DO SIBLINGS MAKE GOOD BUSINESS PARTNERS?

Ever wonder if working with a sibling is a good idea? Two sisters explain the cons and pros of being in business together.

ATLANTA, GA - Two sisters from different states have merged to form the online venture -- EthnicHomeDecor.com.

The company was founded in 2002 by Yuwanda Black of New York City. In January 2003, EthnicHomeDecor.com merged with EthnicArt.net, an online retailer of art prints owned by Cassandra Black, her sister.

The Center for Womens Business Research* reported a 31.5% increase in minority, women-owned firms in the last five years. Most of these entrepreneurs start out alone. Among African American women business owners, that number is nearly three-quarters (72%).

The sisters saw immediate and long-term benefits of joining forces. Before merging, they were already doing co-op advertising to keep direct mail costs down. Realizing they were talking to the same market, according to Yuwanda, "It just made sense for us to merge."

With Cassandra living in Atlanta and Yuwanda in New York City, how do they coordinate logistics? Both say an online venture is a big part of smooth logistics and agree that a brick-and-mortar store would be more of a challenge.

"Logistics can be trying sometimes, but because we are sisters, we inherently know whos better at what," says Yuwanda, who handles most of the recordkeeping, finances and purchasing. "Because we know each other so well, we trust the other to move ahead with decisions in their area of expertise," adds Cassandra.

Cassandra oversees product design, which has a popular line of private label merchandise including mudcloth pillows, chair jackets and table accessories. Ottomans, towels and sheet sets are hot ticket items in the making.

This is not the first business for either sister, so they entered the venture with strong ideas on how things should be done. When their styles clash, they remember the teachings of their deceased mother.

Recounts Cassandra, "Growing up, mama insisted that we get along. She reminded us that one day she would not be here, so it was important that we learn how to rely on each other."

Rely on each other they have. The sisters have had unparalleled success with Ethnic Home Decor. Due to customer demand, they are working on their first catalog, due out in May. Visit EthnicHomeDecor.com for details on how to receive a copy.

*If you would like more information on women in business, visit the Center for Women's Business Research at womensbusinessresearch.org.

Yuwanda & Cassandra Black are the owners of EthnicHomeDecor.com. Ethnic Home Decor offers soft home furnishings with ethnic themes at affordable prices.                                                                 ###