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.

Bernice Cierra

How I got my very first client? a time that any new business owner will never forget! It was in 2015 and I was working a corporate desk job that I absolutely hated. I knew I couldn’t just quit because I had responsibilities, so I prepared myself over the course of three months to change my life. I needed to build my portfolio outside of friends and family so naturally I posted an ad to the legendary Craigslist! I didn’t just post one ad, I posted several basically saying “local Atlanta photographer seeking to build portfolio for the low.” Read more>>

Stephanie Sacks

My first client that was not a family or friend found me via a third party design marketplace where I was advertising my services. His name was Tony and we ended up connecting over email and working together on three different company brands and websites over the course of two years. He referred me to another client and the rest was history! That first successful project really kickstarted my career and hasn’t stopped since. Read more>>

Leah Atkins

When I was attending university to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, I told myself that I never wanted to end up working at a furniture store. What happened when I graduated? I worked at a baby and kid’s furniture store. I loved the people I worked with, but I hated the job. I was definitely not made for commission. I wanted a career. My end goal with Interior Design was always to have my own design firm, and I knew this job wasn’t pushing me in that direction. Read more>>

kenneth Shittu

My first client was actually my good friend Justin. I really had just not even thought about a clothing line at that point i kind of just went and ordered some sued blue hats from ebay and they came in and i told him about how i wanted to sell them and stuff so he ended up buying one from me and modeling it as well. Till this day he is still me good friend and crazy enough he is super stylish and educated about fashion for a college professor . So i get alot of inspiration from him and advice on things . Read more>>

Jaie Tatum

This is a story so many have heard, but I actually love telling it. I have to tell the backstory first, though. So I had been a model for many other clothing brands and I wanted to develop something that was my own. I wanted to design my own clothing brand so I could be a constant walking model of something that I was proud of, that I created. I wanted that feeling that other designers felt seeing me in THEIR clothing line. I wanted to see MYSELF in something I knew I worked hard for. Read more>>

Alex Simon

When I first started real estate full time. I started helping out at a local bar and over time people found out that I was a real estate agent. So one day a group of people came and one of them said I heard you were a real estate agent and I would like to see if you can assist us on our search. When I got them under contract it was literally my first contract that I had written on my own. I’m forever thankful when that offer that I wrote got selected out of 7 offers. It will be one of the moments that I will remember because at that moment it was what I needed to know that I was on the right path with this new journey. Read more>>

Madonna Alexis

I was in the process of hosting the launch for my magazine titled ” Primadonna Magazine”. I was very nervous! I really didn’t have much support and for sure no money! I was working with a lot of faith and tenacity! I was extremely determined and afraid. Here’s the thing I have learned many successful people are afraid too! However the do it afraid! I strongly believe this is the catalyst towards success! Read more>>

Dion Davis

As a newly licensed Professiona Fiduciary, I joined the Professional Fiduciary Association of California. I attended one of PFAC’s monthly luncheons where I was fortunate enought to sit across from veteran Fiduciary, Julie Lubitz. We chatted and hit it off and by the end of lunch I had the number of six attorney’s that Julie felf could refer cases to me. I called all six. I think four called me back and two of them met me for lunch. Read more>>

Chef DeeJay Ferguson

My first client was through word of mouth. I had recently left the “restaurant industry” and wasn’t working but had left a great impression with a lot of my customers who would eventually become my clients. It was a birthday celebration that really gave me the ability to create dishes outside of the box of my normal realm and challenged me in new ways. I was extremely excited because I love creating. Anything new/challenging a client brings me is always fun. Read more>>

Tom Rowe

We got our first client completely by accident. I am a wine lover and I will talk wine with anyone. Back in 2016, I was laying on an operating table getting prepped for some radiation treatment I was about to undergo. I had nurses on each side of me while the doctor did the procedure. The nurses were talking to one another waiting for the doctor to begin and one asked the other what kind of wine she liked. The reply was “Malbec”. Read more>>

Amber Bengson

We all remember the onslaught of the Covid pandemic, unsure of what tribulations the new virus would bring, we found ourselves trapped inside our homes. I think I had blown through about 90 % of Netflix before I realized I was taking this time for granted. When else would I get the opportunity to have all of this uninterrupted time to fill my soul? Read more>>

Dorian Clark

To promote Valentine’s Day orders, I was in the process of creating an ad utilizing sample cupcakes made for work. I had this insane idea to set up an order table on the corner of my house. It took me about two days to plan everything out and make sure I had enough decorations to draw passers-attention. I had cupcakes decorated and more in the oven when Saturday AM arrived. I was nervous, excited, and even hesitant. Read more>>