Step 1: Get A Business License

When starting a business it is important to know what the legal requirements are before you start to sell your merchandise. I found a great book called Craft Inc. by Meg Mateo Ilasco which is a wonderful resource that explains the basics of starting your own company. It is important to know that every state has different regulations so it is important to know that the steps I am taking are the required by the state of California.

One of the first things that I had to do was apply for a business license or Business Tax Certificate in the city of San Diego. Since my husband is a freelance web designer and videographer, he had to do this as well. As a married couple we were able to apply for the license together even though he runs his freelance design service under Syntax Graphics and I run my paper goods products under REDSTAR ink. Both ficticious names or Doing Business As (DBA)s are listed on our business tax certificate. To apply, Walker went to the County Treasurer Office, filled out the paperwork and paid the fees. The tax fee was $34 and a processing fee of $25. It is the business owner's responsibility to renew each year.

It is important to do this step first because you will need a DBA in order to apply for a business checking account and a seller's permit.

Beginning

I have been working on starting a business for a long time. Since 2006 to be exact. I decided to start a family around the same time however and once I became pregnant that became my focus. So here I am 2 ½ years later. I have a beautiful son and I am slowly getting my company, REDSTAR ink under way.

REDSTAR ink is handmade paper goods created by designer Marcie Hicks. With a clean aesthetic and a focus on personal organization, REDSTAR ink provides products that are simple, bold, and modern.

In an age of computers and hand-held technology, REDSTAR ink celebrates the tactile quality of paper. There is something satisfying about checking items off a list or opening a piece of mail from a friend.

Using carefully selected materials, REDSTAR ink is committed to creating eco-friendly paper goods. All products are handmade in San Diego, California. Recycled materials are used whenever possible.

As I go throught the process of starting my paper goods company I will document it as I go along. I will share my inspiration, frustration, excitement, disappointment, successes and failures along the way.