has anyone started an at home on-line business?

I want to know a bout real stories. Not the get rich themes. I have a full-time job and 2 kids. I want to start an online novelty store that is independent (you know personalize items , pens, magnets, shirts, company mugs) . I can do this I just don’t know how to become the middle man. ~COMPANY-ME-CUSTOMER~ help!

I know that I have to register my business name and list an ad in the paper. the thing I need help with is finding to company to do my printing and have my product for cheap so that I can have an overhead. It would be even better if they were 2-n-1 had the product and did the printing. Any useful suggestions would be helpful!
like i say i dont want ads for online things i want real life help! real people. real stories.

I would love to also know this.. i have been trying to figure this out.