Starting a Business...

I finally officially started my business today.  One may think that it would take quite a bit of money and hassle to start a business.. but today I found out it is way easier than one may think.. but more complicated in ways you wouldn't expect.. Let me explain.

Step 1) Register your business name.  Easy enough. Drive down to the register of deeds (I'm starting to feel like I see those people quite a lot) fill out the form, have it notarized, pay $14 and done.  You can now operate your business under a "fake" name.  

Step 2) Apply for the business permit.  Now this is not required in all cites and  counties but of course in Wilmington it is.  So you drive around the block to the city office.  Go to the business-permit room fill out the application..Then (here's the funny part) you go to zoning for approval.  Now zoning makes a lot of sense for brand new building operating businesses but I'm operating from my home so to me it seemed a little silly. So I go up there and talk to the zoning office.. and they ask "how much space is your business taking up in your apartment?" Well frankly it takes up no more than my normal crafting stuff but I try and explain the space of my craft area.. and he says You may need a  some kinda permit to allowing up to 5 customers a day and 1 employee and no large freight trucks to come to your home.. I'm like woah! this is a small online business, no customers to my home and no employees i don't think i need that! Besides the thing cost $250! So after we worked through that he still said I need a letter from the apartment complex to give me approval for operating a business from my home.  I reply. I work there I"m sure its fine.. But I still need the letter. 

Step 3) go to the apartment office and ask for a letter.. 

Step 4) back to the zoning office they see the letter and give me zoning permission.  

Step 5) Down to the first floor back to the business permit office where I fill in some more information, Pay them $30 and walk out with Chi Fashionista's Business permit! 

WoooHooo! It took about 3 hours total time to legally start my business.. It feels so exciting to know that i am now operating a legit business!  

Now granted the time it took me to create the web page, begin the accounting software and sew the clothing are not included  its still pretty awesome how quickly you can begin a business.. 

Now where's the customers?!?!