Getting your first client is an exhilarating experience, but it’s also an experience that far too many aspiring entrepreneurs never experience. Sometimes, the difference between an idea dying in the idea stage or going on to change the world is getting that first customer – the first tiny win that creates the momentum to make an idea real. So, we connected with some of the smartest folks we could and asked them to tell us the stories of how they got their initial clients.

Lindsey Wilson

I got my first client through a friend of a friend. My best girl friend knew I was making bone broth for myself, and seeing very positive results internally and externally after just a couple months of adding it into my daily routine. She had a friend who was seeing a colon doctor who recommended he add bone broth into his diet. Read more>>

Abi Teeters

When I first got into photography, I started out by taking photos for family and friends for free or for a slice of pizza. At the same time, I was learning more about how to use a camera in classes at school. This helped me grow my photography skills at the beginning. Read more>>

Keshawn Hughes

The journey to securing my first client beyond my immediate network started with building intentional relationships in an online community for marketing consultants. I connected with their DEI advisor and a decision maker in charge of employee training and development. Read more>>

Anberyel Gordon

My first client was my coworker and her husband. I was always talking about how I enjoyed going on a cruise every year. I expressed, to others that it’s the best way to travel. I expressed to her why I love going on the Carnival Cruise line. A cruise is all inclusive. Read more>>

Shellica Jordan

It was a crisp morning, and I had just embarked on my journey as a lash artist, fueled by passion and a dream to transform eyes into captivating masterpieces. As a newcomer, building a clientele beyond my immediate circle was both thrilling and challenging. Read more>>

Frederick Durham

I gained my first client by doing cold calls and emails. I would look up small local businesses in my area and look at their website and see if there was anything I could possibly do to help attract clientele to their business. I would reach out and try to email whoever was in charge at that point in time and offer my services to them free of charge. Read more>>

Rebeca Velie

One of the biggest questions that I get asked by other photographers trying to get into the wedding photography business is “how did you get started?”. It’s a seemingly long and arduous process that can appear to be an insurmountable obstacle. However, start small and scaling up is always the way to begin. Read more>>

Olivia Lawrence

Feed your spirit and your spirit will lead you down several different paths that will feed your wallet. Through curiosity I was guided into to truly understanding the nature of what I now know to be my spiritual awakening. My discovery of Tarot was a complete surprise to not only my family but myself as well. Read more>>

Andria Munoz

I struggled to make any sales for the first six months. It wasn’t until I attended my first pop-up market that I finally made my first sale. My inventory sold out completely, I realized that my online business was suffering from a lack of exposure. I simply wasn’t reaching enough people. Read more>>

Ronald Ayala

I actually got my first client by networking at an event. I’ve always been a music lover and saw a flyer that a very popular DJ was doing an event near by, so myself and a few friends got a table at the venue to enjoy the night. During the event, I was talking to a few people and started to explain what I do for a living. Read more>>

Tina DeJesus

I was fortunate enough to get my first client through a referral from a colleague I had worked with previously. It all started when an A List celebrity became acquainted with my colleague, who happened to work for JLO. When JLO was planning a trip to The Hamptons and needed a local chef, my colleague recommended me. Read more>>

Cierre Lanae

I always had a passion for hair at a very young age. My mom taught me how to do loc maintenance. My very first loc client was handed down to me from my mom, in 2010. That client was my cousin, Dr. Ryan Marques Harrison. I was very nervous to style his locs because I didn’t have much experience with loc styles, only with loc maintenance. Read more>>

Myra Wallace-Walker

I work in a unique sector of the fashion and apparel industry. My journey into the manufacturing side of this industry was also very unique. I am an average size woman and designer and curator of Big & Tall men apparel line. Because i did not go to school for fashion design, but was blessed with the gift of sewing at the young age of 7, designing came naturally. Read more>>

Ashley Wendt

The rush you get when you’ve secured your first client is a feeling you should always strive for. I don’t think we normalize the steps needed to take before securing your first dollar & client. So much of the “before” process is working for FREE. Read more>>