Today we’d like to introduce you to Regina Watson.
Hi Regina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Thank you so much for having me! As an avid traveler, I’m inspired by the endless flavors and aromas that can be found around the world. Whether eating home-cooked meals in Madrid, enjoying street food in Chile, being fascinated by the colorful farmers’ markets in Sao Paulo, or eating pide on a beach in Kusadasi, these fascinating experiences have impressed upon me that food is one universal language we all speak. So, after years of working in the restaurant industry and exploring cuisine around the globe, I developed a passion for bringing people together over food. While I believe the unifying power of a great meal is unmatched, I was able to observe an even deeper connection: food brings people together, but flavor is what people remember. As a result, I founded Farm + Muse, a woman-owned tea and spice company headquartered in Washington, D.C. Farm + Muse brings all of the ingredients customers crave with curated flavor collections that are boldly delicious and easy to use. With a curated collection of nature-approved blends, I’m on a mission to connect people to food in vibrant, fun, and delicious ways.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Business has a way of teaching you so many lessons, whether you want them or not! One point of reflection for me was starting a business during Covid. It was challenging to find funding for a startup business during a time when existing impacted businesses were prioritized. Many grants and loans required the applicant to have years of operating experience, which I didn’t have at the time. In addition, with so many suppliers having to make adjustments to survive, many of them resulted to increasing their purchase minimums, which were a lot higher than what I was able to afford just starting out. Due to this, I was limited to a small handful of suppliers that did not offer volume discounts and could only purchase my raw goods in very low quantities. Fast forward a few years as the business has continued to grow, I’m now faced with pressures that require me to build a team just to keep up with the demand. While that’s a good problem to have, this growth is forcing me to take a hard look at my production and manufacturing processes. One goal I am currently focusing on in 2023 is acquiring adequate commercial space where I can really lean into scaling my business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I see FARM + MUSE as a conduit for providing products that are superior in quality and freshness, bringing vibrant color and flavor experiences to kitchens everywhere. Customers get peace of mind due to our commitment to using clean and simple ingredients and transparent labeling. They also get unparalleled convenience. No more spending a small fortune on herbs and spices. FARM + MUSE brings all of the ingredients customers need with curated flavor collections that are boldly delicious and easy to use. My spices and teas are bursting with flavor and rich aromas that customers simply can’t live without!
In addition to offering irresistibly delicious teas and spices, I’m motivated by deeper purpose and meaning. As a woman- and minority-owned business, I often reflect on the insurmountable challenges many of my ancestors faced to gain representation, financial independence, and a place for their voices to be heard. So, while I desire for my entrepreneurial journey to uplift, empower and unite people around the globe, I aspire to have a positive impact on as many underrepresented communities of color as possible.
How do you define success?
For me, success means identifying with a purpose greater than yourself and dedicating intentional time, energy, and resources to seeing as much of that purpose fulfilled. Success is also helping as many people as you possibly can.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.farmandmuse.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/farmandmuse
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/farmandmuse
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/farmandmuse
