I've been at this for quite a while. My DH is insisting that I make a go at having a business. To this point I make freebies for friends and family but have turned down countless paid cakes as I am a hobbyist and obviously not legal. I work a full time job from home, make my own schedule and make a meeting a week at the home office. So, I wouldn't need to quit my full-time job and would still be able to fully fulfill my obligation to my employer. DH and I have dear friends who own a small lunch bistro at a very busy location in town. They have offered the use of their kitchen (for $200 a month). They close around 3pm daily and would also like to have some cakes/cupcakes to sell during their lunch hours. I have also been offered a standing order ($300 a month) from a local business (a relative owns)as they have a catered event monthly and need cakes as their cake "person has started to become unavailable and bringing "substandard cakes". I guess the question is. . .Is this worth my time and effort? I have to rebuild my "portfolio" as my laptop containing ALL of my pics crashed and I hadn't backed them up! I know, dummy! I guess I'm afraid that it wouldn't be fun anymore. What do y'all lovely, smart CCers think? My DH, friends and the rest of my family say go for it but they have no idea what is involved! Should I go for it or leave it alone?
Elle
Well Elle, you sure aren't going to get rich making cakes! (OK unless of course you're Sylvia Weinstock!) I guess we do it because we love what we do! I know I do! I've been doing cakes for about 6-7 years, but only recently have invested in renting a commercial kitchen. It's definately hard work, and it's almost a full time job at this point! My rent is a more than yours, so for me to make rent, pay for insurance, and buy supplies... I've got to make more to cover my costs, and hopefully turn a profit! Guess the question is how busy do you want to be?!
One other thing... I can't get into my kitchen till the current tennant is closed for the day, which is noon. So for me not only is that a 1/2 day wasted, but makes for some late nights. If you can't get in till 3:00, that's something to consider too! You do beautiful work, and your family sure sounds proud of you!
Good luck! 
If you really love doing this, then you should do it. Especially if you already have a standing $300 order.
I pay $100 a month for my kitchen in a place that closes daily at 11am. Just for some comparison. But I also use her fillings to fill my cakes so she gets that profit as well. Plus they enjoy coming in each day and seeing what is in the case..
Oh yeah, I'm going to go back up all of my pics right now!!!
HI...I have to say think about it lots, If you really enjoy it as a fun hobby? What you are thinkng about doing is turning it into another job !! Is that what you want it to be ?? Will it still be as enjoyable for you !! I also love to baskest weave! And I have had lots of offers to make and sell baskests, but I always say no Its something I love And I dont want to turn it into WORK ! I love doing it for myself, Might not care to do it so much as a job?? Just a thought ! Good Luck !!
Allison, you didn't know I was Sylvia Weinstock incognito? 
What about licensing, dba, insurance costs? I have personal liability insurance because I am a nurse. Wonder if I can use that for this aswell? I appreciate to replies ladies. I guess now I shall research costs. TY Allison and Tasteecakes! hubby is pushing me right along. I told him he could learn how to do this aswell. He's decided to be the "silent partner". Typical. HAHAHA
Elle
sometimes your files can be salvaged from a hard drive if it crashes. you might check with a computer repair shop about it, especially if you had a lot of pictures in your portfolio. just a suggestion. 
I agree with cakesbyallison, and am speaking from experience also- 3:00 start time (if they're cleaned up and out of there on time!) can translate into some very late nights. Other things to consider:
Will you be storing all of your equipment there or using some of theirs? It is a major PIA to have to drag your stand mixer back and forth, along with all of the pans you need each time, etc.
Will you be storing ingredients there?
Do they have adequate refrigerated space to hold stacked cakes (if you do them) or large sheet cakes?
Will you have your own key to let yourself in or will you have to rely on someone else to let you in/out?
Don't get me wrong, it can work, but there's lots to think about before you jump in. Good Luck!
ok think of it this way... the career u have right now, is that what u want to do for the rest of ur life? if so, stick with it. otherwise, ur husband supports u in this and im sure will help u through the inevitable hard times u will go through, so do it. anything u do as a career will stop being fun now and then. but life is short, u gotta take chances or else u will never know what could happen! maybe u will be the next sylvia wienstock! woo hoo!
Oh, Elle, if you can get a kitchen that is already licensed, for $200 per month, then by all means, do it. To have a husband who is supportive of your work is rare enough. To have access to a kitchen is a bonus, and to already have orders waiting for you is a blessing.
Thank God, and keep going, girlfriend!
Theresa
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