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.

Elexis Irby

I started braiding my own hair when I was a senior in high school. I specifically remember the event I was preparing for. My class was getting ready for our senior trip to Chicago and I had to figure out what to do with my hair that would last me, my mom didn’t have to do it, and didn’t cost us an arm and a leg. From this day forward, anytime someone asks who did your hair, the answer is always me! Fun fact: I’ve done my own hair for every fashion show and Photoshoot I’ve been in! I took this skill with me to college to use as my hustle to help me get by in school. College classmates would refer my work and this became the true beginnings of Luxury Hair By Lex ! Read more>>

Renee Webley

The start of my firm actually started ahead of when I originally anticipated it starting. To this day, I believe that the setback, which then turned into my future success, was definitely a blessing in disguise. In 2010, I was working for a medium to large sized Architectural and Engineering firm. I was there for a little over 2 years when the firm was affected by the recession. I was eventually laid off along with about half of our Palm Beach office. Read more>>

Erin Kelley-Garrison

My first client opportunity was an accident because I made a few suggestions during a wedding rehearsal that my husband was the best man in! My husband served as the best man at his high school friend’s wedding, and the rehearsal was a bit disorganized. The couple getting married was caught up in the whirlwind of life, leaving them with little time to iron out to the all the little details. So, I jumped in and began mapping out a timeline, helping to organize all their hard work to match the vision of their big day. Read more>>

Katie Batres

My first client ever was technically my mother. I like to share that first because even though she would support me with any business i’m in, I know that the product I was able to educate her and set up for her, truly changed her future. Sometimes the people closest to us are the ones we should be helping first. However, outside of my family/friends, my second client was a complete stranger on Tik Tok. How did I find someone interested online? I simply dedicated time to post one new piece of financial education a day.  Read more>>

Dayana Izquierdo

When I first started my design journey, I knew I wanted to make a meaningful impact on small businesses within different industries. After 3 weeks of networking and reaching out to local entrepreneurs, I connected with a beauty business owner who was struggling with her online presence. I listened to her challenges and, through genuine conversations, I was able to showcase how my design expertise could elevate her online brand. I knew I had the project in the bag it was just a matter of waiting for her decision. Read more>>

AL Huggins

I was sitting in a community meeting, was sitting next to a gentleman who work for the CRA within the city where the meeting was being held. We started chatting about various things, he said I think we could use your services, and 10 years later here I am the Art Counslant for events and festivals. Read more>>

Kris Dowlen

In my early days of photography and videography, like many creatives, I was doing a significant amount of unpaid work, which is typical for beginners. Despite not receiving compensation initially, I loved what I was doing and was having a lot of fun doing it, which is a major factor in the beginning of any sort of business. I knew I would be compensated for my work eventually, but my primary focus was on perfecting my craft. Read more>>

Day Mori

I got my first client for a corporate show through a referral from my friend Bonnie. She had known of me doing live shows for years and called me to ask if I do corporate events as well. So I took a risk and said yes! Read more>>

Madisyn Wasson

In September of 2021, after years of healthcare management, I decided to take a leap of faith and open my own business supporting businesses in business management and social media management. The decision wasn’t made lightly, but I felt a burning desire to create something of my own and make a positive impact on small businesses. Little did I know, this venture would not only be a professional endeavor but also a testament to the strong relationships I had built over the years. Read more>>

Jacob Hightower

My First official paid gig came from a chance encounter. I met a promoter that put me in touch with a venue in Athens, Georgia The WareHouse. This event was sponsored by Bacardi and the main act was Loud Luxury. This experience changed my entire outlook on the potential of media and what it can do for many. Read more>>