20+ Family Businesses to Start on Shopify

Featured Partners

This sponsored placement is paid for by our partners.

Run your Shopify agency on one platform: projects, clients and billing.

Learn More

Email & SMS that sells. Popups, newsletters & abandoned carts, Omnisend merchants sell more.

Learn More

Intelligent email marketing & SMS platform with automation for faster, more efficient growth.

Learn More

Starting a family business can be a deeply rewarding endeavor that not only strengthens your bond with family but can also be a lucrative venture worth putting time, energy, and attention into.

If you and your family share the same interests or ambitions, you can leverage your unique strengths and shared interests to create a well-rounded team. Whether you're looking to turn a hobby into a profitable business or explore new entrepreneurial horizons together, the Shopify ecommerce platform is the perfect ecommerce solution for bringing your ideas to life.

Starting an online business can be relatively easy, especially with Shopify, a platform built for everyone, from small startups to growing enterprises. The platform is an out-of-the-box solution for building an online business from scratch.

In this article by Ecommerce Pro, we explore the reasons why you should start an online Family business with Shopify, before presenting 21 family business ideas that you can start on the platform.

Get ready to feel inspired and bring your family to build a fun business, or even a long-lasting business legacy. If you're thinking about launching your ecommerce business, reach out to our team of ecommerce experts for a FREE consulting call - Contact us.

Why start a family business with Shopify?

Starting a business with Shopify is a smart choice for families looking for an easy-to-use platform that can scale with your business. A testament to its reliability and popularity, Shopify powers over 4.8 million ecommerce businesses worldwide, holding about 32% of the global ecommerce platform market as of 2024.

In terms of what it can provide for your family-run brand, Shopify provides an extensive suite of robust tools for creating, running, and growing an online store, managing inventory, and processing payments.

Moreover, its multi-channel capabilities allow you to sell on various platforms like social media, online marketplaces, and your own website. Plus, Shopify’s Point of Sale (POS) system supports in-person selling, making it perfect for family businesses looking to operate both online and offline.

With Shopify, you can have a flexible family business that runs efficiently, allowing you to easily manage and grow ensuring a seamless experience for both your family and your customers.

Here’s what to expect from Shopify:

• User-Friendly Platform: Intuitive design and easy setup, perfect for all family members.
• Scalable Solutions: Tools and features that grow with your business.
• Multi-Channel Selling: Seamlessly sell on social media, online marketplaces, and your website. You can even sell in person with Shopify POS.
• POS System: Supports in-person sales, ideal for pop-ups, markets, and physical stores.
• Comprehensive Inventory Management: Keep track of products across all sales channels.
• Secure Payment Processing: Safe, reliable, and free transactions (with Shop Pay) for you and your customers.
• 24/7 Support: Round-the-clock support through chat, email, and to help you succeed. Along with innumerable resources you can consult.

21 Family Business Ideas to Start on Shopify

Here are 21 family business ideas that you can launch on Shopify:

1. Handmade Crafts:

Number one on our list is handmade crafts. This is the perfect family business to start if your family is creative and enjoys making handmade things. Handmade crafts are quite generalized and can encompass everything from jewelry, ceramics, soaps, woodwork, and more. Since handmade crafts require creativity, truly, anything flies. You can even go ahead and explore seasonal items like holiday ornaments and holiday decor, which can boost your business during the holidays. This is a great business to enter into with your family members, as it not only allows for artistic expression but also fosters collaboration and bonding as you create unique homemade crafts together.

2. Personalized Products:

People love personalized items! And this is especially true in ecommerce where personalization can really shine. You can create a Shopify store that sells custom t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and other products. A great example of a personalization business right now is t-shirts featuring a collage of one’s significant other, or funny mugs gifted to parents and friends. You can also offer custom home decor like wall art, cushions, blankets, etc. You can explore easy-to-use design tools on Shopify, so customers can see product previews, adding to engagement and appeal. Additionally, collaborate with local artists and designers to offer exclusive, one-of-a-kind designs that can only be found in your store.

3. Vintage Clothing:

Do you have a collection of vintage clothing in your family? Or is your family simply passionate about flipping vintage clothing? You can sell your collection and vintage finds online through Shopify. Selling your vintage clothing can be a great way to declutter your home and make some extra money. And for those who love sifting through vintage clothing stores, you can put a premium on your cool finds and display them in your store for other vintage lovers to discover. Your store should offer style Inso and styling tips to inspire customers on how to incorporate vintage pieces into their modern wardrobes. You can even host virtual shopping events or live streams where you showcase new arrivals can also create excitement and engage your audience.

