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.

Latasha Greene

I have been an artist my entire life as a side hustle so it’s hard to pen point my very first client so I will tell you about the first client that made me confident enough to go full time with my art business. This was back in 2019, a friend of mine invited me to speak at a conference in Mammoth CA. The conference was all about small mountain towns and my talk was about cultivating diverse businesses in mountain towns. Read more>>

Sami Womack

In 2020, after about 4 years of my business only breaking even from the sale of digital products, I decided to start offering 1:1 budget coaching services. I signed 5 clients with my first launch, and I was hooked! Read more>>

Bethany Turner

Good question. Read more>>

Joffre Camacho

I had just lost my job and needed to find a way to earn money to keep up with household expenses. I did several online searches, and there were many options, so I began trying them one by one. Initially, I considered becoming a truck driver, but I didn’t meet all the requirements. The next best option seemed to be photography. Read more>>

Cat Wright

My first job as a stylist was working for E! News but while I was there, I was constantly working overtime and weekends to build my portfolio by doing test shoots, side gigs and networking. One of those jobs was a cover shoot with a young artist and while we were on set, a marketing babe from a record label was in town and stopped by to visit her. Read more>>

Linda Caro

My first client was actually someone that I already knew. We had gone to high school together and we were Facebook friends. I only had a personal Facebook page at the time and I had posted a few cakes that I made for my kids. I received the message on Facebook and it was an order for a cake. Read more>>

Beryl Oduor

When it came to starting my gemstone business, I started by selling gemstone bracelets out of my purse and trunk of my car. My first sale happened at a 8am networking meeting where I pitched my business and showcased some of the bracelets I had with me. I sold 3 that day and I was absolutely over the moon! It was an additional validation that I can step out of my comfort zone and do whatever I put my mind to. Read more>>

Sheila Tucker

My first buyer was former Miss Phoenix Central Lena Spotleson. Read more>>

Jerek Blevins

I got my first client as a fill in for my sister. She was an experienced and established chef who had just undergone major surgery and needed me to prepare a brunch for her. I had very little experience, with only close family and friends helping me. This was a full brunch that had over 100 attendees and it went tremendously well. I have been in business and growing by serious leaps and bounds ever since. Read more>>

Sheena Balentine

We received our first regular client from Costco, There was a lady that needed help loading her car at the Costco nearby my mom’s house. My brother and myself helped the lady get her items in the car and we gave her a flyer. She has been ordering her favorite cake for her special events every since then, She likes to order a pound cake with lemon glaze but light on the icing. Read more>>

Anicka Martin

I started out on Etsy when I first began my business and let all my friends and family know I was starting a new endeavor with my products. It is where I received my first customer. I remember opening day and I had a sale within a few hours. I was overjoyed and could not wait to send out the package of my products. I called my mom, dad, and best friend and shared my story and joy. Read more>>

Joe Nicoletti

While attending School of Visual Arts in New York City, studying graphic design I opted in to have my work displayed at Studio 54 a noted nightclub in New York City at the time. I had a great show and had a great time, even had my Dad and my Grandma show up at the club! People were interested in my graphics and while talking to a random person who asked me about my professional interests, I became more interested in what he had to say. Read more>>

Lunden Olin

My first major client was Tara Wallace from vh1 love and hip hop we did a promo shoot for the new season. I was super nervous what if she didn’t like me what if the clothes did fit but it was amazing and tara end up being one of my longest clients And from there is was like word of mouth. I went from reality stars to a list celebs like Jay Ellis from insecure and Coleman Domingo. It kinda of happened fast Read more>>

Gift Igbin

When opening my business my biggest worry was that being 17 and determined wouldn’t be enough to gain someone’s trust in hiring me. Read more>>

Daphanie Venning

My daughter (Kerris) and best friend actually got me my first client before I even knew I was going into business for myself! So back in 2019, I braided and added beads to my daughters hair like I normally do. One day my best friend was in town and they went outside to play at the park and while they were out there a little girls mom asked my friend about Kerris’ hair. Read more>>

Allison Jackson

My first official client was Alexa. She was a friend of a friend who loved my business idea and shared it with her friends! I remember sending Alexa the proposal and being so nervous that she wouldn’t want to work with me because my pricing was “too high,” but she said yes to a custom wedding stationery package and I had my first client! Read more>>

Linda Murray Bullard

Back when getting the printed newspaper was still in, I decided to run an ad in the classified section of the local newspaper announcing that I would help small businesses complete professional documentation. Read more>>