Passion and good family support are key to starting a business, online bakery owner Marcia Dragon tells Nanz Inc.
By: Sharlene Tan
A less than satisfying chocolate cake from a popular bakery was one of the incidents that triggered the beginnings of MaD’s Bakery, an online bakery that offers homemade cakes, muffins and cookies.
Owner and full-time baker Marcia Dragon, 32, said, “There are so many gorgeous cakes, cupcakes and cookies out there but the taste is usually sub-standard. I hate the disappointment of a wonderfully designed product with a floury or bland taste.”
The encouragement of her friends and family spurred her on to setting up the bakery last year, which focuses on taste, says Dragon. “I strive to balance taste and aesthetics to produce a beautiful product both inside and out”.
It is no wonder that her best-selling products are Ultimate Indulgence and Special Indulgence, rich cakes made with Valrhona chocolate, although she admitted that her favourite is the Crunchy Apple Crumble, which she describes as “pure and unadulterated, with a comforting dose of home”.
One of the biggest challenges Dragon faced was perfecting the recipes. Much research and development went into this process, she said, as it takes a lot of trial and error to get a recipe right. Her bakery offers a personal touch as she bakes her cakes herself. Thus she is able to personalize products for an occasion, and in the process, get to know her customers well. Her dream is to open a welcoming cafe for customers, friends and family to relax over cake and coffee.
Starting a business on one’s own is no mean feat, but discipline and a good plan can help. Dragon’s previous work experience in public relations has also helped in the running of the business and balancing the books.
However, there are bound to be ups and downs: “When cakes sink and doubt creeps in, I just have to be strong and know that tough times will pass with perseverance.” She adds that with a good support system in place, whether it is friends or family, their encouragement and honesty can help one pull through. In Dragon’s case, her mother is her biggest supporter, and with whom she bonds over baking.
At the end of the day, Dragon’s heart remains firmly in the kitchen. “I am in this business for the love of it, not for the money.”
MARCIA’S ADVICE FOR THE WANNABE BUSINESSWOMAN
1. Have faith – in yourself, in your products and in your plans.
2. Learn – from your mistakes, your successes, from others, from life.
3. Don’t prematurely close doors. Instead, open your mind to new possibilities. You never know what’s going to work until you try it!
4. Learn to deal with criticism. Think about how you can turn a negative into a positive. Don’t let destructive criticism get you down.
5. A strong support system is very important.
6. Love yourself. Take time out to breathe, think and relax. Unwind and enjoy down time. It is in those times that you grow and learn.
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