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.

Elle Overholt

One of my favorite stories from the early days of my business is about landing my first client, despite not having an official email, website, or any of the usual tools. At the time, I was a career strategist, but I had started by focusing on perfecting my resume editing skills, as I saw a clear need in the market. A mentor of mine challenged me to test my concept and put myself out there. Read More>>

Vanessa Voltan

Having taught Pilates for seven years before launching my own business, I was thrilled when most of my clients from around Los Angeles followed me to Pilates Boutique. However, the first entirely new client who walked through my studio doors was a delightful surprise. It happened right after I had set up all the equipment in my beautiful new studio. I stayed late that night, making sure everything was perfect, when there was a knock on the door. It was KB, a neighbor from down the street, full of curiosity and excitement. She asked when I planned to start private lessons. Read More>>

Wendee Mullikin

The crisp air made me wish I’d brought a jacket to watch soccer practice. One of the youngest two Spawn (my now-grown children) was on the practice field doing drills…or maybe scrimmaging as the sun dipped lower and lower on that fall 2012 evening. Read More>>

Natasha Walstra

My first client came through the power of networking. I had recently joined an online community of female entrepreneurs, thanks to an introduction from someone I had just met while living part-time in Columbia, SC. The day I joined, there was a networking event with about 50 members, and I decided to attend. Read More>>

Brianna Ruiz

I remember being at a point in my life where I wanted to create and work hard for something that I can call my own. I had many years of experience in catering and ran from there. I started off with making Bionico trays, Tostilocos & creating my water based ice cream with a topping bar by setting it up on a 6ft table with bowls. I remember trying to figure out how to advertise my business because I had barely started my Instagram page so I didn’t have many followers. So I started finding groups on facebook where people were looking for vendors & ran from there and eventually got my first booking. Read More>>