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.

Mark Campbell

I actually landed my first legitimate client completely by accident. I was driving through my neighborhood when I spotted a garage sale happening down the street. I saw they had a few bikes for sale and I had been recently pondering on buying a new bicycle. I stopped by to take a look, but quickly learned from the owner that the bikes were electric (and way out of my budget). I definitely wasn’t going to buy a $1,200 E-bike, but the owner, Mitch, began to tell me how he creates video and photo content for electric bike companies. Read more>>

Missy Marlaire

Starting my business was not easy. The best way I can describe getting my first ever business client, was through network marketing and building a portfolio through friends and family! This took about a year or so to solidify the targeted clientele on a consistent basis. Over the year, I focused on social media outlets and focused on business workshops around San Diego city. This increased my business names with companies and various businesses around town. Read more>>

Meghan Grimbert

My husband and I started buying, designing and renovating homes in the Miami Shores area. After our third renovation and hosting open houses people began to ask if I would provide these services, expanding to full scale interior design and renovation. I began to see an interest and need for my services in the area and have always dreamed of helping people make their house a home. Our renovations have always been centered around meeting function and luxury. Miami Shores is home to me and bringing my designs to life for clients right where I grew up has and continues to be an honor. Read more>>

Victor Feria

My wife and I were invited to a family party to celebrate 4th of July. This party was hosted in a beautiful Spanish style home in the heart of Little Havana. The family friend who invited us was a very busy attorney with a growing firm and not much time in her hands. While giving us a tour she mentioned she was having difficulties renting her property and could not find reliable tenants. I passively asked her if she ever thought of making it into an Airbnb, and she mentioned she did think about it but did not have the time to manage it. Read more>>

Effie Flores

Growing up I used to love watching baking shows, Did I ever think I could possibly become a Baker? No not having the confidence was so hard so of course my 1st client would be my Sister-in-law. She’s always heard me rant about how Awesome it would be to compete on a cake show so it show so I told her how about I just do my nephew’s cake which he was soon to come. Read more>>

Anna Brunson Olmsted

When I first started, I was pretty much giving cakes away for free. I developed confidence in my product and actually started advertising on Craigslist back in 2010 when this was a popular online platform. I had several inquiries and eventually I was able to get a bride to order a wedding cake. I was so beyond excited I am pretty sure I called every family member to tell them. I had yet to be paid for a cake and the bride was willing to pay me $100 for a 3 tier wedding & a huge grooms cake. To this day, it is the best 100 dollars I have earned because that was my entrance into weddings, which was my ultimate dream. Read more>>

Bria Harris

How I got my first client was by building a platform and a portfolio of me creating looks on myself. My first client was a family/friend. She always knew I was great at makeup and finally trusted to give her what she wanted. That was my first time receiving my first dollars for my business. Back then I didn’t really know my worth and charged less than what I was putting out product wise. After my first client it was only up from there. Read more>>

Lex Junior

The story is actually ironic now that I sit back on the birth of Rebel Revamp. Transitioning to another state and career field, was definitely left field for me, but I was willing to accept everything that came with this new journey as an entrepreneur. My very first client was gained from sharing some of my recent graphics, while advertising to revamp (reconstruct) their social media presence aimed to increase engagement analytics and exposure. Read more>>

Natasha Simon

So, Wicks & Wine, LLC was formed in January 2020, but I did not begin selling products until one year later, at a local pop-up event. After receiving positive feedback about my candles, it prompted me to host my own events, while per-fecting the HT (hot throw) and CT (cold throw) of my candles. One evening while watching television, I seen an Amazon commercial that highlighted a new program geared towards helping Black entrepreneurs accelerate growth, within Amazon’s store. Read more>>