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.

Nora Rahimian

I had been managing a popular hip hop artist in Liberia, and we’d had some great successes together, including some significant press, producing a 20,000 person music festival, and securing an endorsement deal for him with a major telecom (the first Liberian artist to do so!). When he and i parted, i continued to nurture my industry relationships. Read more>>

Frederick Russell

Our first paid supporters came a year after not making any money in business and spending over $5,000. The way we did this was after a year of doing free shoots for people to build our portfolio, one of the people we did a free shot for referred their friend to us. Read more>>

Rachel Boutin

The creation of my digital marketing firm stemmed from something so many people experienced back in 2020…being laid off due to Covid. But it didn’t take me long (honestly, only a day or two) before I was feeling eager and excited about what the future might have in store for me. Read more>>

Dustin Pratt

While working at Tesla in 2017, selling solar and cars for them, I decided to start a side hustle of cleaning solar panels. I bought a small pressure washer on Amazon for $69 and a few cleaning supplies and I put an ad out on Yelp. We had a few customer calls. But the pricing just didn’t make sense for homeowners as it was just too expensive to get your solar panels cleaned. Read more>>

Katie Novak

I honestly can’t remember how I got my first client. But I can remember how I got my first wedding. I had a friend at the time who refused to do weddings. The stress for working those long days did not appeal to her. So when she had an old high school friend reach out because she was getting married, she immediately recommended me. The bride messaged me on instagram and we scheduled an in person meeting at my favorite restaurant which is now sadly closed. Read more>>

Lilith Fury

At the time I only owned two bottoms, two tops, and one dress, all of which were falling apart, and kinda ugly. I wanted to get into modelling, but I was a nobody, and unlike many other inspiring models, I couldn’t afford professional shoots or nice clothing. So I took my phone, duct tape, and a sheet with me to the mall. Read more>>