Regina Mason American entrepreneur, owner of Virago Baking Company Date of Birth: . Country: USA

1. Regina Mason: A Trailblazing Entrepreneur in the Baking Industry
2. Early Career and Inspiration
3. The Birth of Virago Baking Company
4. Keys to Business Success
5. Embracing the Challenges and Rewards
6. Financing Your Dream
7. Harnessing the Power of Interns
8. Leveraging Social Media and Online Marketing
9. Age and Innovation

Regina Mason: A Trailblazing Entrepreneur in the Baking Industry

Regina Mason, a remarkable American entrepreneur, is the founder and owner of Virago Baking Company, specializing in artisanal, organic, gluten-free, and vegan baked goods. Notably, she embarked on her entrepreneurial journey beyond the traditional retirement age of 50.

Early Career and Inspiration

Mason, currently 54, graduated from the esteemed Culinary Institute of America. As a previous employee in the food service sector, she faced several layoffs that ignited her passion for starting her own business.

The Birth of Virago Baking Company

Through the support of the StartSmart program of WORC, a Pennsylvania-based organization assisting women facing economic and social challenges, Mason opened her first bakery and café three years ago. She credits her entrepreneurial drive and passion for baking as the driving forces behind her success.

Keys to Business Success

Mason generously shares her valuable advice for aspiring business owners:

Embracing the Challenges and Rewards

"Starting a business can be incredibly rewarding," says Mason, "but it also comes with its fair share of obstacles."

Financing Your Dream

To secure startup capital, Mason utilized home equity, personal savings, and even credit. "It's certainly daunting," she admits, "but you need to believe in yourself. I was also fortunate to have people who believed in me."

Harnessing the Power of Interns

When faced with limited financial resources, Mason recommends exploring the possibility of hiring interns. "Students would reach out to me, learning about what we do at the bakery to fulfill their practicum hours," she explains. "They worked pro bono for a set period, allowing them to gain invaluable experience."

Leveraging Social Media and Online Marketing

Mason emphasizes the importance of promoting one's business without overspending. "You need a good website, but it's the traffic that comes to your site and the customers you acquire that really make a difference," she advises. "Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube provide opportunities to connect with potential customers in a conversational tone."

Age and Innovation

Research from the Founder Institute, a California-based business incubator, suggests that companies with older founders have a higher likelihood of success, although the optimal age for starting is still considered to be under 40. However, other studies indicate that individuals in their 50s and 60s may possess even greater innovation potential than their younger counterparts.