Today we’d like to introduce you to Maia Harrell.
Hi Maia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved food—eating it, cooking it, studying it. My earliest memory of food is of me cooking with my mom. I was maybe 5 or 6, and I came downstairs and saw my mom standing in the kitchen. She was wearing a black t-shirt, black yoga pants, and clogs. I paused, took it all in and then ran back upstairs to recreate her outfit. I grabbed my kitchen stool, pulled up to next to her, and started cooking. I haven’t stopped since! My love for food grew from a hobby to a passion. When it was time to decide what I wanted to study in college, I knew it had to be food-related. My favorite subject was chemistry and my favorite extracurricular activity was food. So I Googled the two words all the way to ‘Food Science’. I decided to attend Davidson College – because I like an academic challenge – study chemistry for undergrad, then pursue a master’s in food science.
Well, in March 2020—two months before I was supposed to graduate—COVID-19 hit. I was still interviewing for grad school, but professors at all the programs I explored said the same thing: “I don’t like to accept students unless I know I have funding for them, and I don’t know what funding is going to look like now.” So, I decided to put my plans on hold and apply my chemistry knowledge and cooking experience to building the business I planned to start after grad school. On May 30, I transformed my garage into a pie shop and my yard into a café for a day to host a socially-distanced grand opening. I haven’t looked back since.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There was a big learning curve to deal with—setting up accounts, building a website, pricing, packaging and product development. I’m still learning—reading, talking to other business owners, trying things out. It’s a journey!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Lord of the Pies is an Atlanta-based, Black-woman owned brand. We make, serve, and deliver affordable, approachable, and delicious homemade pies. Owned by a young foodie, Lord of the Pies feeds your mind, body, and soul. We focus on fresh, in-season ingredients of the highest quality to give you the best food experience. Using both old family recipes and new ones developed with food science, our pies are perfect for every occasion. LOTP’s owner, Maia, has a passion for food—a passion you can see, smell, and taste in every pie you get. We offer gluten-free and vegan options, as well as subscriptions and custom pies. We cater to events like weddings, meetings, and parties as well.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
This pandemic has underscored the value of small-business collaboration. From helping me set up a tent at an outdoor event to teaching me how to accept contact-free payments, the lessons and support from other small business owners helped me tremendously. I always tried to return the effort. The owner of Blaze Wellness, Noelle Lucas, takes my product photos, sends me advice on markets and events to sign up for, and helps with social media. When I had to do a marathon baking session, she and Leah Birdsong, owner of Leah Paints, were in the kitchen helping me roll and fill crusts until the wee hours. In return, I’ve stocked and sold their candles and artwork in my booths, passed out their cards and cross-promoted whenever I could. Having complementary products and perspectives allow all of us to do much more collaboratively than we could alone.
Contact Info:
- Email: maia@lord-of-the-pies.com
- Website: www.lord-of-the-pies.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shoplordofthepies/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shoplordofthepies
