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.

Andrii Shtrom

It’s quite an amusing tale, recalling how we secured our first client outside of our immediate network. At the outset, we were virtually unknown in the industry, which made acquiring that first client a challenge due to our lack of established credibility. Nevertheless, we were undeterred. Read more>>

Denisha Tate-McAlister

The best and worst moment of my business happened during one phone call. Two years after deciding that I wanted to do more in business, but not quite sure what that looked like, I was faced with the reality that it was now or never. I picked up the phone to call an organization that I had recently visited as I participated on an assessment team. Read more>>

Patti DeNucci

Back when I was in my late 20s, I was working as a copywriter and account executive for an advertising and PR firm. I loved my job, my boss, our office team, and all the creatives we brought in for special projects. Everything I did in this role, from writing ad copy to developing national campaigns, was the fulfillment of a huge dream for me. Read more>>

Bruna Pétalla

Hi, I am Bruna Pétalla Read more>>

Julia Cinquemani

I got my start as an entrepreneur at age 14. I basically lived at the ballet studio and loved everything surrounding ballet; the challenge, the camaraderie and the fashion. I quickly realized there was something missing in the market. Read more>>

Emil Gasparian

My first paying client as a photographer was a coworker who needed his wedding pictures taken and didn’t have any photographers in mind. I’ve done two other small photography jobs prior to that but I consider that wedding to be my gateway to the world of professional wedding photography. Read more>>

Natasha Hastings

The first $85 I ever made in my business came from setting up a massage table on Mission Beach by the volleyball nets. I knew I wanted to work with more athletes, and my husband was playing pick up volleyball that day, so he encouraged me to start there. So out I went, lugging all my stuff with my hubby, and picked a spot smack dab in front and center of the nets. Read more>>

Dani Bernabei-Grassi

Like all photographers, I started out with friends and family. Built that portfolio. Put myself out there through heavy advertisement via social media. I was in the Marine Corps when I’d first started out and one of my Staff Non-commissioned Officer’s (SNCO) looked to me for family photos. Read more>>

Michelle Jones Camarata

After having some success in pageantry, I had some girls reach out to me via MySpace (yes, I feel old saying that!) for advice! Read more>>

ALBA ESQUEDA

I had my first paying client couple months after I officially launched with friends and family. Client acutally found me on IG and researched our city for permanent jewelers. She messaged me and I did a one on one appointment. I was so scared to be honest. But she was kind and let me take as long as I needed too. Read more>>

Isaac Mashman

I want to go back to before I started my public relations firm. Before my escapade in the music industry. Before I was in the network marketing profession. I was in my senior year of High School and I had the ambition of starting a clothing line. I thought it would be an easy way to build a brand and generate revenue. Read more>>

Damon Overton

My first client I met here in Dallas was Carter Sims, a rising talent that collegiate coaches need to keep their eye on. We started training back in 2020, and he is now in High School playing Varsity as a sophomore for the Mabank Panthers. It’s a great feeling to earn money for doing what I love, but it is an even greater feeling when my clients are successful on the court with the training that I provide for them. Read more>>

Rhonda Aaron

In 2018 at the age of 45 I went back to college to obtain my degree in Mass Communuications with an emphasis in Strategic Communiation with a goal to become a Publicist. I enjoyed my experience working with clients during my internship and helping them achieve their business goals. I used my education to help build my non profit organization, Sister Friends United Inc. Read more>>

Shem Goltz

I was 16 years old when I got my first client. Read more>>

Tara Kiprik

After relocating to South Carolina from New York, I found myself navigating unfamiliar terrain: no job, no friends, and an uncertain path ahead. For months, I wavered between job hunting and the allure of starting my own business. This period of uncertainty, coupled with feelings of isolation, cast a dark shadow on my spirit. Read more>>

Embily Smith

My very first customer, someone I didn’t know personally, came when I launched my first Facebook post and pre-sale for Easter. It was one of the first items I’d ever featured on my Facebook page. To my amazement, it gained immense popularity, and I completely sold out in under an hour. Read more>>