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.

Julia Thompson

In 2018 I was working full time at a nutrition supplement company as the Influencer Marketing Specialist. At the time, proving your ROI as an Influencer was still a bit of the wild west, and my team had the incredible opportunity to pioneer what success looked like in the space. I met and worked with so many creative, passionate and hard working individuals. I was so inspired and motivated by what I was doing, and wanted to break the stigma around the new space in advertising and social media, that I even started my own podcast about the influencer industry called Added Value. I interviewed Influencer Specialists on the brand side and influencer talent to get their take on the industry. Read more>>

Jen Smith

I think sometimes the best asset you can have are the connections you make along the way. It’s simple to always make a good impression, the second you walk out the door and interact with others you’re making connections that could possibly be your next client. My first clients were always family, and friends who knew I had a key sense of design, but one that made an impact was actually being reached out to from other creatives. My true first client was an interior designer who wanted a modern, and sophisticated logo, business cards, and website. I had worked with this client previously with another company, and she knew my work ethic, and eye for design although we didn’t work closely together, she reached out to me through LinkedIn and requested my services. My first connection made a lasting impression, from my professionalism, enthusiasm, and genuine interest got me my first client. I was extremely excited, and put my best foot forward, and have kept this client for returning work. Read more>>

Rohan Palla

My first client/job out of college was with a commercial/podcast company based in Brooklyn. I applied as a video editor. But I think what I am about to say can apply for a lot of jobs: I created a reel, but not any reel. I saw a lot of reels that showed “emotion” and “story” meaning they went slow, were very self-indulgent, and hoped that the client would understand their skillset. But after a lot of rejections, I realized I needed to get to the point. So my video editing reel was a 90 second fast-paced pure showcase of my hard skills in video editing – effects I can do, awards I’ve won, but most importantly – if someone random was watching this would this make you want to hire them. Read more>>

Samantha Foster

Picture it, Sicily, ….. I thought breaking the ice with a little sitcom humor would be perfect. Either your mind went right to Sophia sitting at the kitchen table, conversing over cake in Golden Girls or your brows lifted and spoke out loud, “what”. Also, I feel it gages me as person, and probably ages me as well, I’m very unserious at times, and truly just enjoy seeing people joyful. This takes me to my first client. I can recall just about everything I think from almost any encounter. Some will say it’s a blessing others might call it a curse, as for me; I know no other way. It’s just me. walked around the store than, walked out. As she left the smell of magnolias filled the store. It was faint but the smell lingered for about 10 minutes. Normally the smell of pretzels is cascading in from the stand in front. So, it was noticeable. It faded away. About an hour later the smell came back stronger than before and after I took notice, in walks the woman again. This time she is accompanied with an older man, two young children, a woman, and another man. Read more>>

Elissa Benzie

My first client was Copper Sky, a renovation company in Atlanta, whose marketing director Betsy is a friend of mine. During the pandemic, I would post photos of my styled home for fun. It was something I was alway interested in but didn’t know what to call it. I had worked in journalism for 10 years at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Cox Media Group as a photojournalist, photo editor and video editor but during this time, I was a SAHM to my three children. She contacted me and asked me if I would like to style for them for some photoshoots. I was intrigued and after the first day I was in love. And the rest is history. Read more>>

Deanne Panday

I went to Australia to study a fitness & personal training course.On my return I got called my the Times group to train The Femina Miss India’s for the Miss Universe &Miss World pageant.That was my first job I got offered as a fitness expert & Trainer. Read more>>

Zach Dugger

I’ve never worked in the health and beauty industry prior to IMAGE Studios. What I learned quickly is that it would require meeting a lot of people and helping them see the vision that the brand has for a Salon Suites location. Given that this is the first IMAGE location in Michigan, I had some ground to climb. I started meeting potential professionals in June 2023. It was not until early September before someone took the leap of faith to trust that what I was showing and sharing would come to fruition. I remember that our final conversations prior to me sending out the reservation form occurred around Labor Day weekend. It was refreshing and exhilarating, though I still had mixed feelings about my decision to become a franchisee. One room filled and 36 to go! Yikes! Read more>>

Clara Terrazas

My very first client was actually a pro-bono case. I had listed my business information in a directory for attorneys looking for clinical evaluators for their clients. I had an attorney reach out to me, they were also seeing someone pro-bono, and asked if I would be willing to take on the case. At this point I was very new to my business and was looking to network and build relationships. I am also someone that is always looking for a way to give back to the community when I can. So I gladly took the case. Surprisingly, shortly after taking on that case I received another call from someone that needed an evaluation; I was able to charge them my full fee this time. I believe that giving back is very important, and it always comes back to you. Read more>>