4. Subscription Box:

Subscription boxes have been a hit in recent years, allowing customers to subscribe to a service that delivers a variety of products to their doorstep each month. Subscription boxes and services can be centered around any product category or theme, and your family can create a subscription service delivering anything from coffee, snacks, pet food, beauty products, health products, and more. This recurring revenue model not only ensures consistent income but also helps build a loyal customer base eager to receive and unbox their new subscription box every month.

5. Baked Goods:

Some families have the passion and talent for crafting baked goods. If your family has a secret recipe for cookies, cakes, or pies, you can sell them online and even in person through Shopify. This is a great way to share your delicious treats with the rest of your community, region, and even the world. You can offer seasonal and themed baked goods for holidays, birthdays, and special events, making your products perfect for any and every occasion. Additionally, you can create a blog or social media presence where you share baking tips, behind-the-scenes looks at your process, and customer testimonials to build a strong, engaged community of customers who enjoy your products.

6. Digital Downloads:

You can sell digital products online. Digital products can be downloaded—as they are not physical products, no shipping and delivery is necessary. This is great for creative families who enjoy making printable art, eBooks, and other digital products. You can sell them online through your Shopify store from which digital products can be bought and downloaded. This is a great way for families to make money from their creativity and passions. Plus, you can keep on updating and expanding your products without the overhead costs associated with physical inventory, making it a scalable and sustainable business model for your family business endeavors.

7. Art Photography:

Another artsy business endeavor to enter into with your family members is selling your art and photography online. If you have a family member who is a talented artist or photographer, you can sell their work online through your Shopify online store. This is also a great way to get your family’s work seen by a wider audience and make money from your passions such as photography and art. You can offer a variety of formats, including prints, digital downloads, and even custom commissions to cater to different customer preferences.

8.  Local Food Products:

Every place has its own local specialties and each family has their special rendition of it. If your family produces local food products, such as honey, jam, wine, or cheese you can sell them online through Shopify. This is especially great for families who run farms or orchards and is a great way to connect with customers who are looking for high-quality, locally-made products— a taste of local life. Additionally, you can offer subscription boxes featuring seasonal or themed selections, giving customers a regular taste of your unique, locally sourced food products.

9. Upcycled Clothing and Goods:

In line with people’s increased awareness of sustainability, upcycled clothing and goods are becoming increasingly popular.  An example of this is when people take vintage clothes and upcycle them to be more trendy and “with the times” so that they become more wearable, like some brands who are taking second-hand silk kimonos and turning them into trendy trousers, dresses, and blouses, essentially giving new life to vintage pieces. You can create a Shopify store that sells unique, one-of-a-kind items made from recycled clothing and materials.

10. Party Supplies:

If your family is creative and enjoys planning out parties, you can sell party supplies online through Shopify. There is a wide range of possibilities for what you can sell, everything from decorations, and favors, to tableware. You can also do themed birthday party kits for kid’s birthdays, weddings, baby showers, and special holiday celebrations like Thanksgiving. You can even do custom designs for events. If your family loves crafting personalized experiences and is particularly great at organizing events, you can consider offering party planning services alongside your party supplies to create memorable events tailored to your customers' needs and themes.

11. Educational Toys and Games:

Many families have a passion for fun and educational games. You can sell educational toys and games online through Shopify as a way to help children learn, grow, and develop. You can offer a wide range of different products that cater to different learning and developmental stages, from toddlers to pre-teens. You can sell science kits, puzzles, board games, and even interactive books. With this kind of family business, you can even provide subscription boxes to deliver new educational games and products to families with young children every month. You and your family can even create educational content such as blog posts and videos, and even sell digital download products such as worksheets and board games.

12. Sporting Goods:

A common shared passion among family members is sports. If your family is passionate and knowledgeable about sports, getting into selling sporting goods online through Shopify is a great way to cultivate this passion and strengthen the family bond. Selling sporting goods can include anything from equipment and apparel to tickets to sporting events and collectibles. Consider focusing on niche sports or specific athletic communities to differentiate your store from larger, more generalized retailers, going for a more targeted approach wherein you can specialize and hone your focus.

13. Musical Instruments:

Do you have a musical family? Harness your passion for music and start selling musical instruments, music sheets, and accessories online through Shopify. This is a great way to help people find the perfect instrument to express themselves. You can offer a wide range of instruments, from beginner to professional levels, and include accessories such as sheet music, cases, and even maintenance kits to become a one-stop online shop for all things musical instruments. You can even enhance your business by providing educational material through a Shopify-powered blog with instructional and educational videos.

