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.

Chrissi Elle

My first official client was not just a client. She was the beginning of my career as a global marketing strategist. It was my first campaign, my first project, and to this day, one of the most powerful collaborations I have ever led. For nearly two years, I had been searching for an authentic recreation of the iconic Marilyn Monroe gown. Read more>>

Michael West

We received our first client by walking around different neighbourhoods passing out flyers . The flyers had our information and puppy pictures.. We love to put our feet on the ground and explore different opportunities to build our brand ad meet new people. Read more>>

Leticia Rodriguez

I got my first client by being resourceful, impersonal. When I first started, I didn’t have a big budget for marketing so I started by taking models and posting my work consistently. I shared my journey on social media, talked about why it started, and educated people about waxing and skin care. Read more>>

TREY WALKER

I started bartending back in 2004 — young, eager, and honestly just trying to find my rhythm behind the bar. My first client came in on a quiet weekday evening. Read more>>

Kendra Greshik

A lot of my work in the beginning was for friends or people I had met through college events who liked my work. The first dollar I made, where I had never met the client before, was actually for a wedding (crazy it wasn’t just a small shoot). I had taken some family photos for a friend of a friend, who then showed her co-worker. Read more>>

Aesha Tahir

Oh, this question brings back so many amazing memories. My very first job in the exercise industry was as a Spinning Instructor. In December 2014, I applied to teach the Tuesday morning Spinning class at my home club in Philly. The club’s director decided to give me a chance. I was so nervous stepping on the stage to teach in front of thirty experienced cyclists. Read more>>

Jon Paul Crimi

I was working as a Personal Trainer when Breathwork first entered my life, completely out of left field. My close friend Matthew Perry — yes, that Matthew Perry — bought me a session with a Breathwork Healer. I went in curious, maybe a little skeptical, and walked out completely changed. It hit me on a level I didn’t even know was possible. Read more>>