I've been reading cards for 25 years, doing it on and off professionally for about 9, but in 2013 I opened my own actual shop. I run workshops, host parties, do events, both public and private, housecalls, phone and online readings.
Don't feel bad about using them for money. I didn't start out reading for money either, obviously, but I would take my cards to a local bar and read for myself or my friends. Which snowballed into me reading for tons of friendly strangers...who would then buy me drinks. Which evolved into them just slapping a five down next to me. And there it was born. I'd find myself doign something for "fun" and getting paid. And now I own my own business, and have a small shop. I've posted here before about it, even got a lot of great feedback from this community. You can ask me any questions you like.
Some of my personal quirks: I don't do numbered card readings (like a 10 card spread or a 5 card spread), I charge different prices for "one question" which is a very short 10 minute reading, a "full spread" which lasts anywhere from a half hour to a full hour, and lately I've incorporated the Lenormand Grand Tableau, in with tarot, and that's like the deluxe package.
I'll read for any question, but I preface medical and legal questions with "I am not a doctor/lawyer, but the cards can give you some insight, though I recommend you seeing a professional as well".
People often ask "will I get the job" and in all my years, I've never been able to do that with any accuracy. There's tons of variables, and I don't like getting people's hopes up. It's more of a hit or miss. My regular customers get it though, and they'll ask anyway, for any insight.
The only big NO I have is this one: "When will a loved one die?" It's come up about a dozen times, and I always stop that line of thinking, because I hate to obsess about a death time, though I know it's on people's minds, especially when caring for someone very very ill. So, instead I'll turn the focus on "how can I make my time with this person the most valuable" or other things focusing on their lives, not their deaths.
Professional reading, if you're doing it right is a very cathartic experience for your customers. I joke that my favorite things are hugs, tears, and to meet my customers friends. Hugs, because we connected. Tears, usually are of relief or catharsis, and I usually cry right along with my customers. And I love when they bring their friends, because that means that they really value me, and are bringing me new people to meet me.
Every day when I open the shop, or line up my appointments, I do a small ritual and say a prayer, let everyone that needs me today find me. And nine times out of ten, I get that one person that really needed to hear a message.