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.

Mark Omlor

My first logo project came back when I was in college. The client had a media agency he was rebranding and I was a capable designer. I had no concept of self-promotion at the time, so I was building off of word-of-mouth and reputation. Read more>>

Brandy Hinds-Boone

My first client was and still is a very close friend of mine. Karla Scott is an author and was doing her book release. She wanted me to cater her Butterfly Evolution Brunch. She was right there with me when I started my business, so I was excited and thrilled to do. Read more>>

Erika L. Sheppard

I am going to tell you how Brunch Boss got their first clients that wasn’t a friend/family/friend-of-a-friend/etc. I moved to San Antonio, Texa May 17, 2020. I left my entire life behind in DC. It was at the height of the pandemic. I got an opportunity to get closer with my mom who is a retired Marine. Read more>>

Claudi Bella

This is one of my absolute favorite moments as an entrepreneur! After hours/days of making sure the website, Instagram, & everything else is perfect for shoppers I was so anxious to ship out my first order. After the marketing roll out I noticed my model was not only a great look for my brand but she also influenced many well known beauty influencers on social media with her fashion and style. Read more>>

Thomas Coles-Reyes

I had been working diligently as an employment specialist for the YWCA on Lexington Ave, putting my skills and experiences to use in helping individuals find employment and receive valuable training. The YWCA had recently come to a crossroads with their existing employment and training contract with a non-profit organization. Read more>>

Jasmine Roberts

This story marks a turning point in my career, a pivotal moment that set me on a new path in the business world. After relocating to Atlanta, I was determined to never work for another company again, having spent many years as a superintendent for a construction company in Phoenix, Arizona. Read more>>

Elisabetta Entwistle

My first client was a dear friend of mine who is still one of my best friends. Although she is a friend, beginning to work with her as a client wasn’t as easy as it may seem. As a new coach, starting off can be really hard. You look around and all you see are successful coaches and entrepreneurs. Read more>>

ShaJuan Thomas

I received my first paying client as a result of resilience and determination. The modeling industry requires long hours, thousands of auditions and hundreds of rejections. I dedicate at least 3 hours a day looking for castings alone. I practice my runway walk every time I have to walk more than five feet. Read more>>

Erin DeCuir

While I was able to land my first client within the first two weeks of launching my business (she was a friend), it took me almost an entire year to sign my next client, who was a complete stranger! When I first quit social media, I had no idea how I was going to make money. I had no idea where my clients were going to come from or if building a business without social media was even possible. Read more>>

Natasha Krohn

After working on my friends family photos she pushed me to start my business. I took it as a, what can it hurt moment, as I had a full time job and it wasn’t imperative for me to make a living off of my hobby. I put a post on our local FB page for holiday photos. I was bombarded by interest in the sessions and found myself fully booked on my days off. Read more>>

Glory Jefferson

Wow! In previous interviews I’ve never been asked this question. My first unpaid client happened to be an ex coworker while working for an organization. I was at my desk, and I overheard a gentleman speaking about planning his wedding and reception. Read more>>

Pegauh Panah

My first client was the swimwear brand, AEXAE. It kind of happened unexpectedly. Although, I had launched Lux Life Consulting, I was working with a friend who was an influencer and I was reaching out to brands for her because she was going to a trip to Miami so she wanted swimwear she could collab with. Read more>>

Janelle Wilson

Hello, I am Janelle Wilsonn, the owner of Loving Locks, an independent company providing Sisterlocks®T services, products, classes, space share (chair rental) / private suite rental, and mentorships. The first time I saw Sisterlocks®, I knew they were for me. I started my Sisterlocks® journey August 2007 and became certified July 2008. Read more>>