Welcome to a part of my world! I recently started my own Boutique called Motishops https://motishops.com/ and I have gotten so many questions on how I started my own Boutique and how you can do it too!
First things first come up with a name! I came up with Motishops as I wanted to have Motivation some where in my store’s name. So Moti is short for Motivation and shops because I did not want to limit myself to only being able to sell one item or type of items. So what ever name you choose, you want to go to sunbiz.org and make sure no one already has your name or trademark!
If your name is taken then I am sorry… but it wasn’t meant to be and think of another powerful name! If your name wasn’t taken then you must register it and create your LLC.
Once you have an LLC, you want to create an EIN which you will need for everything Business related you fill out. I got my EIN on IRS.gov. Be careful as there are websites that will charge you hundreds of dollars to create an EIN and it is risky. I would suggest doing it directly through the IRS and it is free.
Now for the trickiest part of paper work that is needed to start a Boutique. You need a Reseller’s Permit from your state! This was the hardest part for me because I could not find it anywhere on how to specifically get this permit! So I went to https://taxapps.floridarevenue.com/TaxRegistration/ and filled out Florida Business Tax Application and they provide me with my permit which allows me to purchase wholesale and resell and file my state taxes.
After you have all 3 create a Business Email address! You can make a free Gmail with your business name.
After all 4 steps are completed, create a website! I first began my Boutique on Wix.com and after a month I decided its great but with the direction I want to go I wanted to try Shopify. Shopify connects to Instagram and Facebook and allows you to create advertisements and link your items directly on the social media accounts and photos. Shopify was actually cheaper and I love the layout of my website so much more than the original site! I only have had it for a week so I will talk more once I learn more!
So once you have everything set up it is time for you to start your Business! Take it where ever you want to go!
Good Luck with your future Business! Follow your dreams and do not give up!
Hope this has helped you and have a great day!
Andrea M Jara 