Getting your first client is an exhilarating experience, but it’s also an experience that far too many aspiring entrepreneurs never experience. Sometimes, the difference between an idea dying in the idea stage or going on to change the world is getting that first customer – the first tiny win that creates the momentum to make an idea real. So, we connected with some of the smartest folks we could and asked them to tell us the stories of how they got their initial clients.

Crystal Vinson

After completing my Virtual Assistant course, I was ready to start booking clients and making money. In the Virtual Assistant world, there are two significant ways to get clients – either by attracting clients to you via social media or by applying to job postings. Read more>>

Sidney Johnson

Shortly after I began advertising my freelance photography services, I became frustrated with how difficult it was to find clients and felt lost. Luckily, I came to the realization through family and friends’ advice that I was too afraid of looking stupid! I utilized my LinkedIn profile and posted my information. I sent messages in my apartment’s group chat. Read more>>

Mica Boet

My very first client, that wasn’t a friend, was a mentorship opportunity! The pay was low, however, the opportunity to learn from the best and gain valuable experience was totally worth it. Read more>>

Brandy Amini

In November 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I made a batch of decorated sugar cookies to take to a Friendsgiving gathering. After the cookies were already made, we came to our senses and decided a large gathering was a poor choice due to the obvious infection risk. Read more>>

Ashly Pire

The moment I realized my love for everything and anything beauty was at a very young age. I never thought I would be good enough to do it as a business. I remember being in 6th grade and making my little sister (she was only 5 years old at the time) let me do her makeup. As the years passed, I started doing it on most of my family members (mom, sisters, cousins). When I turned 19 I decided to apply for MAC cosmetics. Read more>>

Jocelynn Tyson

I had my first client all started in November 2020 . My mom was working with the girl and she told her about my makeup . I was looking for a client / model to progress my work . November 13,2020 is the day she came and she has a sickle cell. I enjoyed her and our conversation . I was very blessed to have her in my chair . Read more>>

Tykenya Jones

I made a business instagram account and started posting my products, posting pictures wearing my products and posted my products everyday even if I didn’t get likes then I started getting messages on instagram asking when am I available Read more>>

Lynnette Harris

My first client was the owner of the only black owned brick and mortar book store in Memphis,TN. I shopped there a lot and one day I showed the owner the bookworm bookmark I made to match the book cover of the book I was reading at the time. After I showed the owner my bookworm, he mentioned wanting some bookworms for his store. I have to be 100% honest. Read more>>

Rocio Salazar

First clients were family and friends. We sold by Facebook to other friends outside the state. We were knocking doors Read more>>

Mitchell Martishius

Not necessarily first sale, but first our first retail partner. Took a risk on us and it paid off. Read more>>

Phillip Blalock

I got my first client through Instagram and shooting my first free video Read more>>