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.

Brittney Lugo-Soto

The day I got my first client was completely unexpected. I woke up to a random Instagram notification from someone I’d never met, asking if she could book a nail appointment. I was both excited and shocked up until then, I’d only practiced on friends and family.

I agreed right away and told her I could take her that same day. As soon as she arrived, the nerves hit me. I was a complete wreck on the inside, but I did my best to stay calm and professional. Once I started the service, my hands found their rhythm, and I slowly settled into it. Read more>>

Tiffany Melendez

Let me take you back in time to how this all began. I’ve been experimenting with cameras since I was about eight years old. My parents owned a film camera that they used to capture our family memories, and I quickly fell in love with the idea of preserving those moments. Thanks to Christmas and birthday wish lists, I eventually started experimenting with digital cameras, and my passion grew from there. Read more>>

Bree Lenyaè

It’s really funny when I think about it, because my first client was my ex-boyfriend (lol). He actually bought a bunch of my lip glosses and eyelash extensions for his mother and sister. He even went so far as to post my products on his social media page. It really made me happy to know how much he supported my business and my craft; he’s always been my biggest fan and supporter. Read more>>

Chris Simpkins

My first client/customer was my Uncle Mark. In many cases when you offer a product or service and start out, friends and family are the first to be exposed to it. It can be somewhat difficult to price your service because you haven’t really yet discovered your value and haven’t established what your time and talents are worth; at least I hadn’t. Read more>>

Deborah Dillingham

I had been asked to edit a few of my friends’ children’s college essays and found that I really enjoyed helping kids find themselves through the writing process. I then took it upon myself to offer my assistance to help identify match schools to create college lists. The college process seemed so stressful for families, and I wanted to help. I have an extensive marketing background and know how to promote a product to appeal to its audience. Colleges are looking for students who are a good fit for their campuses, and I know how to use promotion techniques to help kids accentuate their positives on an application. Read more>>

Felicia Barringer

My first client was my best friend from high school. It was absolutely a God thing. I had my paperwork printed and signed ready to close my business. My limiting beliefs were in full force. I was sitting in church praying, “God, I am done with this. Why is it so heavy on my heart. I am not meant to do this work. I don’t know why I thought I could do this.” This sounds bananas, and I know it is not, but as I was leaving church that day my friend texted me saying her mother-in-law wanted to do Disney for Christmas. Three rooms! A multi-generational trip. I am fully aware God was saying, “I have kept this on your heart for a reason and since you continue to not listen here is an in your face sign to KEEP GOING!” I booked their trip, and it was my biggest singular booking of the year. From there, the business took off! Read more>>

Nicole Jackson

In the spring of 2019, after stepping away from a large environmental NGO to focus on my health, I felt both anxious and strangely liberated. By late summer, I was itching to travel again, something I hadn’t done since falling ill in 2017, and spent the rest of the year rediscovering my sense of adventure. But when January 2020 brought me back home for my daughter’s performance, family worries quickly grounded me: my sister, suddenly very sick, turned out to be one of the early COVID cases, and soon my father’s health was declining too. As the world locked down around us, I found myself back in my hometown, pondering what came next professionally. Read more>>

Tanesha Ashby

At the time, I was working as a beauty consultant when I landed my very first makeup client. I vividly remember reaching out to her, asking if I could borrow her face to practice my makeup skills. Months later, I was thrilled to learn that she was getting married and reached out to me, asking if I could do her makeup for her big day. Read more>>

Vanessa Garske

I got my first client through social media! I had told my family & friends about how I wanted to start my own business and just jumped right in. My first post was to Instagram talking about opening up my suite, & what I offered. My sister was my first model so I had something to show my clients and then boom, person after person began booking and my heart was so full. After about a month in, my friends and family started booking because I posted on my main profile and the rest is history! Read more>>

Danting Li

I acquired my first client through a post on Little Red Book, where I shared my interest in helping small businesses build distinctive brand identities that stand out in a competitive market—while remaining cost-effective. Shortly after publishing the post, a watch dealer contacted me about developing an e-commerce website for their new dealership brand. I arranged an in-person visit to their local store to better understand their goals, needs, and constraints. Following our discussion, I worked late into the night to create prototypes that illustrated key user flows and presented a competitive proposal for a comprehensive branding package. Read more>>

Edward Craft

When I was 15 years old, my dad forced me to play my saxophone, with the church choir, during Christmas time, visiting senior living communities. At the third community we were at, I played “Jingle Bells” and a resident in a wheelchair looked directly at me and said the “f word.” I thought that was the coolest thing and sat with her and we exchanged all the bad words that we knew. When we were leaving, the staff had stopped us and told us that was the most they had every seen the resident verbalize and that she had dementia. It was because of that moment, I decided to become a volunteer in the senior living industry, which led me to become an Activity Director four years later. Read more>>