Whining people don't go away just because your a LAer. It takes a good year or so to build up customers.
I had a couple bring me enought T-shirts to make 2 queen size quilts and bandanas for a twin all Harley stuff.
This was in Aug and I said I'd have them done the week before Thanksgiving. They hounded me to death.
They where delivered on time. But between Aug and Nov I was ready to pull my hair out because of them.
To do that you have to realley get out a network. As for when you feel your ready to do others tops that will depend on how much time you spend practicing and how much natural talent you have.