I'M STARTING MY OWN ONLINE FASHION BUSINESS ???

hi. i'm 18 years old. i am an "aspiring fashion designer." i don't have any formal training in fashion, other than a class that i took for a semester in FASHION MERCHANDISING. i am however confident in myself and my designs...therefore, i plan on starting my fashion career. i am thinking that instead of opening up a boutique (opening up my own boutique is something that i definitely plan to do when i am some $$), maybe i should start an online business first. i could start a website that features the clothes that i design, and i could sell them online...and from there i could maybe expand my business. is this a smart decision??? should i do this??? what should i do, in your opinion???

plz help!

You should go to school and get your education in business management and fashion industry. There's more to the fashion industry than being able to design clothes.

At age 18 - you are no where capable of running a successful agency on your own yet, no practical street experience.

I'd have to agree with the first poster that one always needs to educate themselves in regard to running a business and learning how to market themselves. But, I do not agree with the assertion that 18 is too young to run and manage a business. It's not.

If you're an educated 18 year old who understands how to market yourself and your product then go for it! And, "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again!"

Good luck, and also think about having a clothing stall at popular local markets in your area.

Pepper.

Well I suggest you attend a workshop from SCORE or SBA. They will help you train to be a good entrepreneurial. SOCRE charge some money for their class, but SBA does't because it is funded by government.
http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/...
http://www.score.org
You have to be familiar with tax rules, and such. Consult a lawyer, and an accountant. Don't forget business lic. Without it, you can't do business.

OMG. I think that is the best idea ever!! You could get really really far. It would be a lot of work though. I also want to be a fashion designer known nation-wide if not world-wide. I would reccomend getting more education such as business or schooling for fashion. I'm sure you would do wonderful!! I wish you the best of luck. And maybe, just someday, we will be competing with our designs!! lol.. Anyways, you seem very confident and I would give it a shot!!