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.

Shaahin Cheyene

In the early ’90s, as a teenager, I took a chance on Herbal Ecstacy, a groundbreaking herbal supplement, and ventured into the club scene. Uncertain of what I was getting into, I approached partygoers, explaining that my product was a safe, all-natural alternative to the mystery drugs of the era. It was a risky move, but it paid off. I vividly remember the excitement of making my first sale, a dollar earned through belief in the safety and innovation behind what I was offering. It marked the beginning of an incredible journey. Read more>>

Ifeoma Ike

Securing my very first client who had no prior connection to me was a monumental milestone in my entrepreneurial journey. The story of how this happened via Instagram is one that I still remember with immense excitement and gratitude. One day, as I consistently posted about my services and skills, a notification appeared in my Instagram inbox. It was a message from a person I had never met, who lived all the way in Canada. The initial feeling of someone from a completely different part of the world showing interest in my services was incredible. This individual had found me simply by searching for a virtual assistant on Instagram. She reached out, expressing her needs and a desire to know more about how I could assist her. Read more>>

Ebony Martin

Our first client at 14keytv, Know1 from the San Fernando Valley, came into the spotlight in a unique way. It all began with a simple post on Twitter. We asked artists about their interest in free advertising through our podcast interviews on YouTube, aimed at supporting independent artists. Know1, a talented artist, came across our Twitter post. Intrigued by the opportunity and our commitment to promoting independent musicians, he reached out to us. We quickly recognized his potential and his unique talent. Read more>>

Keisha Ricketts

The first time I got an official sale was exciting! I made the jump to start a wreath business and show my designs to people who weren’t friends and family. I began posting my designs on social media and even opened an Etsy shop. I had about 10 wreath designs posted and waited for someone to “stroll” into my online shop and make that first purchase. I was so apprehensive because Etsy displays the number of sales for a shop and mine said a big ZERO. I wondered who would want to buy from a shop with no sales. I worried that my mom was the only one that thought my wreaths are beautiful and that I had made a mistake and wasted my time even trying such a thing. Read more>>

Ellice (Lisa) Halpern

I was training to become a family mediator in 2015. Training was a process which involved observing a mediation with a mentor mediator, co-mediating a case together, and then mediating on my own with my mentor mediator observing me. I worked on a divorce case during my training with my mentor mediator, Rick. I noticed that Rick was really good with the financial issues so I handled the parenting plan issues and acknowledged the emotion that was present between the parties. We were a good team. Read more>>

Marisa Meeks

As a Licensed Real Estate Agent and proud member of the National Board of REALTORS® I am set to a different level of expectations and ethics. As a Buyer or Seller, anyone can be your REALTOR® professional, however, the clients that I have, chose me because no one else is me, Marisa Meeks, simply. I have mastered the art of Personal Brand whether that be in person experiences or through the digital platforms like Instagram, Facebook, etc. With that being said, going through college you come across so many people, but the most important in my opinion is your service providers, (hair, nails, doctors, etc.). I am originally from Dayton, OH but attended college at Kent State University in Kent, OH near the Cleveland, OH area. Read more>>

Shaun Morrison

My first venture into photography led me to capture the beauty of maternity, a special gift from one dear friend to another. Stepping into this world felt like uncharted waters, having previously bathed in the rawness of street and intimate portrait photography. As we began, my nerves danced, making me momentarily forget the art I loved so deeply. But as the minutes ticked by, a beautiful camaraderie blossomed between me and the two radiant souls in front of my lens. I’ve come to believe that the heart of photography isn’t just in one’s technical prowess or an artist’s eye. It’s in the magic of creating a comforting space where people can shine as their most authentic selves. That’s where true beauty is captured – in those heartwarming, genuine moments. Read more>>

Julie Carstairs

I started doing Pilates last summer mainly because I lived near the studio, and it was rather convenient. To be completely honest, I didn’t enjoy it at first, but I persevered. I tried out various instructors, and that’s when I stumbled upon Hannah’s classes. What sets her apart is her ability to keep things fresh and challenging, which prevented the monotony that I had experienced with other instructors. Plus, her music choices were right up my alley. Read more>>

Kevin Thibodeaux

I acquired my first client through a series of mass emails to friends and family, where I excitedly announced my new venture as a dating and relationship coach. In these emails, I solicited their help and encouraged them to refer individuals who might benefit from my services. The email message I shared with them went something like this: Read more>>

Sasha Gustafson

The year was 2008, when I was a pastry and baking enthusiast with big dreams, with culinary school still on the horizon. So, what’s an ambitious and eager cake decorator to do? Turn to Craigslist, of course! It was the hottest marketplace at the time, so this was a perfect place for me to get started. I remember typing out my first-ever ad, pouring my passion onto the digital canvas. Now, picture this: me, a ball of nerves and excitement, ready to showcase my confectionary wizardry. Keep in mind, at this point I had no professional training…I literally had just started teaching myself cakes just 6 months prior. Read more>>

Dolores Johnson

I started doing a lot of free work for a lot of friends and co workers so that I could practice my craft. My friends would gift me jackets or shoes to do something cool with. One day , I submitted for an art show. It was my first one. The Emoji art show. Amazing show and people. I hadn’t sold a thing all night. I was nervous but I still felt like I belonged there. A few minutes before I was about to pack up a young lady came in and saw my painting of Suzy Carmichael from rugrats! I honestly was going to leave her home but my mother insisted that I bring her. I’m glad I listened, the customer took one look and fell in love. She went home happy with my work and I smiled so big at my accomplishment. A stranger had seen my work and deemed it as valuable! I worked hard and it paid off! Read more>>

Peter Duff

I started out recording bands and singer-songwriters while I was in college studying music, so most of those initial projects were for classmates, friends of friends etc. After graduating my wife and I moved to a new city (San Diego) for her work and I had to start my studio business totally from scratch in a new place with no real connections. I spent the first couple months in San Diego getting my studio set up, and then I went out and tried to start meeting musicians. I went to shows, street fairs with music, and open mic nights. After every performance I’d go up to the artists afterwards and introduce myself. I’d tell them I just graduated with a degree in music and recording and I was new to town and had just set up a studio and that I was looking for people to work with. Read more>>

Derrick Lambert

By the time I had my first client I had already started my business about a year in, but I was facing a significant challenge. I didn’t know how to find clients. It was during this time that I had a chance encounter that would mark the beginning of my journey in brand management. I was actually on my way to a meeting with someone in the hopes of getting a job. During our conversation, I mentioned my background in branding and marketing. He picked my brain a lot. I was really nervous by the questioning but confident in my answers. After about a one hour we were done and as we shook hand he looked at me and said, “You have so much potential. Don’t just work for others; think about starting your own business someday.” After he told me that, I mentioned that I already had my own business. In response, he said, “Let’s meet again.” Read more>>

Teddy Regis

In the summer of 2016, I started running a social media page (@thisancientcity) dedicated to my city’s local scene. It went hand in hand with the purchase of a domain (thisancientcity.com), where I create content about all things St. Augustine, FL. After attending events like local film screenings and fashion week, I’d write about the experiences in a whimsical, reflective way. I also started hosting a video podcast called Local Perspectives featuring interviews of some longtime local friends and acquaintances who are musicians, business owners and creatives. None of this is monetized. As a creative, my mind is constantly churning. Rather than let projects and ideas sit idly, it’s therapeutic to put them on paper, photograph them, or give voice to the inspiring people on my mind. Read more>>