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.

Shayne Wells

Getting my first client was one of the most nerve-wracking tasks when starting the business. Being in the social media and marketing industry, it’s very competitive, so developing my “cold email” pitches was important to landing my first client. I know going to friends and family could have been a less time consuming route for me to land my first client, but something in me wanted the challenge of outreaching to businesses who didn’t know me personally. I wanted to build my profile and work with people/businesses who gave me the chance. Read more>>

David Bates II

You know I actually really appreciate the reason that I got my first client quite a bit. When building a business it truly helps when friends and colleagues already know that you are successful at what you are currently doing. My friend that I had already modeled for, Rachel Nathan, referred my very first client to me. Rachel Nathan is a local jewelry designer that lives in Austin, TX – Rachelnathandesign.com She suggested to her customer/client that I would be a good avenue to learn from in regards to the modeling/fashion industry from to Michaela Noel. Read more>>

Jenna Faith

I love telling this story, because unlike most “overnight success” stories.. my first client was the hardest. It actually took an entire year from the inception of my business to get my first paying clients. Even though that was almost 10 years ago, I still remember it like it was yesterday! Who doesn’t remember their very first paying client? I had been hustling hard on social media at the time (mainly Instagram), I was consistently posting, putting out offers and an awesome woman ended up in my inbox. Read more>>

Stephanie M. Casey

When I started my marketing-industry business, Lovage Inc., I wasn’t quite sure what it was going to be and I approached it as a consultancy to “make things better.” I began the journey by reaching out to those I had done projects for prior, as a freelancer under my own name as well as those I thought could mentor me in some way. A few people from both those camps ended up hiring me under my new Lovage banner to do some work for their companies. Read more>>

Shauna Sankey

I can remember the first market very clear. It was a nice summer morning, and I was nervous as hell. We rounded up a old tent and table and put some salsa out for display. As the market began, I recall myself talking through my decision to start a business with my husband and asking him if anyone would be coming to purchase also. Together, we both said a quick prayer and asked God to bring us just one customer and will do the rest and that’s just what He did that first day we nearly sold out, but it was enough sales to boost my confidence and ensure that BlackGirlSalsa would be back the next Saturday for the farmers market. Read more>>

Brianna Roybal

I got my first client from Instagram! At first, I hosted a giveaway that helped more people discover my account. The giveaway led to my first paid booking on 4/3/2021. The power of social media is incredible! Not too long ago, I had a viral video on Instagram and Tiktok. Despite being a location-based service, those videos resulted in one of my busiest months. Read more>>

Natalie Robinson

Relocating from Queens, NY to Charlotte, NC was scary I was scared I wouldn’t find clients in my new city. I took advice from my business coach Cyd Mitchell from Sweetfest to write out my 1 year plan and concentrate on networking. Well I did just that went to Events posted on social media to build my presence. To my surprise my 1st client in Charlotte was a young lady who reached out for a chocolate birthday cake with drip and candy all over it. Read more>>

Tashala Ashby

My first paying client was a family friend. She saw a post I put up of balloons that I did for my sister’s birthday and reached out to me. She was willing to pay which was fantastic! I didn’t really know or understand pricing so I charged her a very low price. She ended up paying me more than I had quoted. I really appreciated that’s when my confidence was boosted! I framed my first dollar which I made for a whole year and over the years I have framed more money as I got big events. To this day I still have that $50. Read more>>

Robin Hall

Our first “first sale” came when we were working our first event. We were at the Fruita Kids Adventure Games and were setting up our little 10×10 tent, hand writing ‘Welcome to Town Hall – It’s Our First Day’ on a chalkboard. We had just received all of our tee shirts and hats in the mail the day before and were excited to test the waters. We were unfolding a table, the sun was rising, people were wearing hoodies and drinking coffee before the event and a mom came over with her son. She asked, in broken English, ‘Do you have any tee shirts?’ Absolutely we did! Read more>>

Chanice Mccalla

I remember my very first sale like it was yesterday.Her name is Charmaine and she saw my products being advertised on my father’s instagram and fell inlove with them.I remember how happy my father was when she messaged his page asking where can she place her order.We sent her the website and she placed her order.I was very happy someone saw my brand and wanted to try it but I really wanted her to LOVE what she bought.After receiving her products she messaged me telling my how much she loved her glosses,how cute the packaging were etc. Read more>>

D Young

Fortunately, my first clients were actually my closest network of friends. Not only was I able to make my first few sales, but I was able to get real feedback from my initial targeted demographic. Having a group of people who were not afraid to give me real feedback helped me better my product and my brand. It also helped me realize what changes I needed to make to make the SELCT BY D customer happy. Read more>>