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Tips for Starting a Business Out of Your Home

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Tips for Starting a Business Out of Your Home

Long ago, a person’s home and vocation were inextricably linked. If one was a farmer, they lived on the land they worked. If they were a shopkeeper or tradesman, their home was attached to their shop. However, the idea of going to work and coming home became the norm as industrialism rose.

However, this isn’t everyone’s reality. Some business owners choose to open up shop out of their homes. If this sounds like a dream come true, follow these tips for starting a business out of your home.

Decide if a Home Business Is Right for You

Opening a business out of your home is more complicated than it sounds. For some, the building itself isn’t suited for a business. For others, the lifestyle of the business owner is incompatible.

If you aren’t sure whether this step is right for you, it pays to ask yourself a few questions, such as:

  • Do you have the time to devote to a business?
  • Do you have a fully evolved business plan?
  • What are your business’ physical needs? (For example, floor space, building equipment, a reception area)
  • Can your house meet your business’ physical needs?
  • If your business requires people to come to your home, do you have the space to accommodate this?
  • Is your home located in a spot that would make it conducive to business?

If you aren’t sure how to answer these questions, consider finding a mentor with more experience.

Review Local Ordinances

Every area has its own codes as far as business licenses, zoning, and commercial space goes, and the Quad Cities are no exception. When forming your business, make sure you apply for the proper permits, register for state taxes, obtain an EIN, and buy insurance.

Additionally, you will want to establish your business’ legal structure. If you have one or more partners involved in your business, you will want to have your agreement set in writing. This will help avoid issues later on.

Prepare the Building

Once you’ve learned how to start a business out of your home, you will need to prepare the building itself. How you do this will depend on the type of business you’re opening. If you’re creating a product out of your home to sell, your main goal will be to create a space conducive to your work that is separate from the rest of your home.

If you’re creating an office space or shop customers will visit, you will need to put additional work into preparation. You may want to hire a professional to handle your interior décor. If you decide to DIY your business’s décor, avoid the painting mistakes beginners make or decorating faux pas.

Teen Builds Business Out of Chocolate

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  Tyler Stickler works hard to make life sweeter at the Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory.

When you have been the Flagstaff High School student body president, captain of the football and track teams, and a part of the school’s Governing Board, it’s not surprising that you would be in a business management position at age 19.

For Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory Co-owner and Manager Tyler Stickler, starting a business and running it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. “I just wasn’t interested in going to college after high school,” said Stickler. “Then, my dad had this epiphany for a business so we sat down and came up with this idea to open a candy store at the gateway to the Grand Canyon. We opened right when COVID hit so business was a little slow, which we expected, but it picked up fast and we are doing surprisingly well.”

Stepping into his new role, Stickler is in charge of sales but says he has his hand in every aspect of the business. He drives to Tusayan from his home in Flagstaff every day. “I work from 9 in the morning until 9:45 at night.”

“Tyler is a very kind and driven person,” said Sales Associate and Cashier Sophia Maragos. “I can’t wait to see how far he takes the business. He is so passionate about it.”

Selling an abundance of treats, the lineup at Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory includes 15 different flavors of truffles, 18 types of fudge, 24 flavors of gelato, candy and caramel apples, and a large selection of trail mix and popcorn.

“Our biggest seller is our Grand Canyon Crunch,” said Stickler. “It’s Rice Krispies on steroids,” he said. “It has marshmallows, white and dark chocolate, and peanut butter.”

Stickler researched candy shops and says he is very proud of the selection he offers. Everything, except the gelato, is made on site. Stickler’s mother, Vicki, and other family members and friends help out.

Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory Manager Sean Ketcher grew up with Stickler and he and his family helped get the store going. “I’ve learned that when Tyler has a goal, he doesn’t stop. He digs down and works until he achieves it. I’m really lucky to work with him.”

Renovations are planned in the next couple of months, along with an expansion of products. “We have space on the other side of our building, so we’re looking into opening a coffee and pastry shop as well,” said Stickler. “We have had requests for specialty coffee and drinks.”

The Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory is located off Highway 64 in Tusayan. For more information, call 928-853-9753 or visit grandcanyonfactory@gmail.com.

My superpower:

My parents. They taught me to push myself out of my comfort zone. In high school, I was scared of public speaking, but I pushed myself and eventually, I spoke in front of 8,000 people and felt at ease. Also, my parents taught me people skills and the ability to communicate effectively. I thought it was normal to have these traits, but as I grew older I’ve realized it’s not, and that has set me apart. I owe it all to my parents.

Character traits I most appreciate in others:

For me, it’s hard work. I think hard work defines character more than any other trait. Just by showing up and working consistently is one of the most important attributes someone can have. More than anything, work ethic will get you further in life.

My guilty pleasure:

Weird, but other than the Grand Canyon Chocolate Factory, my life is the gym at Flagstaff Athletic Club. I love weightlifting.

My favorite place to recreate:

My family grew up around Page and Lake Powell, so I fell in love with it because it is such a beautiful area and so much to do. My dad and I also like to hunt, especially in the Kaibab Forest, Unit 9.

Best advice I’ve ever received:

My dad taught me that hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work. He’s always said there’s no substitute for a good attitude and good work ethic and I always believed that and always will because it’s worked for me. That’s the way I live my life. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN