There are so many varied experiences when it comes to starting a business. From what we’ve seen, there is no one, right answer. Some people found success by writing a business plan, spending months or years perfecting the idea and only then approaching their first client while others found their first client before they had even settled on a name for their business. Below, you’ll find the stories of how entrepreneurs from across industries and markets found their first clients.

Katie Clingman

My first client found me through social media. She was about to move to Austin for a new job and was expecting a child in a few weeks. She had a lot going on and was understandably looking for help to make the transition smoother! Being from out-of-state myself, I sent her some tips on things I wish I had known before moving to Austin. Among these suggestions, I mentioned that if she needed help unpacking and organizing her new home, I’d be happy to help. Grateful to have things taken off her plate, she reached back out to set up a consultation. Read more>>

Dustin Kellogg

I finally started learning how to use my camera in 2020, taking pictures of paintball. I’ve always had a camera but never tried to master the craft of photography. Once I gathered up the courage to take on a customer, I posted on Instagram saying I was showing up to a tournament. The tournament was 3 hours away, didn’t know anyone and was a new photographer. I got lucky and not very many photographers showed up to the event, I showed up early and was able to book a few customers for the 2 day event. Read more>>

LaBrina Gill Weeden

My very first client came from Cosmetology School. Being new to the salon floor, I was extremely nervous but by the end of the appointment we were very comfortable with one another. I am happy to this day, 9 years later, I’m blessed to still service her. Read more>>

Alejandro Muguerza

My founding partner and myself decided to open a catering business in 1991. At that time the world was immersed in the mood of the first Gulf War. London was starting to look very grim and I had the chance by pure coincidence to attend a wedding of a member of the Cuban high society in Palm Beach. Read more>>

LaTonya Curll

It was Valentines Day 2018 when I made my first official dollar. I had only accepted orders from family and friends at that point, but I decided to go public on Facebook the week before. The week started off really slow, with not too many people showing interest. 5 days passed, and I had only taken 3 orders, and I was ok with that. Read more>>

Katelyn Cummings

My first client actually came as a full circle moment. I made my first ever calligraphy doodle while sitting at my desk, passing the time until 5:00 rolled around. Word had gotten around the office that I was the girl who “wrote pretty” after I began hanging my practice work in a corner of my office and people began to notice. Read more>>

Kyle Lee

My First Client was a partnership with West Elm. They actually reached out to me via Instagram. I thought at the time that it was a fake message so I deleted it. They then reached out to me by email and it wasn’t until I opened the email did I realize it was something legitimate. Shortly after, I partnered with them. Read more>>

James Holland

During my time at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, Colorado, from 1997 to 2009, I had the pleasure of serving many familiar faces as my initial clients. It is worth mentioning that I was the sole individual, particularly the only African-American, who specialized in cutting and styling “African-American” hair in the vicinity. Consequently, when word got out that I had returned to the area, people eagerly flocked to my shop to avail themselves of my services. Read more>>

Elena Armijo

I opened my business during my Coach Training Program, and through the program we were encouraged to start coaching at a training rate. The idea was that you were practicing in real time with people while learning, instead of waiting to have all the answers to start working with clients. This was terrifying for me, as I had always waited to be “ready” to start anything in my life. Read more>>

Ariana C. Smith, Esq.

I created my law firm, The A.C. Smith Law Firm, PLLC on May 26, 2021 and got my first client within the first two weeks. I had spent the prior three months setting up the firm and putting systems into place. I took professional photographs, created my website, drafted my list of legal fees according to practice, drafted my retainer agreement, created social media pages, secured virtual space, created my email address, set up payment methods, drafted information forms for clients and set up my booking calendar. Read more>>

Sharon Eucce

Looking back on the start of my packaging career and business, my first full scale client was through a referral. A supplier had made his own sales call on the project managers at a well known beauty brand in San Francisco. After his appointment, he thought that I would be a great fit to help the client and gave me a call to tell me about the prospect. Read more>>

Linda Diakite Karressy

Someone told me about the Skyline Club. Club is a hub for entrepreneurs, executives and city leaders, a place that fosters networking and promotes effortless connections. At the time I was meeting with my SCORE mentor learning how to get my first client. We had discussed marketing strategies and networking opportunities. Read more >>