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.

Lafayette Albury

So this is crazy! My first client, actually found me on Google! She was searching for a good place to get a lash lift and brow tidy and she decided to take a chance since she didn’t see any other places offering the services! I was so proud because she actually had found me on her own, without any of my advertising or social media post. This literally was the best sign because I wasn’t sure my business was getting the right amount of exposure ! Nonetheless, she LOVED her service and even rebooked! I remember literally crying happy tears and telling my boyfriend how happy I was that I took the risk. Literally the best decision I’ve ever made. Read more>>

Sherrell Riley

Many people underestimate the power of social media. My first client was actually a result of a Facebook post. That post led to us working together multiple times and even multiple referrals. When you first start out, it may seem like nobody is seeing your posts but remain consistent, and your first client and biggest supporters will likely be those you didn’t know. Read more>>

Keniysha J. Watts

My very first paid client was a former classmate of mine from high school who reached out to me to design and decorate her baby shower. She had previously seen my work from me designing and decorating my very own baby shower that I had posted on my social media page and wanted to hire me to execute hers. It was a very exciting time for me to have my very first paid client and one who gave me full creative freedom to design and decorate her baby shower with my expertise. On the day of the event, I was very nervous but excited to be able to tap into my creative gifts. Read more>>

Christan Duncan

I started my marketing studio in the parking lot of my old agency, the day I was fired. That same day I reached out to all my contact to let them know I was starting my own shop and to connect me with anyone they knew needed any marketing direction. One of the people I reached out to was a former employer and he just so happened to refer me to his family friend. This became my very first client. And 6 years later, I’m still here lol Read more>>

Amber Reynolds

When I first got my LLC, I knew I wanted to have a big event to introduce my business to my friends and family. So I created a flyer and a lot of people shared it to help me get my name out there. After my first event, I received an email from my first customer! She wanted to have a “Boss Theme” party for her close friends the following weekend after my event. I was super excited to know I just started and I now have my first party BOOKED! We had such a great time and I was able to gain more business from that first party! Read more>>

Cathy Nelson

When we opened our brick and mortar location we had already spent six months marketing online and networking in person before our grand opening weekend events. Selling a non tangible service can be challenging and requires you to overdeliver and earn trust if you want a customer for life, First, we held a soft opening first for our VIP Clients. Those were the individuals who had already been working with us prior to the formation of our business partnership. Read more>>

Master Samuel Morris

I had been looking for a way to serve new student markets that other schools weren’t doing. I wanted to try something new. The service to the para athlete community in martial arts was growing, but I had no idea how to enter it. Luck was on my side, as a woman came in to my school asking about lessons for her son. While we would not be a good fit for her personally due to scheduling conflicts (she worked at a school and could not be out in time to bring her son to me) she did ask about classes for her students. Read more>>

Justin Avery

When it comes to business and being a business owner, everything is dependent on connections and relationships. If you’ve ever heard the phrase “networking is key,” it really is! Every step of your entrepreneurial journey needs, what I call, a sponsor (sidebar – find Carla Harris’ TED talk on YouTube to learn more about a sponsor). A sponsor is someone who will speak on your behalf in the top-level, closed-door meetings you’re not invited to (yet). Read more>>

Allison Naze

This is a very humbling question and make’s me emo thinking about it. For the year’s after having our daughter, I literally only tried to market myself to former co-workers, friends, their friends & those I went to church with. It has been a blessing for me and my Family and still is! Yet, if not Marketed properly, ‘out of my norm’ It can become my own hindrance. I Love My community and I Am grateful for all the opportunities and growing relationships through it. Read more>>

Sydney Pegram

My first client was a Katy elementary school teacher. I’ve always admired the discipline, knowledge, and energy teacher must harness in order to grab the attention of children, and with education being one of the many things I constantly advocate for, it was a no brainer to work with her. Read more>>

Gabrielle Jones

I was fresh meat in Atl and decided I wanted to take a step forward in nails, so I started advertising at college apartment complexes. I would go in and post flyers everywhere and slip them under as many doors as I could. One day, I finally had a hit! I traveled to all of my clients back in the day. I was extremely nervous and anxious to do a good job. When I got there, my customer had music blasting and a huge smile on her face that definitely helped ease my nerves. I set up and began the magic. It definitely wasn’t my best work, but it paved the way to my hustle today. Read more>>

Kayla Brock

When I started I was shooting for friends and family but I noticed that when I travel I would use Airbnb to find a photographer to do an experience such as a photo walking tour etc. When I returned to Portland, I noticed that no one else was offering a photo tour in the city so I decided to use that as a starting point to see if I could make some clients either locals or out-of-towners. I advertised it as w walking toward where I would show them the basics of the city and take their pictures at some cool sites. Read more>>

