Hi Mollie! I started as a hobbyist and then turned it into a full-time profession. My advice is to first do some checking at the state and local level to see what’s legal in your area. Some states have a cottage food law that allows cakes and other “non-hazardous” foods to be prepared right in your own kitchen.
Next, if you don’t have a nest egg, start working towards one. Starting a business can be very hard financially, both in terms of the equipment necessary to open as well as those first (hopefully) few months that business will be slow to start. Or be prepared to mortgage your house. I was told that even with a rock-solid business plan that no bank would loan you money on that alone.
I worked for a pastry shop for almost a year to learn more about the business and enhance my baking skills. They worked me from 4am – 6pm 6 days a week at $9/hour salaried position. I knew what I was getting into and I didn’t care. It was my pastry boot camp and it was cheaper than culinary school. I figured out what the business was doing right and wrong, and I took notes so I wouldn’t make the same mistakes.
This is, of course, just my story. I have been at it now for almost 8 years and I still love making those cakes! I wish you the best!
Jenniffer White, Cup a Dee Cakes - http://cupadeecakes.blogspot.com
