For a small business owner, a family dispute can quickly become an existential threat. This was the reality for the proprietor of a mountain wedding venue, who faced a coordinated attack on her livelihood from her own sister. The conflict began when the sister, Emily, announced her wedding would be held at the venue without ever making a reservation, despite the owner’s repeated requests to secure a date over an 18-month period.
When the owner refused to cancel a contract with another couple who had properly booked the date, the sister and other family members launched a campaign of harassment, including a flood of false online reviews. The situation culminated in the sister arriving on-site to confront the paying clients. The owner’s decision to stand by her contract and call the police was a difficult but necessary act of business preservation. She protected her clients’ event and her company’s reputation.
The dismissed lawsuit and the court-ordered reimbursement of legal fees validated her professional stance. This case highlights the critical importance of maintaining formal business protocols with everyone, including family, and the need to document all communications to protect your enterprise from personal conflicts.
