Heather,

In addition to any other responses you may receive here, also note that there have been a few topics in this forum along these lines you should search out for useful information.

First and foremost, work with your accountant to put together a realistic business plan. Check with your municipality/county/state about establishing your business, collecting sales tax, paying any business taxes and license fees, etc. Establish yourself as an LLC or other protected entity, which can also offer some tax breaks for you as well as some protection against lawsuits.

Check your area for similar businesses and understand realistically what your competition is. Take a survey by talking frankly with folks in the same business -- ask direct questions. (The worst that can happen is they won't talk with you.) And afterwards, be honest in your assessment. Do NOT kid yourself. You want to make sure you will have a viable business before you invest the time, energy and money.

Check with your local chamber of commerce or other groups made up of merchants in your area and attend their meetings. Join any association whose membership is in your business and participate actively.

As for paper, check out "paper merchants" in your area and set your self up with an account so you can get paper wholesale. Look for top brands, such as Strathmore, Crane's, and similar. Stock with a rag content (25% or greater cotton fiber) in either a laid or wove finish in white, off-whites, creams, ivories, or pastels is a good start. Text stocks with deckle edges are also a high-end look.

Check what kind of computer hardware, peripherals and software you will need to conduct business.

I wish you good luck.

Neil