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.

Stephanie Jenkins

I did alot of networking, joining groups on Facebook. connecting with Realtors and Stagers – then it just took off from there by word of mouth and referrals. It took me time to build up a reputation but once I was established I still get clients from all of the above and of course there are the repeat clients . Read more>>

Ken Westrick

Before my career in advertising, I was a photographer and cinematographer. My first client was in that world. When I was an incoming freshman at Columbia, I was just getting into cameras, and I was making YouTube videos for fun. I made a video about my move from Iowa to New York, and long story short, that video went on to get a lot more attention than I anticipated. During the first few weeks of the semester, Columbia saw it and reached out to me to make videos for them. That was a very exciting thing to hear. All of the sudden, I was getting paid to be creative, which wasn’t something I thought was possible at the time. That really changed my perspective. Read more>>

Wenjing Li

I reconfigured my own house while working at an interior design company specializing in builder projects. The day after we moved in, the construction team arrived, and we began renovating everything according to my plans. Once the project was complete, I posted before-and-after photos on Facebook. A friend of a friend saw the transformation, reached out, and after some conversations and interviews, I landed my first client. Read more>>

Allyssa Ellis

When I decided to leave my full-time job to pursue freelance, it initially felt like I was in a nosedive at 30,000 feet, waiting to crash and burn. The first handful of clients that I got felt like luck since they came from previous co-workers or mutual connections. Those kept me afloat while I cold email hundreds of businesses that I thought could be a good fit for my design services. Six months after I had initially reached out, I got my first response back. They mentioned that they loved my work, and my mission, and would love to meet to see what we might come up with together. It felt unreal, like a pure dream. The metaphorical plane flew a little higher, and I thought “Wow, I’m actually doing this crazy thing.” I responded to their email almost immediately, with extreme care, re-reading and re-drafting my words, and set a meeting. That night, I went out to dinner and drinks to celebrate what felt like a new chapter in this journey. Read more>>

Heather Cleveland

I was the manager of the IKEA kitchen design department and wanted to move into more design and less retail. I had a degree in interior design from FIDM is SF. I decided to leave IKEA and started my firm 21 years ago. My very first client came before I even had a business name or cards! One of the kitchen designers that worked for me sent me a referral almost immediately! I had no idea what to charge and ended up charging her only $35 an hour! The going rate then was $125. Pretty quickly I figured out that I needed to change that! Read more>>

Cayley Phillips

During Tennessee State University’s Homecoming week in October 2023, I gained my very first client. I had been promoting Cay Couture with flyers at beauty supply stores, gas stations, college campuses, and through social media. At first, I was nervous, but then I thought, Why should I be afraid to try? What’s the worst that could happen if I put in the effort? I was thrilled when a TSU student booked me, taking advantage of my Homecoming specials for students and alumni. She loved her makeup, and I took tons of content, posting it the next day. That one post brought so much attention to my work! So here’s my advice: never feel embarrassed to put yourself out there. You never know who might be watching. Read more>>

Jessica Haht

I always say I am an accidental business owner! I purchased a VERY small laser engraver as a “Merry Christmas to me” gift during the good sales that time of year to just play around with as a hobby. A friend of a friend needed some leather patches for their business, and I made them for her for fun. Then she told another friend, and another patch order. Doing this “not really a business, but helps cover the cost of the toy” style of business for a couple months, I made sure to take pictures of everything I made. Read more>>

Ebony Cline

I got my first client online through Instagram. I was promoting my 21-day challenge, which I run every three months when I received a direct message from a young lady who wanted to change her eating habits and start living a healthier life. That young lady is now my client, and she has lost 20 pounds after participating in my 21-day challenges for three months. I was thrilled by my client’s transformation, and she told me, “Ebony, you saved my life.” At that moment, I realized this was my calling: to help people with their fitness journeys and lifestyle changes. I understand now that my purpose is much bigger than myself; it’s about my mission to educate people on healthy options and the importance of a consistent workout routine. I will continue to encourage the young and old to live their healthiest best lives.  I also have a business/ bakery where I cater to those with a sweet tooth by offering healthy dessert options. My specialties are banana pudding and strawberry shortcake crumble cake. Read more>>