Family ties are tricky, and that’s before adding business to the mix. What’s good, bad and complicated about working side by side with relatives? And how do you draw the line between work and personal life? Peek behind the curtain at some of the industry’s favorite family businesses.
Arteriors
Dallas-based lighting and accessories purveyor Arteriors has grown from naming two of its collections after founder Mark Moussa’s children to bringing both on board—Tanner Moussa as senior designer and Mackenzie Moussa Lewis as a product designer.
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“The challenge is to be a professional, not a parent. Parents usually tell their child what to do, but as a professional, you partner with them, suggest, listen and advise.” —Mark Moussa |
“It’s been a learning experience to figure out how to communicate as colleagues, rather than just as a big brother or a son. It’s a different way of speaking, emailing and addressing each other.” —Tanner Moussa |
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“It is important to keep a professional environment and respect everyone’s roles, but it definitely took some time to get comfortable calling my dad ‘Mark’ in the office!” —Mackenzie Moussa Lewis |
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