14. Pet Supplies:

If your family loves pets, you can sell pet supplies online through Shopify. This could include anything from pet food and treats to toys clothing and accessories. You can focus your store on certain services and consider offering eco-friendly and organic products to appeal to health-conscious pet owners who are on the lookout for better alternatives for their furry friends. Your product range could include specialty items for different types of pets, such as dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and whatever common household pet you can think of. Create engaging content like pet care guides, training tips, and customer pet spotlights to build a community around your brand. Pet supply stores often thrive on subscription services as well, so consider creating your subscription box full of pet food, treats, and other supplies.

15. Beauty Products

Do you have a family recipe for a natural beauty product? You can sell your exclusive natural beauty products online through Shopify. This is a great way to offer people a healthy and effective alternative to conventional beauty products. Your product line could include skincare, haircare, and natural and organic cosmetics. You can target health and ingredient-conscious individuals by highlighting the benefits of your products through detailed descriptions, ingredient lists, and customer testimonials. You can even provide educational content such as skincare routines, beauty tips, and DIY beauty recipes as a part of your marketing effort to gain more website traffic and retain customers. The beauty industry is dynamic and always growing, making it an interesting business to enter into with your family.

16. Home Decor

If your family has a knack for interior design and curating spaces with home decor, you can sell home decor products online through Shopify. This could include anything from furniture and rugs to wall art and throw pillows—really, anything and everything home decor. You can organize your store according to room, offering decor for living, kitchen, and bedroom spaces. Depending on whether you are going for a more focused approach, you can also cater to different tastes such as minimal, rustic, or bohemian.  Offering custom options is also a great way to profit from your family business. Enhance your online store with lookbooks, design tips, and virtual room planners to inspire customers and help them visualize your products in their own spaces at home.

17. Gardening Supplies

Some families simply have a green thumb. If you wish to share your talents and passion for gardening with a larger audience, you can sell gardening supplies online through Shopify. You can sell anything from seeds to live plants, tools, fertilizers, and organic pesticides. You can cater to different types of gardens, from flower to vegetable gardens, and more.  Your business can be enhanced by providing educational content through a gardening blog, with guides, and DIY projects that you can document to inspire others. Consider offering subscription boxes for seasonal plants and gardening supplies to keep customers engaged and loyal to your business all year round.

18. Coffee and Tea:

Two of the most widely consumed beverages the world over, coffee and tea have billions of aficionados and consumers all around the world. If your family loves coffee and tea and you wish to share your special blends, you can sell them online through Shopify. Your family business should succeed based on your high-quality beverages and excellent marketing. Curate a selection of specialty coffees and teas from around the world or simply from your local sources. Provide detailed descriptions and tasting notes to help customers make informed choices. Enhance your online store with brewing guides, recipes, and video tutorials on how to make the perfect cup. Running a coffee and tea family business also presents a great opportunity for creating a thriving subscription service.

19. Travel Accessories:

Love to travel and go on vacation with your family? You can sell travel accessories online through your Shopify online store. Selling travel accessories can include everything from luggage and backpacks, to travel pillows and toiletry bags. You can even sell anti-theft items and camera accessories. When it comes to selling travel accessories online, focus on high-quality and providing high-value to your customers—products that make the travel experience altogether more enjoyable. To enhance your online travel accessories business, consider providing travel guides, packing tips, and destination spotlights to inspire and assist your customers. This is also a great way to get traffic to your website and link relevant products to boost sales.

20. Fitness Apparel and Equipment:

If your family is passionate about fitness, you can sell fitness apparel and equipment online through your Shopify storefront and family business. This is a great way to not only bond with family through your shared business but also to help people reach their fitness goals. Offer a range of products that cater to different fitness activities, from yoga and pilates to weightlifting and running. You should provide detailed product descriptions, size guides, and customer reviews to help customers make informed purchasing decisions. A great way to enhance your business is through workout guides, nutrition, and health tips. This should help you increase traffic and engage your audience further.

21. Candle Making:

What is certainly a niche endeavor, some families and individuals have a passion for candle making and crafting organic home scents. This is a great business to enter into with a family member as you can help customers create a beautiful-smelling homey home. Your product line and collections can include homemade scented soy wax candles, wax melts, ceramic oil diffusers, and even DIY candle-making kits. Customized options are also an option in this line of business, allowing you to enhance the customer experience overall. You can elevate your brand’s online store by including tutorials, high-quality images, and blog posts for candle enthusiasts all over the world, cultivating a thriving community around your brand.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity and planning, you can launch a successful family business on Shopify that helps you cultivate a shared passion with your family, strengthening your bond and profiting from your shared business.

Ready to start a family business on Shopify? Contact Ecommerce Pro Shopify Experts and Migration Agency for a free consultation.

Get in Touch 

At Ecommerce Pro, we help entrepreneurs and business owners build better and more successful Shopify businesses. Have a question or a project in mind? Get in touch with us today!