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.

Nina Rose

It was 2018. I had been in business for a year by this time , but I still hadn’t earned my first dollar. I was a wreck. Still not sure if I was good enough to charge for my services, yet still knowing that I was changing peoples lives for the best after each session. I had planted seeds at so many places to drum up business and attract real paying customers; and finally It happened ! Read more>>

Rayne Parvis

After a career transition from a stand-up comedian at 32, I was officially a “personal stylist”. Not because, I had a track record or former training, but because I decided to be. That’s one of the awesome and dare I say ‘scary” things about this industry. You can wake up and say, “I’m a stylist!”. I often look back at my first business name and marketing materials with a pet dog on it, and cringe. Ha! Read more>>

Curtis Valentine

The saying “it takes 10 years to become an overnight success” definitely applies to Real Men Teach. Read more>>

Chantea Williams

My first publishing clients came from a 30-day course I offered to write and publish an e-book. I was so uncertain if this was something I was called to do that I didn’t even have the course written when I launched it. When I got that first registrant, I was like oh crap, now I got to really create it. Read more>>

Venavir Gonzalez

My very first client, who purchased one of my pieces, was an unexpected but incredibly special encounter. It all began when I had my art debut at a restaurant in Mesa, AZ. I had created a collection inspired by their food and culture, pouring my heart into the work. Several months later, I hosted an art pop-up event. As I began packing my belongings, little did I know that my first client would surprise me with their admiration. Read more>>

Brittany Torres

My first client is the reason I started my entire business. I had been working in the fine arts industry in Seattle and had the chance to work alongside Juliette Aristides, a renowned classical realism painter. She approached me for help in reviving her damaged website. Read more>>

Rose Pondel

The first paying client I ever received was an incredibly special case. I worked with a same-sex female couple from Switzerland who were using a sperm donor with their fertility doctor in California. They found me via my website, and we connected instantly on the phone. I absolutely loved working with them, and thirteen years later, we still stay in touch and they send me pictures of their kids! Read more>>

Claudia Grimm

It was a warm day in early October. I was working full-time as a Leasing Consultant but finishing the paperwork for my plant care business during lunches and after the work day. On this day specifically, I remember I had finally finished the background work for Zen Plant Care and had gone to pick up Pho on my lunch break. As I’m sitting there, waiting on the bench, my phone rings with an unknown caller. Read more>>

LaToya Sutton

In 2017, my life took an exciting turn as I embarked on a bold adventure, relocating from Northern Virginia to Georgia after saying “yes” to the love of my life. However, the job market in my new home state couldn’t match my previous salary, prompting me to leverage my professional skills and dive headfirst into entrepreneurship. Read more>>

Wendy Sorensen

My first paying client who was not a friend/word of mouth referral was a result of a silent auction fundraiser. Read more>>

Regina Di Silvestro

One major facet of our company is formulating and manufacturing products for other companies and brands. We have worked with many amazing custom formulation, private label and contract manufacturing clients over the years and it’s always a fun challenge taking on their projects. Read more>>

Paul Julch

I had spent 6 months researching how I wanted to run my business – I created my own website, I asked a friend to design a logo, I developed my client process, etc. But I wasn’t exactly sure how I was going to launch my business, outside of just networking with friends. Then a close friend offered to throw a ‘styling party’. Read more>>

Liza Boubari

I graduated from Hypnotism Training Institute in 1997. Months later, I rented a small room for $350 a month sharing space at another therapist’s office. Read more>>

Ekemini Gerdel

My sister is a fitness instructor and had been invited to host a segment on a fitness video by an established brand. I accompanied her to the set and was speaking with the owner of the brand, she said they had a shoot coming up in Chicago but their photographer had dropped out last minute. I told her that I had been a photographer for a while, and joked that it was my expensive hobby. Read more>>

Cara Pencak

When I first started my business, I was doing a lot of free photo sessions with my friends and family, just to gain more experience and build my portfolio. I was posting on instagram, my website was built, and I joined several facebook groups. Read more>>

Tommy T.

The journey of securing our very first paying client was a pivotal moment in the history of Elegant SMP. This milestone was not just about making our first dollar of revenue, but it was a testament to our commitment to our craft and our unwavering dedication to transforming lives through scalp micropigmentation. Read more>>