There are so many varied experiences when it comes to starting a business. From what we’ve seen, there is no one, right answer. Some people found success by writing a business plan, spending months or years perfecting the idea and only then approaching their first client while others found their first client before they had even settled on a name for their business. Below, you’ll find the stories of how entrepreneurs from across industries and markets found their first clients.

Emily Mitchell

photography class. For years it was just a hobby and something I loved doing. As I had my children, I decided I needed to upgrade to a faster camera to be able to capture their active little lives! From there I learned the more technical side of taking photos. I would post on my social media pages and had friends start asking me to take pictures for them. I did that for a little while just for fun until one day one friend told me I should start a Facebook page for photography. Read more>>

Kadijah Oliver

One night I woke up from a dream I got up around 2 am and I begin to think about the dream. I pulled out my laptop and began to write the vision. I sat at my laptop for 3 days. I barely moved or slept. I designed my logo, business cards, website, and business email address. I had no clue even where to start, but I did it. I sat and said, “Lord, do it for me.” I decided since I was new to do a sale to introduce them to my business. I had no portfolio or reviews and I started off charging my worth. Read more>>

Brooke Logue

Rewinding back to 2008, I had re-found my love and passion for photography when I had my first child, a little girl. She was my inspiration because of course I wanted to capture every detail, every smile, every milestone. I have always been an artist, so to create art while freezing these moments in time, gave me this rising energy that I had never felt before. Passion and love. It was beautiful. Of course I shared my imagery with my friends and family on social media, and of course every one of my mommy friends wanted me to capture their little ones. Read more>>

Taye Rashad

My first client that was not a family member or friend would be when I assisted with styling, Ms. Evelyn Braxton. This opportunity came about from my friend Xay, he know that styling was a passion of mind and decided to bring me aboard. Honestly, I was feeling amazing, grateful, and star-struck! I mean this is Ms. Braxton and I’m getting to help style her. However, I did not want to seem like a rookie even though technically I was, furthermore I took the more professional approach by gathering all the necessary information so that I begin shopping and pulling items that would fit with the vibe and aesthetic that she wanted to achieve. Read more>>

Chelsea Staud

When I decided to pick my camera back up to create a business, I knew I wanted to solely work with women, and I was instantly attracted to the Boudoir niche. I started photographing my best friends and myself, learning so much with every click I made on the camera, and on my iMac when trying to learn and figure out my editing style. Fast forward a couple months of practicing and now its November of 2019. Read more>>

Snater George

I would say how I began was totally God driven. I was at a crossroad where I didnt know what direction to go with my Art. I knew I had the talent, but wasn’t really sure of the direction to go with it. I was in school for graphic design, and I did enjoy doing it but, I discovered that I had more of a passion for creating with my hands. There are just no limitations to what you can create and come up with on canvas. I had been creating work but I wasn’t showing it to anyone other than a few co-workers, some family and friends. But then, one day, I’ll really never forget this. My sister and I were at an old hangout called Davenport, it’s still around Im just not there anymore, but anyway. Read more>>

Sharonda Moss

The first customer that I remember purchasing from my website was, a woman in Pennsylvania. Her name was Tierra she ordered $60 worth of skincare products from me when I first started out And the location was what first caught my attention, but she ordered basically everything! This was someone I’ve never heard of , I couldn’t find her on social media I was completely in shock and amazed that someone wanted to support that much. I literally packaged her order that same day with extra things like hand written note, cute packaging so when she opened it, it was worth her shopping again. I literally still have the video of when i packaged her order over a year ago. Thanks Tierra ! Read more>>

Ashley Jones

My first client was a coworker who’s daughter was turning 16 Ann’s she wanted something special for her. I designed a Paris theme birthday set up in her home with food. Her cake was very basic and not all that good looking but she loved it! Read more>>

Joie Gadsden

Set the scene — it was 2016 and I was a Freshman at Bowie State. I would always showcase my work on myself by choosing a new makeup look everyday that was inspired by my surroundings or how I was feeling, but I soon realized I wanted to take my talents a step further. I began practicing my skills on my best friends and cheer sisters, at the time, and would have them walk around campus to showcase my work in a more “in your face” kind of way. Eventually, people really started to notice and catch on, and my RA ended up inquiring for me to do her face for a special occasion (I honestly can’t remember if it was an on campus event or a birthday, but it was special and important!) Read more>>

