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.

Alicia Barthelemy

I lived in an apartment building for 5 years, during that time my neighbor Miriam(client) and her husband were retired. Due to health complications her husband passed away living Miriam by herself. Miriam suffers of a mental health condition and her only daughter lived outside of Florida. Miriam health declined, since she was living alone she kept falling and my husband and I helped her in several occasions. Her daughter decided to sell the apartment because her mom needed to have nursing aide at all times . Miriam and her daughter trusted me with their biggest investment which it was her home. Read more>>

The story of how I got my first “real” client -someone who wasn’t a friend, family member, or referral- feels like it happened just yesterday. It all started when I realized that COVID-19 had forced so many businesses to pivot online, and many of them didn’t have a strong digital presence. I saw a huge opportunity, but I needed to find those businesses and offer them my help. Read more>>

Daria Makohonova

It was almost 10 years ago, and I consider Yulia Yakovenko to be my first serious client. I remember that in the summer of 2015, she reached out to me on Instagram to inquire about a photoshoot. At that time, she was already a well-established bank employee, while I had been photographing for just over a year and a half. Most of that time had been spent on creative tests and finding my style. Read more>>

Elissa Jackson

My first client stumbled upon my Facebook page after searching for unique floral arrangements for their significant other. They liked the arrangements on my page and reached out to discuss their vision. Their aim was to find something truly special and outside the realm of typical commercial offerings—an arrangement that would not only convey their feelings but also reflect their creativity and thoughtfulness. Read more>>

Erin Wright

I found a group of self-published authors online back in 2015. I didn’t think that *I* was special enough to be an author, but I did want to hang out with the people who were that special, so I joined the group. Over time, I started helping authors by proofreading for them (I have an eye for spotting typos, etc). I still wasn’t cool enough to be an author myself, but I could WORK with authors and bask in their reflected glory. Read more>>

Aylee Quezada

When I opened my business social media really wasn’t a thing and I created flyers to distribute around the neighborhood where my business was located. I would go to my business to open it, leave my father there in case anyone came in, and if they wanted their dog groomed then he would call me and I would come. After leaving my dad at my business, I would drive my car to a nearby neighborhood and get off and walk one block up and down and knock on people’s doors or leave my flyer on their door if no one was home. I did this everyday, targeting other areas I had not visited the day before. Read more>>

Einar Escoto

My business first started offering psychic mediumship services and it evolved over time to what it is now (intuitive coaching as a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Reiki Master). Prior to starting my own business, I worked with a mentor for many months honing in on my intuitive abilities. As part of my training, I was required to do free 10-minute readings for people who were NOT family members and friends. This made me extremely nervous because I was just starting to do readings for people and my confidence wasn’t there yet. Read more>>

Hayli Thorpe

When I first started my business, I only had organizing clients that were friends and family. In summer of 2020, I began working on my certification as a KonMari Consultant, a method of tidying that focuses on keeping only those items that spark joy. One of the requirements of the training was that one practice client make it through decluttering their entire home. My mom was my most long-term client, and I knew we were making great progress, but I was nervous to start working with strangers. Read more>>

Surabhi Khare

Securing that first non-familiar client is such a pivotal moment for any business!
Imagine the early days of a business—a cozy home filled with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. It’s been weeks of working over color themes, unique mandala designs, mastering symmetry and finally creating a unique mandala mirror. Read more>>