One of the most important things an aspiring entrepreneur can do is validate their idea by finding a client. For first time entrepreneurs, this can often feel intimidating and so we’re hoping that by sharing stories of how others before them have found their first client we can make it feel less daunting. Below, you’ll find the stories of some incredibly bright entrepreneurs and business owners sharing how they secured their first client.

Mara Bretau Cabrera

After moving from Alabama to Florida, my family and I found Pensacola to be the perfect place for us. During our exploration of the area for restaurants, activities, and community events, I noticed a distinct absence of Cuban Cuisine. At that time, my husband and I decided to take on the challenge of introducing and selling authentic Cuban food in the area. I actively joined the Facebook Marketplace and local social media groups for the Latin community in my area. I made a point of share my business with my colleagues but something that helped a lot was the Thanksgiving holiday and that was the perfect time to get our first customer, and from there, the momentum grew until I eventually established The Cuban Cookhouse Facebook page. Read more>>

Abigale Wallace

I got my first real client when I lived in Germany! I had just started and was honestly clueless about really everything looking back, but especially how to get ACTUAL clients. I didn’t know anyone or have any photographer friends at the time so I decided to post in a local Facebook group offering pay what you can sessions with a minimum of $60 for an hour to just kind of see what would happen. Looking back that is obviously super low but when you’re just starting out you don’t know what you don’t know. I surprisingly had quite a few people reach out and boom! I had my very first paying client. They wanted to recreate their wedding photos since they didn’t actually get couples photos ON their day. I was nervous, excited, scared. You name it. Going up to the session I had so many butterflies. It felt like the biggest thing I’d ever done at that time. Read more>>

Linda Kavanagh

I am an accidental entrepreneur. Upon leaving my 10-year career in the restaurant industry, I was fortunate enough to land a job in a local PR firm. The owner saw something in me and was willing to take a chance on me and show me the ropes. It turns out I was a damn good publicist! The firm was primarily entertainment-focused. We were presented with the opportunity to represent the Motown Cafe, a then-new concept across from the Hard Rock Cafe in NYC. Working on this account was my ah-ha” moment. The combination of PR mixed in with my hospitality background was the secret sauce I didn’t even realize I was looking for. Upon witnessing my glee and effectiveness on this process, my boss/mentor basically “fired” me, encouraging me to go out on my own and create this niche PR business. Read more>>

Julia Falci

I began my journey as a Business Coach while still working full-time in the marketing industry. Before I ever sold a service, I focused on establishing my personal brand and positioning myself as an authority in the marketing and business space. My career was thriving then —I had the privilege of working with award-winning companies, served as the Director of Marketing at a major web development agency, and held a position as a Marketing Growth Manager for a tech company catering to Fortune 500 brands. I spoke at events and actively built a reputation – which helped to establish me as a thought leader before ever selling anything.  Read more>>