Letetia Farr

The way I got my first customer was from social media. I posted my artwork in May of 2020 on Instagram and a few customers were interested. At the time, I only had a few art canvases available for purchase. I honestly had no idea how I would be able to ship canvases across the U.S., So, I went to YouTube and figured out how to ship my art prints/canvases. Also, I found out what type of packaging I would need and how much shipping cost would be. I was so excited because I was not expecting people to be interested in my artwork it was definitely a great feeling to know people would like to have some of my artwork in their very own home! Read more>>

Daniel Downer

I was at the 2018 GLAAD San Francisco Gala where I was honored as one of GLAAD’s Rising Star Award honorees. At the table where I was seated, I struck up a conversation with a young lady who worked at Barilla America. Yes, Barilla. The world’s pasta producer. We discussed our respective work, particularly my work around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) regarding LGBTQ+ individuals. We exchanged business cards and she said that she would reach out if any opportunities at Barilla came up. Read more>>

Michelle Fazaeli

I worked in an industry that created networking events for architects and interior designers. One specific event was for them to showcase their own personal skills which could have been anything art related from jewelry to sculptures.. their work would be displayed and judged at a beautiful venue which was a high light of the year. One year the event opened up to us vendors to participate. A friend of mine was on the planning committee and suggested I show my art which I immediately said “No Way!” Read more>>

Kaitlyn Study

My first client was a family friend who was also my mom’s hairstylist. During a haircut (yes, this is true!) she mentioned that she hired someone to help her with her marketing and she didn’t know what she was paying for or what she was getting. My mom mentioned that I was thinking about going off on my own and starting a marketing agency. She was interested, my mom made the intro and I was thrilled. I sent her an agreement for her website updates, SEO and social media… all for $250 per month!! She worked with me for 5+ years and introduced me to her friends which lead to other clients after that. Read more>>

Daricka Simms

How did I get my first client? Oh this is taking me way back lol! In 2013, I hadn’t been in Austin(Texas) long and I didn’t know anyone to help get the word out that I was a new stylist. However, I had the infamous Instagram. The handful of people I did know, I went to their friends list on the IG pages & followed every female that I could in hopes that some would follow me back and see the hairstyles I photographed of my friends and family hair I’d done & it worked. I also offered ridiculously low prices. Sure enough, a couple days later, I got my first client. A young lady named Shay. I was so excited and from there clientele slowly but steadily grew. Read more>>

Maria Del Carmen Guzman

My first “real” client, that wasn’t family or a friend contacted me though Instagram, He had requested a Starbucks Frappuccino Cake for his wife’s birthday. He was being creative with the idea since she always enjoys Starbucks. It was very heart warming to see that my little bakery was getting attention. Even though this cake was requested on short notice I challenged myself to finish the cake and delivery it myself! Every year since then, both him and his wife have been ordering very creative custom cakes! Their requests are always sharpening my skills, from hand drawing characters with buttercream to making a 3D Sushi cake! I’ll share the photos the feed your imagination. Read more>>

David Morgan

I made my first ever sell outside of friends and family by taking a huge risk and doing my first ever popup. I signed up for a pop-up event in Atlanta for POP ATL/ ATL IndieMarket, I had no idea what I was doing or what I needed I just knew I had a spot in an incredible event for small businesses and I had amazing products to bring and present. My friends came to support me which was amazing and I’m forever grateful for but I was still trying to reach/sell to someone I’ve never met before. Read more>>

Matt Montalvo

Back in 2007 my best friend received a camera for Christmas. He then had the idea of becoming a wedding photographer! He always had lots of big ideas and dreams so I didn’t think much of it. Two weeks later he came to me and said he booked a wedding! I was amazed that someone would hire him since he had never shot a wedding and was only 2 weeks in with his first camera. He went on to tell me how his co-worker was engaged and he told her he was a professional wedding photographer and that he could shoot her wedding. Without seeing any of his wedding portfolio (he didn’t have one) she paid him to shoot the wedding with two photographers. My buddy then informed me, I was going to be the second shooter!! Read more>>

Sherry Chen

With over 20,000 real estate agents in San Diego, I knew I had to market myself differently in order to stand out from the crowd — especially as a brand new agent. Just before getting my license, I was doing freelance work consulting for multiple companies who specialized in Accessory Dwelling Units. It was a brand new field for me, and something I happened to fall into via my network after leaving my full-time career in digital marketing. Read more>>