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.

Humberto Gorgonio Juarez

My first client was back during the pandemic, the New Yorker had a section for food reviews and exposure called “Grub Street” they reached out to use one of my Pictures i had taken for a chef that i worked with at flag ship Jean Georges Restaurant. I had gotten payed 50 dollars for the picture, was i excited about the pay maybe not so much but it was my first experience to get published for a major company. Read more>>

Nicole Bandhu

My first client I was in the Lauderhill Mall and this guy in there has a Kiosk (THA PHUNK SHOP) the guy there is ver knowledge as well, so I walked up to him with a few of my soaps talking and gave him a few to test out. He immediately fell inlove with my Frank &Myrrh 6 years later and we are still in business together I sell to him wholesale now. Read more>>

Jen Proctor

Prior to launching my company, I was in house at a large production company- handling all their talent development and talent booking. I was handling an insane number of projects and shows all by myself and I knew there was a way I could do it on my own. I wanted my own terms, my own rates and also the ability and flexibility to say yes when I wanted to and no to projects that didn’t align with my interests. Read more>>

Casey Hendrickson

As most starting out, I offered to photograph some close friends and family just to see how it was. After I felt a little more comfortable, I offered three FREE sessions to anyone, three at 50% off my base rate, and then three at 25% off. By doing this it ensured I was gaining that experience needed while also sticking to a business model so I wouldn’t feel the pressure to give everyone free sessions. Read more>>

Sarah Lawrence

Before I officially launched I had an Instagram page set up specifically for my business. I advertise a lot on Instagram and that’s where my first customer came from. Read more>>

Mitzi Salgado

Our first client happened very organically. We were working on our first “Cultura Magazine” publication on “Health and Wellness,” and we had just finished our market research of influential medical professionals who were significantly impacting the Latino community in the San Diego region. I wanted to interview this person for her incredible contribution and field expertise as a cardiologist expert. Read more>>

Carmen Cooper

One of the most asked questions I get a lot is how did Vanity Kloset get there first few clients! Here is the story of how it all came about. It all goes back to 2016 when I was working as an executive assistant supporting a CEO for an Oil & Gas company. The pay was decent however I didn’t feel fulfilled in my role, my environment or at the workplace in general. Read more>>

Lori Zuker Briller

When we started the Grapevine Agency we were a tiny but mighty team with a big vision of reinventing the entertainment staffing industry. There were some old school staffing agencies around at that time, but we were the first of it’s kind where we used all of our personal relationships from our many years of working in the entertainment industry, and created our now famously known JOB BLASTS! We gathered together lists of all of our industry contacts from years as being assistants as well as any executives and industry professionals that we had relationships with. Read more>>

Shara Jackson

My first student came from an amazing private school that I was working for at the time. This student had so much heart and love for movement, and I knew that she would be the perfect person and personality to start what is now SDP Dance Studio. Read more>>

Kate McClinton

Throughout my teaching career I worked to help others start businesses, come up with a plan for their big ideas, and find grant funding for whatever they were planning. Read more>>

Erika Brocks

My first client had found us through one of our Black Friday Promotions on Instagram. She was looking at decorations and photo ops for her wedding reception and thought we would be the perfect fit. We walked through specifically what she wanted and which color collection would best fit her theme. Read more>>

Nived Ravikumar

How does one go from mere man to Statement Guru? Well, it doesn’t happen overnight. I was always a good writer, yet I had previously always channeled it through creative pursuits, like writing screenplays and short stories . I don’t think I spent more than a couple of hours on my own personal statements when I was applying to college. Read more>>