I have a small at home quilting business, I am a stay at home mom and needed a little extra $...I fell in love with making baby quilts while expecting our daughter...quilting seemed to be one of those "at home businesses" that can actually work, its actually something you do, and if there is a demand in your area go for it. I did however work on my own quilts and designs and make quilts for friends and family for a year to practice free motion and patterns before I actually got my 1st customer who just wanted quilting done on her quilt. I have a business management degree as well. I wish you the best, as far as books and articles, I never bought any of those, I was self taught and had a very creative mind haha and it just kind of took off. Best of luck! Oh and I do not have a long arm, I have a Janome 1600P(mid arm) on a 10' Grace pinnacle frame. I learned all about it on youtube..and I also took a class on it to make sure I was doing everything right.