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.

Hina Mistry

When I first moved to LA, I knew in order to fulfill my dream of becoming a prop stylist I’d need to build a portfolio to show potential clients what I was capable of creating for them. Read more>>

Vanessa Navarro

I landed my first client by building a relationship with Heather Zade, whom I initially collaborated with as an influencer for her medspa, Adora Aesthetics. At the time, I had a full-time job in corporate and had always been heavily involved in social media and business development. Read more>>

Keziah Jones

Flashback to July 11th, 2019 – the day I took a leap of faith and quit my job without a clear plan in mind. Feeling like a fish out the water in the beauty industry, I decided to try my luck as a freelancer, putting myself out there on Thumbtack. Read more>>

Jeremy Whitley

I started making the books I wanted to make. I came up with ideas and worked closely with artist friends to make books that filled a niche of books I wanted to see. Read more>>

Jade Lopez

My very first client found me, we were former work colleagues, I had gotten fired, and she went on to open a Peruvian restaurant. She called me and asked if I would like to meet for lunch, I thought it was a bit out of the blue when she called because we hadn’t spoken in so long. Read more>>

Delilah Lopez

When encountered my first client I was watching random streamers on twitch. I usually watch to get a feel for the vibe. This gentlemen was saying he needed a new logo and he wished he knew someone. Read more>>

Ben Laudicano

One of the best parts of being a designer is getting to work with a variety of interesting businesses. Thinking back, my first client is no exception. Around the time I started freelancing in college, a faculty member reached out for help with a logo for her side business. Read more>>

Danielle R. Harris

My first high-ticket client came because I worked my network. I made my first few dollars on gig economy sites. And that was amazing because it proved that I could make money. Read more>>

Derrick Lawson

I just shared this story at a wedding show when interacting with vendors questioning me about my work. I’ve been in the media business since 2007. Read more>>

Ashley Rader

After working in Chicago at my 1st job post college, I realized that I wanted to 1. Go back home to Dallas 2. Work for myself. My family was in real estate so the story begins. Read more>>

Natasha Fine

When I first started teaching it was out of my apartment in Nashville, circa 2007, after spending nearly a decade stripping. I had purchased a pole from Xpole and installed it in my living/dining room area. Read more>>