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.

Ansley Griffin

I’ve loved taking pictures for as long as I could remember, but genuinely never thought it would be something I’d turn into a business. I started out doing photography as a hobby and in 2019 I made an Instagram page dedicated to the pictures I was taking! Any time I had an idea for a photoshoot, I would reach out to my friends and they would graciously be my models! I was doing all of my work for free, solely because it was fun for me. Read more>>

Karesha Byrd

This story is so brief yet beautiful! I was at work and was asked by a coworker at the time if I was a good planner? After we discussed that I was, they in turn asked me to plan their wedding! Wow right!? Since then we have been planning from start to finish and now have become best friends! Read more>>

Lara Mitchell

As a new agent, I had a low capital budget but I had a lot of time. I am very eager to learn and ready to pound the sand. Indeed, your first few clients in real estate are not going to be your family and friends. Not because they do not trust you, but because it’s too personal. I did door-knocking, open houses, and hanging out in our local Tim Horton’s coffee shop. I got my first client at an open house. Read more>>

Dillon Greenberg

My first real client as a Social Media Manager was working for a Production and Events Company and managing their two accounts. One account for their Production Company and another was for the Web Series they were producing. A former work colleague reffered me, and when we had our first interview me and the whole team instantly connected. Read more>>

Nancy Fullbright

Last year, like many people in the workforce, I found myself burned out. With the encouragement and support of my spouse, I decided to take the rest of the year off to focus on my health and plan my next move. I didn’t get much time to rest because I quickly landed a couple of clients. Read more>>

Keatley Jael

I got my first client when I was 17. I have been doing this womans hair since. My fist $60 going toward my business that a family member or friend didnt give. In 2014 i started taking my business seriously and really began to manage my money so the business can grow. Read more>>

Shanice Givens

My first real client was my aunt’s best friend I never really thought that I as a chef will get a client so soon but I did and I cooked for her friend’s 50th birthday party and it turned out to be so amazing and never really thought that I would do it it was weird because I had to sleep over her house and I cooked for the entire day having my friends and family show up and watching me cook it was just a different experience for me and made me realize why I wanted to be a chef and cook Read more>>

Cierra Belser

I’m going to add a little twist to this question by telling the story of when I landed my first big client. I was working as a Business Development Manager for a large staffing firm. Before I get to the good stuff, I have to tell you the back story. Before I moved to the big leagues, I started my staffing career working for a small women-owned staffing firm that had less than 10 locations. This was my first step into the world of staffing and a huge career change for me. Read more>>

Ariana Hartman

My first client was my friend Kadaja. She is one of the main people that pushed me to start pursuing makeup. I started out by practicing on her and then she asked me to complete a service for her. She has been a client ever since! Read more>>

Tatiana Orr

The first client The Brilliance Studio Had was a welcoming stranger from Facebook market place! At the beginning of our entrepreneurship /business owner journey we had zero experience, no mentor , no money other than Tatiana working at Cvs, Lonnie trying to come up with some ideas to create revenue and $5000 in back rent at our commercial loft studio. Read more>>

Mykaela Irinaka

My first customer was my mom’s co-worker. My mom is a little vertically challenged and I had painted a step stool for her classroom. It was the perfect blend of cute and functional. Her student teacher saw it and loved it. To my surprise she messaged me and asked how she could order one with her favorite book character on it. I had so much fun working with her on the design and giving the wooden step stool new life. Read more>>