Fresh New Small Business Ideas…..

Welcome to the exotic world of sugar arts! Cake decorating is fun and brings a feeling of goodness for making a special day memorable for someone. This business can be set up right in your home but it involves a lot of work and nitty-gritty expenses. But, however messy and backbreaking, cake decorating is an art that provides an outlet to stretch your imagination and to build up your skills while earning the decorator fame and your community’s love at the same time.

It’s not all cream n’ sugar when it comes down to cake decoration as a business. In order to get a glimpse of those sparkling eyes and smiling faces, you must possess the attitude to serve, a love for humanity, a creative mind, and steady adept hands. This is certainly not the business for people who will cry a river seeing their artworks being devoured or for people who cannot keep up with commitments. This business also demands your free time on weekends as well as extra storage space that tends to grow. Expenditures may rise if classes for advanced skills need to be attended and if specialty equipments are to be bought. But looking at the broader aspect of the cake decorating business, it is - all in all - a very rewarding and satisfactory business opportunity for creative people.

How do I start?

• Know the law. Knowing the rules of any business ahead saves a lot of hassles. Collect information on health codes, business filings and taxation before starting off. An easy way to accomplish all the preparatory tasks is to visit your corresponding Secretary of State website. It features the rules and regulations applicable for each state.
• Take cake decorating classes. Although trial and error are perhaps the best teachers, enrolling in a class that teaches basic cake decoration will save you much time. Most of these courses offer a series of three-class sessions. Attending advanced classes is recommended if opportunity is there. Ultimately, everything comes down to three words: Practice, Practice and Practice. 
• Attend cake shows. You’ll get several creative ideas and will learn different techniques by attending cake shows and demonstrations. 

How much do I need to start this business?

• Business Registration and Course Fees: Most of cake decorating classes charge up to $500 for a six to eight week course. Business registration may require another $200.
• Utensils and materials: Prepare around $400 for acquiring a heavy-duty mixer, food colors, bowls, spatulas, and an oven. You can initially work in your kitchen to save on rental fees. 

How profitable is this business?

Return on investment depends largely on the opportunities to serve your neighborhood’s cake demands at the initial stage. Four to five orders a month can fetch anything between $50 and $100, making the monthly turnover anything between $200 and $500.