I did the same thing as you...
I mean...I babysat when I was young and I had my own to kids that are well taken care of but I didn't take ECE in school and I was working in the corporate/sales world before I decided to become a provider.
I was so worried that people would ask for references
I was honest and answered parent questions honestly and told them I don't have any references if they asked me.

Some interviews were very hung up on whether I had ECE or not (which I don't) so those didn't work out.

But mostly I had my house set up, I had a great contract and documentation ready, and I had my first aid and police check.

Really the First Aid is paramount, your confidence and way with kids

I also took a daycare course through my region. Check your paper or goggle and see if any courses are offered for home daycare providers in your area. Telling parents that I had taken a 4 month course for home daycare providers also put parents at ease that I was getting informed and taking care of children seriously.

Don't sweat the references too much.