#1 you need a lot of capital. Not necessarily, but it would truly help. Even if you are a fabulous designer, it is hard to support yourself in the beginning. There are start-up costs and monthly costs and other operating cost. In the meantime you have to build your client base and this doesn't happen overnight. I teach a very basic business class to Interior Designer students. Most have no conception of what it takes. They don't understand overhead, cash flow, and how to manage a business. I would not change having my own business, but it has been a real challenge over the years.