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.
Ebony
My first client happened to be my cousin. She had an event and wanted to support my business. It was so touching. She also didn’t ask for a discount. I always tell people I’m so fortunate I have loved ones who support me and want to see me succeed. Read more>>
Antonette Ogunlesi
It was August 27, 2020. I remember the moment—12:03 PM—when the message popped up. My heart skipped a beat, and I had already typed out a response within five minutes. That’s how excited I was! Read more>>
Robin Son
I always say I became a designer by accident. At the end of 2022 I was on maternity leave, no money, living with my parents with a newborn. I used my son’s nap times to do crafts and projects and have a bit of creative fun before I had to go back to work to my ‘normal job’ in a few months. Read more>>
Aj Schneider
When I decided to become a finance coach, I started crafting my methodology—how I would conduct calls, what my talking points would be, and how I could create real transformation for my clients. That summer, I spent months practicing with friends, analyzing their finances, helping them build budgets, and asking for feedback. But I needed to see if my approach was scalable—if I had something that could truly serve the masses. Read more>>
Lawrence Batiste
The memory of my first client will be embedded in my mind forever. They were the driving force that propelled me into truly pursuing my business dreams. For me, it was so much more than earning my first dollar with the business. You see, I had recently turned my hobby of woodworking into a business and social media platform for other creatives. At the time, this was all new to me, and just like anyone else taking risks and diving into a new field, I struggled with doubt and the fear of failure. Questions like, “Is there even a need for my products?” Read more>>
Grace Stockdale
Oh, I got my first client while I was on the road with the first national tour of Kinky Boots—I was playing the principal role of Nicola. I had this burning desire to try my hand at photography, so I bought my first professional camera with some of that sweet tour cash (IYKYK) – I started taking photos of my fellow actors while we were traveling around the country. People always needed updated headshots for their agencies, and suddenly, I became the go-to photographer on the tour. My shots kept getting better and better, and before I knew it, I was charging for them. Read more>>
Sarah Silberg
My first client came straight from my Instagram page, *The Slutty Spoon*, where I feature the best experiences in Philadelphia and New York. Most of my clients come from posting there, and this one was no different—I received a DM from a small, women-owned wedding company asking if I’d consider managing their social media. They had been following my content and loved my approach, so we hopped on a call. I walked them through my strategy, and they were in! Seeing that first payment hit my account was such an exciting moment—it proved that my personal brand could turn into a real business. Now, most of my book comes from messages to *The Slutty Spoon*, and I love helping businesses grow while sharing the cities I love! Read more>>
Nzinga Sombo
The first member in the Women’s Caucus was a friend of mine, also a young college-aged woman, who’d experienced harassment within a supposed political safe space and had little support from the more tenured, experienced people within Georgia politics who she’d expressed her discomfort with. After listening to her story, I was inspired to start a women’s caucus within the Democratic Party of Georgia’s youth branch to be able to advance female interests and provide a stronger, united voice for young women in politics who often feel intimidated and unable to share their experiences and perspectiveswith others older and higher-ranking people in politics. Read more>>
Robert Rodriguez
I received my first client in 2016. I was in the process of working on my business and had plans to start receiving revenue by January of 2017. At the time I was working on branding, volunteering, marketing and spreading the word. All while building up the business for free. My focus was on establishing a foundation and a network, creating content and getting the clerical duties and staff in order. Read more>>
Cody Sabo
My first clients were a charming couple in Austin, Texas. At the time, I was in my senior year of college, building my portfolio and laying the foundation for my design business. Their project was a significant undertaking; a full remodel of a 1,900 sq. ft. single-story home. They wanted everything redone, from new flooring and a reimagined kitchen to fresh wallpaper and more. Read more>>
Erin Stefanik
From film to digital, my love for photography has always been a constant. Growing up, I was always the one with a camera in hand—waiting anxiously for film to develop at Walgreens and Wolf Camera, then embracing the instant gratification of digital. So when I launched my business in February 2010 no one was surprised. I started with a Facebook Page, and the bookings came instantly—referrals upon referrals. Now, 15 years later, I’m still capturing memories for some of the very first clients who trusted me on day one. It’s been an incredible journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Read more>>
Michaelle Boisreau
My first client happened to work for an agency that staffed nurses at my job back in 2017. I was working as a CNA at the time so I had no interest in pursuing the beauty industry at the time. Her name was Jennifer and she seen my hair done at the time so she came over to ask who did my hair. I told her I did it myself and she was shocked. She insisted that I do hers and at the time I was very skeptical because I didn’t feel confident in my work to have someone pay me. Long story short she became the push I needed to start this journey. Read more>>
Nathalie Azoubel
One quiet Saturday afternoon, a family friend stopped by and casually mentioned he was considering selling his luxury condo in Bal Harbor. At the time, I had held a real estate license for several years, primarily using it for my own deals while working as an Interior Designer and FF&E specialist. To my surprise, he suggested I handle the $8 million listing. I decided to seize the opportunity—and it turned out to be a life-changing moment. I sold his property in record time, which opened the door to referrals and a growing list of satisfied clients. The rest, as they say, is history! Read more>>