I don't make bead jewelry much for my shop, I make more metal and cloth jewelry.
First things first...You're going to spend money....Spend it on what you LOVE! Shop around, find beads, feathers, jewels, whatever you like and buy that stuff. A lot of kits come with things, but most of the kits I have looked at weren't THAT great
Also when you're considering jewelry, and I say this particularly with piercing jewelry, make sure what you are using as a base, or the part going into your skin, is safe! I know a lot of people have horrible allergies to certain metals, so I ALWAYS ALWAYS (again, I don't make jewelry for personal use, I don't have allergies, but it's for my customers) use surgical steel or better. Little more pricey, but lasts way longer and your skin doesn't turn funky colors!
Get wire cutters, needle nose pliers, metal benders, "pinching" or "clasp" pliers, and all of that. They are so so so helpful, too.
And have loads and loads of fun doing it! I have made some seriously funky stuff by complete accident and it has wound up being my favorite! Lol