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.

April Patio

I worked for MAC Cosmetics for 4 years, while I was finishing my undergrad degree. I had no intention of starting my business when I began working as a makeup artist for MAC. I just wanted to be an artist for them, and surrounded by something I love – makeup. I started posting my looks for work on Instagram, and this was back in 2015, when finding an artist for special occasions was starting to become a thing on social media. Shortly after, in 2016, I received a DM from someone that was local to my area, asking about wedding makeup. I was so nervous because I did not have a built kit yet, and didn’t know if I was ready to freelance. I asked a co-worker for advice, and she told me to go for it! I could not have had a better first bridal experience, and from there, APMA was born. Read more>>

Dignorah Savinon

I received my first client referral from a colleague I had the pleasure of working with. $350.00 and they giving me at $100.00 in the thank you card. Read more>>

Joshua Bombara

After about two weeks of attempting door to door sales, I finally landed my first customer. That first customer was one of the many people who had said no to me in the beginning. I remember i used to go home everyday and my wife would ask me about my day, I would always reply with, “everything went good”, knowing i had made no sales that day. I can recall times that homeowners would slam the door in my face. And even though those slammed doors were discouraging, they also ignited the fire and will to succeed even more. Read more>>

Natalie Shell

My first non-friend client contacted me through Facebook messenger. To get the attention of potential clients I sent mass text messages to my friends and family letting them know that I was starting a photography business to build up a portfolio. I had a pregnant friend and once the baby was born she called me to photograph her little one. I did this shoot for free and viewed it as a marketing expense. I posted images from this session and used some images in a paid Facebook ad. I had never run an ad before and I didn’t know what to say on the ad, but it got some attention. My first month I booked 7 appointments from that ad and I was so pleased with myself. Read more>>

Novi Leon

When I launched 201 Lofthaus, I had no idea where to begin when it came to finding our first client. Social media seemed like the obvious place to start, but it felt daunting. I wasn’t a “social media person.” My personal Instagram had maybe 200 followers, mostly friends and family back in New York, and we were opening our space in Houston—where I didn’t know any creators. The pressure was on. I kept thinking, What if no one books? I needed this to work. Read more>>

Katie Mertz

Acquiring my first client was a huge moment of serendipity. I had been baking a limited selection of pastries for Akron Coffee Roasters and their sister location, Asterisk Coffee Bar, for close to a year, but doing so at home as a sort of pseudo-cottage baker. This situation arose out of necessity (my son, Myles, was still an infant and still home with me), and my boss, Albert Macso, was open to the idea, so long as I stuck to items the Dept. of Agriculture deemed “safe.” This included scones, cookies, pies, bars, and the like. This was the job that brought me back to baking professionally after a few years’ hiatus following the pandemic. Read more>>

Victoria Ravenell

I’ll never forget meeting my very first client outside of family and friends—it all happened through the power of networking! One day, I stumbled across an online event about funding for businesses, and I decided to attend. While the event itself was full of valuable information, what stood out even more was the incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals. Read more>>

Rachel Schwartz

I was mattress shopping—because apparently, even sleep needs an upgrade sometimes. The store owner was a local legend, known not just for selling top-notch beds but for being an all-around great human. While checking out, I hit him with some genuine compliments (because, well, he deserved them). Read more>>

Maria Van Tiflin

A First Client, a Family in Need, and a Life-Changing Journey Starting a business is exciting, but nothing prepares you for the moment when someone trusts you with their health—and their family’s health—for the first time. It’s humbling, exhilarating, and nerve-wracking all at once. My first client beyond the circle of friends and family was a mom I had already been helping informally with holistic wellness. When I officially launched my gut health business and became certified in GI Mapping, I decided to reach out to her. Read more>>

Brit Grosenick

I had been in the Milwaukee event industry for over a decade when I purchased my first cotton candy machine. One of the event planners in the city heard that I had recently gotten the machine and reached out to create cotton candy champagne toppers for a baby shower. I was officially in business! Seeing my product in pictures from that event made my heart so full. I knew then that I wanted to keep making celebrations more magical through cotton candy—and beyond! Read more>>

Ramatu Kandakai

The journey to earning my first dollar as an entrepreneur was a transformative and deeply affirming experience. It began during a frustrating period in my career. Despite holding an MBA and being well-qualified, I found myself consistently overlooked during my job search. As a Black woman, I faced systemic barriers that often left me questioning my worth and potential. Read more>>

Casey Jacox

After twenty years in corporate America, I parted ways with my employer in a quest to write my book (Win The Relationship, Not The Deal) and start a podcast for fathers (The Quarterback Dadcast). I didn’t set out to start a consulting and speaking business; the business found me, and I believe it is a true calling. It explains why I get up so excited to work with people, help build relationships, and strengthen the culture inside of my clients through my coaching practice. Read more>>

Emellid Rosaly

It was a typical day when I first received a message on Facebook that would change everything for me. The lady who reached out had seen a post about my fresh batch of secantes, those classic Puerto Rican treats that are so rare, you can hardly find them on the island anymore. Secantes— delicate fluffy vanilla-lemon squares topped of sugar-iced perfection—are a beloved nostalgic bite for many but a true specialty to make. Read more>>

Claudia Pineda

My first event was exciting yet somewhat chaotic. We were part of a little boy who was son of parents in the music industry and there was A LOT going on. I’ve always prepared ahead of time for anything so setting up was pretty easy: I remember we did customized dinosaur canvas and set up for hat designing as well. About half an hour for the party to begin and I would see soft play vendors, Read more>>

Miguel Angel Sanchez Hernandez

After my Graduation from Cal State Fullerton Ive always had the idea to do not work for someone else and i create my first company in California called Design and Animation Studios Inc. I remember i started searching clients through friends and social media sharing my talent and explaining that it was to gain experience and giving everything for free during one year. Then people started recognizing my work and it was when i started charging , i don’t remember specifically who was my first client that paid me but i remember it was great to feel noticed for my work. Read more>>