Self employment advice

Just wanted abit of advice, I’ve been a painter and decorator for nearly 15 years now, fully qualified etc..
I have decided at 36 to go off on my own, I’ve always been self employed but in name rather than status due to subcontracting out to a big firm who obviously kept me going and found me work all year round.

I have a van and I’ve contacted a sign writing company regards to helping with that, getting some cards made up too and clothing just to look professional.

My main issue is clientele, due to working for someone else my makes always even associated to them with regards clawing in work, I do have a few jobs to do nothing massive which is a concern but I’ve always done my private work on the weekends, is there any advice those who have maybe done similar can offer me? It’s just about getting your name outhere obviously but competition is vast, although everyone seems to have work.

It was a big decision tbh, but i want to be my own boss and build it up, and whilst I’m relatively young and have some money behind me I think now is the time.

Would really welcome some advice