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.

Jennifer Bowersock

Last year, around July or August 2023, I began my venture into baking pretzels. By September, I took a leap and applied to become a vendor at our local Farmers Market with a fresh business idea – my German Bakery named Jenn’s Backstube. Read more>>

Marie Mandeville

I went on Facebook and said I would organize ANY space for $50. The closet took me 19 hours and I made $50! In that moment I knew what I wanted to do for my career! I called my mom crying and so excited! The money wasn’t important!  Read more>>

Katrina Taitt

My husband, an ordained minister, and I, have always had the desire to see marriages thrive based on God’s outline for marriage. Both of us, having experienced divorce in our past, discovered our purpose together once we got married. Read more>>

David Enloe

The first non-friend, non-family dollar – that was a milestone I’ll never forget! It all started at the local farmers market, right at the beginning of the pandemic, when everyone was craving in-person connections and experiences.  Read more>>

Emily Woodruff

I got started through Facebook- I was in a very large group related to photography and wasn’t actively looking for V.A. gigs. Someone had posted about needing help with a few projects that I knew I had the skills for, and it was mid-January, so I had plenty of down time from my business, especially being in the thick of COVID, so I replied and we hit it off. Read more>>

Terrica Woods Woods

This happened twice—once as a digital artist and once as a designer. It all began at Howard University. I shattered my computer, leaving me with nothing but an iPad. Read more>>

Haymanot Honelgn

When I first started my brand, I was mainly making jewelry. I started by making earrings and necklaces for myself and my friends to give as gifts. One day I walked into a gallery that also had a concept store wearing one of my handmade earrings. Read more>>

Kiaya Sinclair

When I first started out in my business, I was working full time as an Order Management Specialist for a national metal roofing company. I had been with the company for 5 years and wanted something to change. Read more>>

Viveka von Rosen

About a year ago, I was walking my dog and I found myself thinking about my friend Sarah. She had recently moved, and I knew how challenging that could be. So, I decided to practice “peopling”. Read more>>