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.

Aquila Mendez-Valdez

When I first launched my business, I had a list of about 5 contacts I just knew would be my first clients. I knew exactly how much they would be able to afford for a monthly retainer, and I had my plans all laid out to be profitable by the end of Month 1. The reality, as it turned out, was far from that original vision, and I discovered that signing clients was much more of an uphill battle. Looking back now I totally get it; I was unproven and still getting my feet under me. It makes sense that it took time to land my first big client. Read more>>

Nancy Rodriguez

My first client reached out to me after a friend of hers told her about my work, which she had seen through a friend. She was having a Quinceanera for her first born daughter and needed a photographer / videographer and was on a budget. At the time in 2011, my husband and I were doing both photos and video, and since we were just starting to charge, we we’re nowhere as expensive as most photographers / videographers out there, however the quality of our work was standing out. She contacted me, we met, she saw our work and we signed the first contract which was very exciting, people were willing to pay for our services!! Read more>>

Katie Lambert

We love remembering our first construction client! We had been offering interior design services out of our studio for about 18 months but hadn’t branched into the project management side yet. We would hand our client’s their full packet of selections, drawings, elevations, and everything they’d need to self-manage their projects. Frankly, the client’s were left with incredible design but really bewildered on where to turn from there. Read more>>

Rachel Mains

My first client was a friend. I was talking to her about starting my own business because I was not happy in my corporate job. She said that I should take the leap and she said she would be my first client. She owned a PR Firm. Read more>>

Brie Pugh

It took me 8 months to book my first 1:1 coaching client. I’ll be real with you….I had no idea what I was doing in the beginning. I didn’t have a clear message, I hadn’t done market research, I didn’t have an offer that was validated with a market need. It took me some time to put all of these pieces together, to establish myself as an authority, and to gain the confidence that I needed to actually receive clients. What helped me land my first clients was getting very clear in my brand message and positioning, meaning: I knew who I could help and exactly what I could help them with and I used my content to talk about the tangible results they wanted to achieve. Read more>>

Keivonyea Blackmon

The way I had gotten my first client was by force lol. My sister actually was my first client with her company “The Juu’c”. She really helped push me to start my Branding career & I am so grateful that she did. She had actually started her company but then needed help shaping and really putting everything together, from website to social media management. And that is how Keivonyea’s Branding really took off! Read more>>

Jack Delehey

In 2015, we had an idea: why don’t people advertise on rooftops of buildings near airports, targeting eyes in the sky? For about a year, the idea was just that, an idea. We needed to solve two problems: First, we needed rooftops. Second, we needed advertisers. At the time, we had neither…we just had an idea. Then in 2016, we caught our first break. I had cold emailed dozens of the largest warehouse owners in the country, in essence asking them if they’d provide us access to their rooftops. One of them said yes, agreeing to a % of future sales as payment. Read more>>

Witt Rabon

Our first client came about after we developed our first linesheet and samples. We spent over a month reaching out to different apparel shops across the country without much luck. Finally we decided to approach a local vendor in the aurora mall called Notorious. They had us come by and showcase samples to them. After the meeting they agreed to take the brand on consignment and would throw us a launch party coinciding with a celebrity appearance. We were so happy I was almost in tears. We hyped up the launch and all of our friends showed up. We sold out the first night. Read more>>

TJ Wethington

Our first real professional client served by The WICK was William Smith High school in the fall of 2014. Students ages 14-17 attended a weeklong intensive in which they worked with art, music, and gardening. Working in groups at 3 stations, the students removed summer plants, amended soil, composted, planted seeds, and built a greenhouse. Each group also came together as a band. Individuals picked an instrument, practiced with their bandmates, and in just a week performed their songs for the rest of the group. The art station produced some amazing paintings as the students learned all about the technique. Read more>>

Jamie Seeker

I had been in operational roles throughout my career. When I was managing an OBGYN practice, we were going through a big transitional time. The founding provider was approaching retirement and the partner was about to become sole owner of the practice. We had been in the same location for decades and were approaching the end of our least. We had to decide if we were going to renew and stay or look for a new location. This was an opportunity to make this long-standing practice a new facelift and for the new owner to make it her own. Read more>>

Rachel Pesso

Back in 2012 I was working in the corporate world and was not feeling connected to what I was doing at all. I was being paid really well and at a very reputable company in NYC but energetically I knew I wasn’t even close to tapping into my creative potential. I decided to reconnect to an amazing women I graduated with from the School of Visual Arts and she shared with me that she was working for Marie Forelo, an amazing entrepreneur who at the time I had never even heard of. I was so impressed that my friend was able to work for such an awesome job and asked her how she did it. She shared more and asked me if I wanted her help. I of course said YES! Read more>>

Tasha Harris

I’d just moved here, still holding my phone for directions because I was always lost. I was looking for a beauty supply to purchase a Denman brush. Finally, I saw a Sally’s beauty supply. I whipped on the lot and ran in relieved. I’m walking through the store and notice this woman with thick black hair that was looking for hair color. As she turned I saw the the back of her hair was damaged. In my true Tasha fashion, I looked at her and said “I don’t think you want to buy that, I can help you.” We started talking about hair color and the difference between this, “eye roll” box dye and the services I can provide and I gave her my business card. Read more>>

Lindsey Clark

It’s crazy, I was a freshman at Florida Memorial University in 2009. One day I was in my dorm room trying to figure out how I was going to make some extra money . My parent took care of my tuition , I really didn’t need anything but I wanted to be able to hang out , go out to eat , get my nails and stuff done , you know regular girly stuff and I was like I need to get some money! Everyone always complimented me on my hair and makeup in school so I decided to teach myself a few things and those few things turned into clients in my dorm room a couple nights and I just decided to keep it going and that’s really how it all started! Read more>>