Dekesha Anderson

I always loved fashion! To me, accessorizing is part of my DNA. I saw many things that I loved in magazines but always felt like prices didn’t quite match the quality! I did a checklist. Smart, savvy, unique, beautiful, organized, self starter check! I taught myself so many things and was blessed to see some real hustlers put in work. I was inspired. I’m always up for a good challenge! So I came up with a budget. Thought about the market I wanted to appeal to! I’ve always been a lady so it wasn’t hard to relate! I would love to wear pink and white and glitter daily but it’s expensive and work can be challenging. Read more>>

TUFF DIOR

Getting my first order was one of the most exciting moments of my life. It was right after my birthday. I asked my good friend Billy if he could make me a custom shirt with my logo on it and he did. When I received my shirt my logo started glowing in the dark!. I was so excited to see my shirt glow that I went straight to social media to show it off and everyone loved it!. I called Billy to tell him thank you and how much everyone loves the glow feature. Read more>>

Beth Lawrence

After being laid off from the job I’d loved the most thus far in my career, I reluctantly jumped into entrepreneurship. The first step (after giving myself a few days to grieve, of course) was to go through my business cards, personal email contacts and LinkedIn relationships and schedule 1:1 meetings with them. My first priority outside of the parameters of my job description was always to cultivate a network and build a name for myself outside of the business card in my hand. As a result of my authentic approach to networking and longstanding relationships, I was able to book two straight weeks of appointments, from 9am to 5pm. Read more>>

Vicki Chambers

After working since the age of 18, I decided it was time to retire at age 62. I didn’t realize after such a busy life, how difficult it would actually be to put on the brakes and relax. So when a friend asked me if I would be interested in pet sitting for her, I jumped at the chance. That was when I realized what a perfect job that would be for a retiree! What I didn’t realize was how bad the need was. Read more>>

Kay-Marie Beason-Lindsay

When I decided to start my business there were so many mixed emotions, some for which I don’t have a name lol. Nevertheless, I told myself “If I can sell 10 handbags, I can sell 100 or 1,000 and even more!” With that as my driving force, I stepped into my purpose and I kept walking. I started off with a bit of anxiety which turned into courage as I created my content and began posting on the Instagram page I had created. My friends and family were very supportive even thought it was during the COVID epidemic and we could not go out because of restrictions. Read more>>

Ashley Renee

Believe it or not ladies and gentlemen but your personality will take you very far, that’s what happened for me. So I got my mink lashes in the hands of Darealbbjudy who is the CEO and founder of kaleidoscope. I honestly doubted myself when I first started my business. I would always say no celebrity gone wear my lashes. I learned to stop telling myself that I couldn’t get it done and instead I got it done. I know your wondering well how? And my answer is simple….. being myself and making myself known. I stayed in her DMs like hey I got lashes, you need lashes and I didn’t just say I got lashes of course I sold myself and my brand. Read more>>

Jesus Duran

I started photography in 2015, only taking photos for family and friends for fun. My friends would always share on social media and I would get messages of other people wanting an actual photo session. I would give them the information, but unfortunately I would never book anything. After a whole year, I got a message from this family wanting photos for their baby turning 1. At the time I did not know what to charge because I wasn’t thinking of ever doing this for money. I gave them my prices and she booked! I was so excited and proud of myself because it was the first time I was getting paid for this and after a year of not getting anything. It was great knowing that she actually booked me. Read more>>

Angela West-Brown

After attending a Spring Transition Resource Fair as a vendor. I received a call and email from Georgia State University’s IDEAL inclusion program fall of that year. I was asked if I could provide a Parent Orientation and Training for parents of new, incoming freshmen of the IDEAL program. I was asked how much my services would be and how soon I would be available. At this moment, all I had done was plant seeds. Planting seeds as in free services and supports to build my brand. I had made a few dollars here and there from my book, but nothing of this magnitude. Read more>>

Kashia Freemon

December 2020, I quit my 9-5 at Walmart due to maternity leave, but I knew for sure I wasn’t going back. I procrastinated so much about starting my lash business. I would have all these negative thoughts when it came to if I would have clients or would it be consistent or will I even be good at it. February 2021, I finally started putting myself out there. Starting with Facebook, I used their ads and promoted $25 sets. February 9th, I got my first 2 clients! I was extremely nervous.. it took be 3/4 each. I wanted to give up during the service but I was so determined to finish to see the outcome. The mother and daughter LOVED them and tipped me I was so shocked but I felt accomplished. Read more>>

Kaydee Miller

My goal of helping restaurants and startup companies stabilize and grow their Marketing departments was born from my foodie Instagram profile. I have always loved visiting new local restaurants, coffee shops, and speakeasies in the city, but in 2021, I really started to show this love on my personal Instagram profile. Soon, my profile was transformed into a food-forward page that helped showcase some of the best food & drink locations in Minneapolis (and around the country). Read more>>