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.
Miranda Durkee
In 2018, as a college student at San Francisco State University, I photographed my first wedding. I had been working as a concert photographer for two years at that point, and loved what I did. But I still felt that something was missing in my profession. As much as I enjoyed capturing the energy and excitement of live performances, I was rarely able to interact with my clients in a more personal way. Read more>>
Ashley Delrosario
My first client is all because of Instagram! I decided to join a virtual Powerhouse Women event and I tagged the host Lindsey Schwartz in my Instagram story of what I was eating while watching the event, and she ended up sending me a voice message asking me if I could cook for her womens retreat in Scottsdale!! Read more>>
Cookie Santiago
My first cake ever was for my birthday, and it was such a huge hit with friends. I made a 2 tier 80s inspired cake. A bit ambitious to make a 2 tier cake my first time ever, but i did it. I had no idea that one cake would bring me business because looking back that cake was a mess! Read more>>
Jazmine Jones
When I move to ATL in 2015 i was literally doing nails out of my dining room. I had no clients only my mom. So I printed up some business cards and started scrolling the isles of target and TJ Maxx handing cards out left and right. I knew what type of clients that I wanted especially if they had to come to my house. I was only doing nails part time so i didn’t expect to get an immediate flow of clients. Read more>>
Roneshia B.
Before I completely Launched my cleaning business I was actually taking a lash extension course as well and to make some conversation with my Instructor (Crystal Taylor) I shared with her about starting my own cleaning business “Maid w/a Twist” in the midst of our conversation, I then learned that she was a AIRBNB Host and she was willing to support me in return by giving me the opportunity to clean her Airbnb.She also invited me to 1 of her small seminars to introduce myself and my business to her class . Read more>>
Miranda Edwards
I was 17 years old, just learning how to bake. I had only a few tools and was watching YouTube videos to help me learn to bake. My mom’s friend was getting married, and I asked her if she would give me the opportunity to bake her wedding cake. I bought my first set of tiered pans, looked up multiple recipes, and baked all day and night. Read more>>
Lakisha Clark
I started becoming attracted waistbeads in 2018. I was gifted a pair and wondered if I could make them too. I loved the way they made me feel and the purpose I had for them that I wanted to implement that same reason and create on my own. Then decided if others would want to buy them from me. So in 2019, I posted a pair I made on Facebook and a classmate reached out wanting to buy some. I was so excited but so nervous because at that moment I didn’t think about the presentation of them. Read more>>
Anosh Vaswani
My first client was an insurance agent in Phoenix for a lead generation campaign. When I started my company initially, my first offer was SEO services for small businesses. I learned that while small businesses needed SEO not many had the appetite to invest for 6 – 8 months to see the results. I was really going after solopreneurs and 2 – 3 employee-type businesses with a limited marketing budget. Read more>>