than yourself while staying true to your values?”

In our latest podcast episode, “Faith, Family & Friends: Building Something Bigger Than Ourselves,” we pulled back the curtain on our $12 million Caribbean retreat project and shared the framework that’s guiding every decision we make.

Why Faith-Based Entrepreneurship Matters More Than Ever

Starting a business with purpose has become more than a trend—it’s a necessity for entrepreneurs who want to create meaningful change. According to recent studies, consumers increasingly support businesses that align with their values, making faith-driven ventures not just morally fulfilling but financially smart.

Our approach to Christian business principles centers on three core pillars:

1. Prayer-Driven Decision Making

Every major business decision starts with prayer. When you’re building something as ambitious as an international retreat center, you need divine guidance to navigate complex choices about location, partnerships, and funding.

2. Community Over Competition

Instead of traditional business partnerships, we’re creating “Friends of the Homestead”—a community-driven model that prioritizes relationships over transactions. This approach to building business community has attracted incredible advisors and supporters who believe in our vision.

3. Giving Back as Core Strategy

Our social impact business model isn’t an afterthought—it’s our foundation. All proceeds from The Homestead will support disaster relief efforts, particularly hurricane recovery, because we believe successful businesses should lift up their communities.

Family Business Success: Getting Everyone on Board

Managing a family business while pursuing ambitious goals requires intentional alignment. Here’s what we’ve learned:

• Include everyone in the vision: Our kids aren’t just aware of our plans—they’re excited contributors with their own ideas
• Respect different comfort levels: Not everyone needs to be equally involved, but everyone should feel valued
• Create clear boundaries: Business discussions have designated times so family time remains sacred

Building Your Support Network: The Power of Advisory Boards

One mistake many women entrepreneurs make is trying to do everything alone. Our business mentorship approach includes assembling advisors who complement our weaknesses:

• Industry experts who know the food and beverage business
• Location specialists familiar with Caribbean business law
• Financial advisors experienced with international ventures
• Spiritual mentors who keep us grounded in our purpose

Practical Steps for Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs

If you’re feeling called to start a meaningful business, here’s your action plan:

1. Define Your “Why” Beyond Profit

What problem does your business solve? How will it make people’s lives better? Write this down and refer to it when difficult decisions arise.

2. Build Your Prayer Warrior Network

Identify 5-10 people who will commit to praying for your business regularly. This spiritual support system is invaluable during challenging seasons.

3. Start Small, Think Big

You don’t need $12 million to begin. Start with what you have and let your impact grow organically. Our retreat vision began with local networking events in Charleston.

4. Choose Community Over Competition

Look for ways to lift up others in your industry. The businesses that thrive long-term are those that build genuine relationships, not just transactional partnerships.

The Reality of Big Vision Challenges

Entrepreneurial challenges are real, especially when you’re building something unprecedented. This year alone, we’ve faced:

• Unexpected family loss that required stepping back from business temporarily
• Complex international legal requirements for our Caribbean venture
• The pressure of raising significant funding while maintaining our values
• Balancing optimism with realistic timeline expectations

The key is remembering that faith-based business growth doesn’t follow traditional timelines. Trust the process and stay committed to your values, even when growth feels slow.

Creating Your Own “Friends” Program

Our Friends of the Homestead concept can be adapted for any business:

• Identify your biggest supporters and create exclusive benefits for them
• Offer tiered involvement so people can participate at their comfort level
• Make it about relationship, not just revenue
• Provide real value that goes beyond typical customer experiences

What’s Next for Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs

The future of business belongs to companies that prioritize people over profit margins. As we prepare for our big announcement at the 2026 Charleston Wine & Food Festival, we’re reminded that the best businesses solve real problems while building authentic community.

Whether you’re starting a Christian business, pursuing social entrepreneurship, or simply wanting to build something meaningful, remember that your dreams aren’t too big when they’re aligned with God’s purposes.

Ready to turn your vision into reality? Join our community of ambitious, faith-driven entrepreneurs in The Brighter Side Society, where women supporting women in business isn’t just a hashtag—it’s how we operate every day.

---

Listen to the full episode “Faith, Family & Friends: Building Something Bigger Than Ourselves” on Never Stop Dreaming BIGGIE podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts. For more resources on building a purpose-driven business, visit neverstopdreamingbiggie.com.

Ready to join our community? Get your free Ultimate Guide for Female Founders and discover how to build a business that changes lives—starting with your own.