Newbie - wanting to know more
Hi!
I am new here and I am trying to start my own stripping booking agency. I'm in the process of trying to fill out a business license and DBA in San Bernardino County, CA and its getting a bit complicated for me.
I need bona fide advice on zoning codes because I am starting from home -- it is much more affordable for me to do it from home than to find an office location at this time.
How could I start this venture from home and still be within the law?
What would you recommend?
Thank you.
/:O and a bit distraut
Re: Newbie - wanting to know more
Everything revolves around the San Bernardino local zoning regulations and definitions - if they are so strict as to not allow 'home-based' businesses in residentially zoned areas then you've got problems. First stop is city hall to get a copy of the zoning ordinance and/or speak with the city attorney.
Re: Newbie - wanting to know more
Thank you so very much!
Yes, I stopped by the city hall of the city I'm living in within San bernardino county.
The county is actually okay with home based businesses, its the city that has a problem. I've actually looked into subletting in the allowed zones but for a start-up it can be costly.
I'll keep trying.
And thank you again for the advice.
I will try to set up an appointment with a city attorney. what a fantastic idea.
Are there any other ideas out there from people who may have a home based business?
Thanks!
Re: Newbie - wanting to know more
Melonie: I see where your brains are!
Re: Newbie - wanting to know more
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mastridonicus
Melonie: I see where your brains are!
humor, ar ar !
In regard to the city zoning issue, in most cities it is possible to request a variance. However this involves a public hearing, and while it is usually successful for small 'straight' businesses, you can probably anticipate public outcry and problems when you will be asked detailed questions by local residents as to the nature of your 'booking agency'. The City Attorney meeting will give you a pretty good whiff in regard to the prevailing political wind direction so to speak.
Welcome to the difficult world of 'Sexually Oriented Businesses', toward whom an entirely different set of rules seems to apply most of the time.
Re: Newbie - wanting to know more
I see. I should have paid more attention in my communication law course.
You know I have a feeling that this town will likely shun the idea, its like a bunch of puritans live here; the kind of people who shut their eyes, ears, mouths and minds to sexuality.
I have heard about some home parties, like mary kay, avon like who acutally sell erotic items like lubes, new lingerie and such, its still adult oriented business, same formula as those avon ladies, did those people find a way around the system? a loop hole?
I don't want to give up. but the more I delve into this it becomes more complicated.
Re: Newbie - wanting to know more
Quote:
did those people find a way around the system? a loop hole?
Yes they did ... a vast difference in public perception when the words 'Mary Kay Rep' or 'Avon Rep' are put forth at a zoning board public hearing, versus the words 'Stripper Booking Agency'. Even though the 'Mary Kay' or "Avon' girls may in fact be selling sexual aids, the public perception is that of a squeaky clean mainstream business. This is opposed to the public perception of a 'Stripper Booking Agency' probably involving prostitution, drugs and other elements of the Hollywood stripper stereotype.
The minute that you involve politics, factual info counts for very little while public perception counts for a great deal. Your meeting with the City Attorney should give you a pretty good idea of what sort of political opposition you will wind up facing if you choose to pursue this further through official channels. Of course there is always the option to simply start your business without official approval, avoid advertising your address, and gamble that nobody will bring the existance of your business to the attention of local authorities.
Re: Newbie - wanting to know more
Why don't you call yourself a modeling agency or a talent agency? That would solve the "public perception problem." I don't know of ANY dancer agencies in Chicago who advertise their address. The only people who have to know that are potential contractor/dancers. Any business materials you need could be shipped to a p.o. box.
And then again, maybe you could run your business out of the home of somebody who lives where home-based busineses ARE allowed . . .
Melanie: I have heard about these home-based parties, too. THey are not part of Mary Kay or Avon; they are seperate companies with names like "Secret Desires" or somesuch. They have a similar home-party business plan, but there is no mistaking what kind of a party it is. Also, the do not have the shelter of a big famous name like Mary Kay. I, too, would be curious as to how they get around the laws.