Hello,
I have been making cakes for around eight years now, but I haven't posted or been active here in several years. I stay busy working full time and have three kiddos! I have continued to make cakes for my friends and family and always turn down anyone asking to purchase a cake since I was aware of the Texas laws for selling food out of your home. I needed some ideas for a friend's cake I did this past weekend, and in lurking around here, realized that the Texas Cottage Food Law had passed. I have read up a lot about it and I'm excited to get started to do a few cakes here and there for profit.
You all have such a wealth of information and talent; I wanted to ask a few questions before I get my feet wet.
I have read about the law, and from what I can understand, I can make a cake in my home and sell it (without charging taxes) as long as no fillings/icing need refrigeration, the customer picks it up from my house or mails the money, and I do not provide utensils or a place to eat. I also need to have a label with my address, required statement, and allergy information. Am I missing anything?
I plan to come up with a business name and complete the DBA. Many have said they need a tax id # to buy in bulk, while others have said they were told they did not need one. I don't plan to buy in bulk, because I won't be baking that much, but I think I should apply for the number in case I need it in the future. Are there any other forms or items I need in addition to these two?
Lastly, I probably won't create a webpage yet, but I will do a facebook page. I need to come up with a name. There are several that I like, but I am in need of other opinions. My husband and friends are not helping me narrow anything down. I would greatly appreciate your expertise!
My name is Ashley, my last name is very long and difficult, I am a teacher (I go by Mrs. K.), my kids nick names are Ten, Dalt or DTown, and Elle Bell or Ella Bella. Not much for a good name, but my kids are my world and I keep playing with their names to make something work. Based on some of these things, I have made a list of names I like.
Tendalbell Bakery (This one is the most meaningful to me, but I won't really be a full bakery...maybe in the future).
K.'s Custom Cakes
Sweet Tiers (pretty sure I've heard it somewhere, but it's catchy)
AshCakes
Crumb Cakery (I think I like this one the most, even though Crumb ...etc. has been done. I don't think I have seen "Cakery" after it though)
Thoughts? I appreciate any advice or input!
