How to start a small business?

I'm thinking about starting a small business as a bridal makeup consultant. Is this something that I would need to go through the State Corporation Commission for AND get a business license for, or could I just get a small business license and that be good enough? I'm still in the beginning planning stages and I will probably get someone with a business background to handle the paperwork end of it, unless I find I can handle it myself, but mostly I just want to see what all this includes to that I can adequately weigh all of my options here. Does anyone who has started their own small business have any insight? It'd be much appreciated!