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.

Hallie Henderson

My journey into the world of online business began on Etsy, a platform I found incredibly welcoming for new entrepreneurs.I started by offering downloadable prints, focusing on a niche that I felt passionate about—watercolor nursery prints. Read more>>

Cindy Feraro

Once I decided that I wanted to be a wedding photographer I went to a place that was very popular back in 2007.. craigslist. I can laugh about this now, but that is how I gained my first clients. Read more>>

Patti Paulsen

Over a decade ago, a family friend had a nephew getting married and asked me if I would paint their wedding LIVE. I was terrified and had no idea how it would go but knew Plein Air painting had been around since the 1800’s. Read more>>

Kendra Roy

My first client was a friend of a friend who referred me to build and design their home in Pacific Beach. Starting out on my own after working in corporate America for so long was very scary. Read more>>

Julianne Marangi

I was working as a server at a pool at a gorgeous iconic hotel in south beach called the Delano. I had a guest look at my website and ask me if I could paint the pool setting there of the Delano. Read more>>

Tommy Whitehead

The story of how I landed my first official construction client is one I often reflect on, filled with the kind of gutsy initiative that defines my business journey. Read more>>

Jenn Deal

My first client was a stranger on Instagram. I had been posting on Instagram for about a month just to challenge myself to get out of my comfort zone, not really expecting anything to come of it. Read more>>