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.

Jumi Aluko

When I was first starting out, I had no idea what I needed to do to get clients. I was in a new city where I didn’t know anyone, so relying on my network of family and friends – which is often touted as the first step to getting your business going as a new entrepreneur – was not going to work. Read more>>

Busayo Agbesanwa

I’ll never forgot the first client I ever got. I had been doing hair for a friend that I had gone to school with and it was about a few months into her consistently coming to me for her hair styles that she started referring me to her coworkers. Read more>>

Briana Willis

My first client actually found me through the hashtag #indianaweddingphotographer on Instagram! It was so exciting when I saw that on their inquiry form, because I feel like we all just put hashtags under our images hoping they will reach someone, but they always just feel a bit hopeless in reality. Read more>>

Jennifer Solis

I moved to Manassas Virginia in 2014 from NY, where I studied proffesional baking arts. I knew I wanna to start my own business and I offered my baked goods to many restaurants in the area, but at the same time I had the opportunity to start selling at City of Manassas Farmers Market on saturdays and Fairfax Farmers Market on sundays. Read more>>

Jessica Linenberg

I had sold a couple of my pieces to friends and family. Of course, people who are close to you want to support you. That was very special to me. I started to kind of believe in my work a little more and decided to showcase my work in a wire wrapping group. I told them in a post, that at that point in time, I had only been wrapping for roughly six months. Read more>>

Linda Yates

In my church circle there was one particular women who would always comment on the clothes I wore. One day, she asked me if I would be willing to coach her on what she should wear. She is an attorney and was lacking the confidence in her wardrobe as she went to court. Read more>>

Damien Carter

I got my first (paying) photography client in 2010 right after my son was born so it’s easy to remember when it was. He is actually our second child (of 3) and with our firstborn I was the proud dad who shared pictures with everyone who wanted to see them. Read more>>

LaDonna Walker

My first client was someone I met . While grocery shopping. While shopping I was approached by a person that wanted to know who did my hair? After I replied “ myself “ . She immediately asked for my information to make an appointment . The hairstyle took approximately 5 hours . I was so excited that someone else seen my work and choose to give me a try . Read more>>