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.

Haley Easy

About 10 years ago, I had a conversation that changed everything. I was speaking with a supply chain manager about my dreams and aspirations. She could sense from my voice and expression that my current job was just a means to get by. I shared with her how I’d always been a baker since I was young, and how I aspired to turn that passion into a business. I talked about my vision for creating elaborate cake designs and sculptures, something I dreamed of bringing to life one day. Read more>>

Margot Daley

The first time I picked up a camera was to learn a different skill to help me in my career as a TV producer. I wanted to learn how to shoot videos to film pitches, etc, and I got a camera. But the first time I flipped the switch to photo mode, I was hooked! I started taking headshots of fellow TV producer colleauges, and they loved them! When I thought of this as a side business, I said I’d do this for free for a whole year before I ever charged anyone a dime to build my confidence. My first client was a TV colleague looking for family photos and asked me to charge her more than I asked. Things spread by word of mouth, and I was in business! Read more>>

Hailey Winkleman

I really didn’t know that I was going to start my own business, but when I was still a college student I would take piecemeal jobs to earn spending money and grow my skills. Think web forums asking for logos done cheap, or local small businesses needing a flyer. I was always planning on applying for in-house design jobs with established companies once I graduated. Read more>>