I use to make and decorate cakes on the weekends for fun.  I love decorating.  I stopped because I wasn't making money and didn't know how to charge.  I am thinking about actually starting a business, where I will have to rent a kitchen or build my own.  I am extremely nervous but really MISS making cakes!  Please, where should I start?????  I want to do this correctly!  Can you all point me in some directions to research and plan?  I would like to have it up and running Before Christmas. 

AFirst place is your local DHEC. Find out exactly what you need to be legal.

Write a business plan. I can't tell you how truly valuable this is! You will learn so much just from writing one.

Gather your research. How much are typical commercial rentals in you area? What is the market rate for cakes? How many bakeries in your area.

Define your target customer.