From Home Kitchen to Successful Business: Inspiring Pie Shop Stories

Photo Credit: Celeste Burns Photography

From Home Kitchen to Successful Business: Inspiring Pie Shop Stories.

In a small, warmly lit pie shop nestled in the heart of a Jacksonville, FL., a skilled chef and baker named Natasha gently rolls out a perfectly chilled dough. The air is filled with the aroma of butter and spices, hinting at the mouth-watering pies soon to emerge from her oven. This isn't just any bakery; this is Mixed Fillings Pie Shop a haven for pie enthusiasts who seek something extraordinary - a testament to the rising trend of artisanal pie shops.

The Humble Beginnings

Every great pie shop starts with a simple, irresistible recipe. My own story began in my small kitchen, where family and friends would gather, drawn by the comforting aroma of freshly baked pies and good conversation. This universal experience of love and community, centered around a humble pie, is the foundation of so many shops, including ours.

The Leap of Faith

When we relocated to Jacksonville, FL from Dallas, TX in August of 2019, I knew we were making the right decision. Well, I kind of knew. That’s because someone had to be the dreamer whenever the voice of reason, a.k.a. my husband Curtis, would start asking too many questions. Let me tell you, I had to do everything in my power to reassure my husband. Many days he was like, “But wait, are you sure that selling our home, closing a successful meal-prep business to move to Florida, and live in eternal sunshine and play in sugar all day is going to work out?” At one point, my go-to phrase was a quote from 'Field of Dreams', “If you build it, they will come” (which is ironic because he never even heard those words; this is one of the most misquoted sayings in film history, but that’s for another discussion) some days this would ease his worries but truthfully we had no clue what we were getting into. Transitioning from a home kitchen to a commercial space is a leap of faith. It's about embracing the unknown and having the courage to share your culinary creations with a wider audience. For me, it was a dream mixed with a pinch of fear, but mostly, it was driven by an unwavering belief in my recipes and the joy they brought.

Overcoming Challenges

Although we experienced our fair share of setbacks, we always managed to find a way to keep baking for another day. In 2020 our goal was to find a tiny commercial kitchen and sell our pies wholesale, easy peasy, lemon squeezy. How could it not work, right? Little did I know there was a big obstacle waiting for us, and it was called COVID- 19.

We managed to pivot our baby business and not only survive but thrive during a pandemic that was devastating to the world. Small businesses across the country were closing. It was heartbreaking and frightening. The path to success is lined with challenges, from perfecting recipes to managing a business. Many pie shop owners, like myself, learned these skills on the go. It's a testament to the resilience and adaptability of small business owners. We've all burnt a few pies, but each mistake was a lesson that made our shops stronger.

Community Connections

Although we were tiny, we managed to continue to find our special place in our community, and through this bond, we expanded our business and team. Can we stop to talk about adapting and thriving amidst adversity?If there is one thing I can say we have gained, it would be the ability to remain focused. A pie shop is more than a business; it's a community hub. It's where people come to celebrate, to comfort, and to enjoy the simple pleasure of a good pie. Our connection to our customers is the heart of our success. We've celebrated with them, mourned with them, and above all, shared countless slices of pie with them.

The Secret Ingredient: Passion

I cannot explain it except to say that something was calling us to make a change in our lives, and that change has been a catalyst to the greatest journey I could’ve ever dreamed of. At the core of every successful pie shop is a deep, abiding passion for baking. This passion is our secret ingredient, one that you can taste in every bite. It's what drives us to wake up before dawn, to experiment with new flavors, and to keep serving smiles, one pie at a time.

A Growing Pie Community

Today, the landscape is dotted with pie shops, each with its own unique story and flavor. As a community, we support and inspire each other, sharing the belief that a good pie can bring people together and make the world a little sweeter.

These stories not only reflect the power of following one's passion but also underscore the importance of community, creativity, and perseverance in the world of small business. Each of these pie shop owners started with a simple love for baking and transformed it into a successful venture, reminding us all that with dedication and hard work, sweet dreams can indeed become a reality.

Diana Shockley - I Love Pie, Carmichael, California

Diana Shockley’s story is one of true pie passion. Starting as a cottage food business baking pies from her home, Diana's journey quickly evolved. Her love for pie-making began with pie-themed parties and led to selling at local farmers' markets. In just under two years, her dedication turned into a thriving business. Diana's success can be attributed to her obsession with pie and commitment to quality, making every pie with care and using fresh, local ingredients From Home Kitchen to Pie Shop in Under 2 Years with Diana Shockley - The Forrager Podcast for Cottage Food Businesses](The Forrager Podcast).

Brianna Abrams - Winston Pies, Brentwood, California

Brianna Abrams’ transformation from a lawyer to a pie shop owner is a story of following one's true calling. Her weekends were spent baking pies with fresh fruit from local markets. Recognizing her unfulfilled creative passion in her law career, she decided to pursue her love for baking full-time. This decision led to the establishment of Winston Pies, a successful shop known for its handmade treats made with local organic ingredients. Brianna’s journey highlights the importance of pursuing passion and quality in turning a hobby into a successful business. How a Former Lawyer Quit Her Job to Open a Successful Pie Shop - Brit + Co](Brit Winston pies).

Carol Miller - My Little Pies, Fort Worth, Texas

Carol Miller’s success with My Little Pies is a testament to the power of community support and seizing opportunities. Starting as a simple birthday gift idea for her father, Carol’s mini pies quickly gained popularity in her local community. Utilizing platforms like Shop Small Fort Worth, she expanded her customer base and even collaborated with local businesses. Her story underscores the importance of community engagement and taking bold steps to grow a small business. (shop small Fort Worth).

Final Thoughts

From home kitchen to successful business, every pie shop's journey is a narrative of dreams, hard work, and an undying passion for baking. At Mixed Fillings Pie Shop, we're proud to be part of this wonderful pie community, and we invite you to join us in celebrating the inspiring stories of pie shop owners everywhere.

Remember, every pie has a story, and every story deserves to be shared. Happy baking!

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