Use 'incipient' for something emerging or coming into existence, not for things already established. She felt the incipient stirrings of hope within her.
Pro Tip 2/3
Nuance of Neglect
Use 'incipient' to describe subtly neglecting or ignoring something in its early stages. His incipient disregard for the rules would later lead to trouble.
Pro Tip 3/3
Potential Growth
'Incipient' often implies potential for growth or development, use it to suggest future change. The incipient company showed promise of becoming a market leader.