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.

Alison Phelps

My first client was a friend, believe it or not! I had just graduated college and had no idea how I’d get the ball rolling with this business. I made myself a birthday cake and shared it on social media. Read more>>

Anjaneth Aguirre

I started doing nails at the age of 13. My first clients were my family, and friends later followed. My very 1st real client that wasn’t related to me was at the age of 15 while in high school. Read more>>

Daphney Poyser

This question is perfect because around this time four years ago we kicked off our business on Instagram and that’s where we found our first clients. Read more>>

Aurora Walker

So long ago in the swamplands of Louisiana in New Orleans, I had just recently graduated college and set out to pursue my dreams of furthering my career in apparel and costume design. Read more>>

Sarah Lazar

I was in my second year of studying Graphic Design at Dawson College in Montreal. I happened to go out for lunch at a nearby salad bar, and ran into an old friend. Read more>>

Rebecca Klementovich

Hello I thank you for having me on the show. My first sale was through a dear friend of mine kenneth Dower, who worked in a Gallery. Read more>>  

Kristina Tyryshkina

Like all photographers, I started out by taking pictures of family and friends. Thanks to imposter syndrome, I lagged a bit at this stage, but eventually, that day came. Read more>>

Jasmine Wilson

My very first client that I serviced and actually received compensation from was someone that I went to college with. She stopped me in the hallway of the dorm we lived in and told me how much she loved my hair. Read more>>

Henry Thrill

The first time I got paid for a song that I produced was about a year after I had moved to LA. This was a connection that I had made 3 years prior online. Read more>>

Jasmine Jackson

I got my first clients were my parents and my in-laws. Once I revealed to them my dream they gave their full support. They purchased a bag of each flavor I had. Read more>>

Rou Roubert

Once you start cosmetology school you start doing services for practice. I met a lot of wonderful people and also some that weren’t so wonderful. Read more>>

Evanna Jones

Before transitioning to my own studio, I operated from my kitchen, serving family and close friends. In September 2021, I welcomed my first client to my new studio. Read more>>

Cindy Rodriguez

I wanted to spread the word about my business to the community, so I created a flyer to hand out to all the local daycares in my area. Read more>>

Adrienne Barke

A few years ago, an opportunity emerged that would set the foundation for my business, ‘I’m Your Service.’ I was invited to conduct a workshop for a group of women in the promotional products industry. Read more>>

Dominique Vonador

My first patient, my first day in the office, was actually my husband. My schedule that week was completely empty, but my wonderful husband came through and made my first week special. Read more>>