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.

Tashay McDowell

I remember getting my first real client like it was yesterday. I had just launched my esthetics business and was nervous but excited to finally put myself out there. Read More>>

Dustin Grimes

It’s amazing how my very first client came about—it’s a perfect example of how life comes full circle! Years ago, I sold a “Garden of the Gods” painting to an art collector, and she continued following my artistic journey on Facebook. Read More>>

Nicole Bird

I received my first paid social media content creation client in the cold, rainy month of February 2023. Read More>>

Roxy Cruz Angel Flores

Our first customer came to us during the early stages of rebuilding and preparing our rental space. Angel’s genuine conversation with a local shop owner, shared without expectation, sparked an unexpected partnership built on trust and belief in our vision. Despite having no equipment or supplies at the time, that owner became our first loyal customer and continues to support our journey today. Read More>>

Derrick Whitfield Sr.

When I left the Navy in late 2014, I didn’t have a portfolio or a business plan. I just knew I wanted to create. By 2015, I was in design school, learning the craft, but I also knew I had to get my work out into the world. So I started dropping off art prints at skate parks, comic book shops, and clothing stores. Read More>>

Marnye Young

My first client was a woman named Tate James actually she is still our client 7 years later. She is a USA Today and International bestsellling author and I had actually narrated for her in the past through another company. Read More>>

Judica Salmon

My first sale came from pure determination and a lot of free samples. I was handing them out like crazy—especially to people who I felt could be prospective customers. And if someone didn’t have any skin problems, I’d tell them to give the sample to a friend or family member. That approach worked like a charm. Read More>>

Iniki Franklin

Before launching my business, I hired a business coach who advised me to secure two test clients at a reduced rate to refine my services. I worked with two individuals for a year at my lowest rates to see how everything would operate. During that time, I maintained a full-time job to ensure my personal needs were met while I built my business. Read More>>

Dr. Anne Etonga

When I first began my chiropractic journey, I worked at The Joint Chiropractic. It was there that I built so many meaningful connections with patients who trusted me with their health and their healing. I poured my heart into every adjustment, every conversation, and every moment of care. Over time, those same patients began to feel more like family. Read More>>

Stephanie Spirou

The first real clients I booked that weren’t friends or family came from posting about my Valentine’s Day Mini Sessions in a local Facebook moms group. I offered a very low price because, at that stage, I was focused on getting experience and starting to build my portfolio. Read More>>

Jamie Peterson

My first paying client was through a mutual friend. My best friend told her boss that I started a photography business, and her boss decided to purchase a maternity session for their daughter expecting her first child. I was over the moon! I had only done 4 unpaid sessions before this, so I definitely felt like I had no clue what I was doing. Read More>>

Bethany Deanna

I landed my first client before I had even quit my day job in corporate marketing. I’d worked hard to get my first rudimentary website up and created a ‘freebie’ to offer value in my cold email pitches — all things I’d been told to do when I was starting out. Read More>>

Hannah Carr

I launched my business in 2019, inspired by a heartfelt gift from my husband — a camera for our first Christmas as a married couple. His encouragement fueled my passion to create a profession I truly loved. Read More>>