Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Grover.
Jane, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in a family where pretty much everything we ate was homemade. Money was tight so my mom cooked every night and seeing as her father was a pastry chef she baked a lot, too. I didn’t really develop a serious passion for cooking and baking until later in life. When I was a kid, I was more interested in just eating what my mom made instead of learning from her.
When I was close to graduating high school, the idea of attending culinary school was a very real option as cooking and baking became of greater interest to me. My parents encouraged me and thought it would be a great idea to send me to live with my grandparents in Switzerland. It was an amazing idea but I met my future husband shortly before graduating high school and I started my life with him instead.
Fast forward many (many!) years, I found myself, with my husband and two kids living in England on a temporary work assignment through my husband’s company. Our kitchen was so tiny, but I still cooked and baked like I did back in America. I began making “American” desserts for my friends and my husband’s coworkers. The more they liked what I made, the more I began to think that I could very possibly do this for a living once we moved back. I dreamt of all the things I could make and thought, “what’s more American than pie?”
About a year after we moved back to America, I had made up my mind that I was ready to make my dream a reality. I tinkered around with what to offer, got my business license, crafted a logo, made a website and applied to sell at the local farmers market. In June 2015, I launched Pie a Bakeshop at the Grayson Farmers Market. It was scary, nerve wracking, exciting and fun all at the same time. By the next season, in 2016, I also joined the Snellville Farmers Market. I currently sell at both markets and several festivals throughout the year.
Has it been a smooth road?
When I had my kids, I was fortunate enough to be able to stay at home with them. I enjoyed my time with my kids but as they got older, I wondered what else I could be doing with my time and creativity but also not be away from the family for long hours. When I decided to open my business, it took a lot of trial and error to figure out the logistics of balancing home with work. I was used to preparing meals, cleaning house and running errands. But, since my busy time now is during the summer months, when the kids are home from school, it was a real challenge to still fit all of that in with my baking. How do I bake for the markets but still try to be there for my family? I didn’t want our lives to be turned totally upside down.
Luckily, I run my business from my home. I might be elbow deep in pitted cherries or have flour everywhere but I’m close by! I might not have the time during peak baking hours to make every dinner from scratch like I used to. No one seems to mind when I order pizza for dinner. I get amazing support from my husband, the kids are older so they do more and my Mom, who lives in Atlanta now, is able to help out at the markets.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Pie a Bakeshop – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’m a home based business with a Cottage Food License which allows me to sell at farmer’s markets and festivals. I make individually sized pies, tarts and quiche for the markets (full size are available on request) in addition to other sweets.
The main draw, though is my pies. People love my crust. “It’s as good as it gets”, they say or “it’s flakey and buttery and really lets the filling shine through”. The best feeling is, when they buy something and then come again the next week. And then, every week after that! Or, when I have people come that were told by friends that they “HAD to come see me.” Folks love the fact that the pies are small, that way they don’t feel as guilty if they buy one just for themselves. Sometimes, I’ll have families come up and they can’t decide which flavor to get, so they get one of each. How can you not? They’re so cute!
Every June at the markets, I make a special offering of lemon bars. They were my dad’s favorite and I made them for him all the time. He passed away in 2006 after a brief but brave battle with ALS. I decided that all the proceeds from their sale at the markets would go directly to the ALS Foundation. I’m proud to say that each year, I make and sell more than the year before. It’s bittersweet to make that donation every June!
The products I offer are not a necessity in life (although I disagree!) So, I’m humbled that people feel good about spending their hard earned money on my sweet treats.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love everything the city has to offer. Even though, I live in the “burbs” it’s easy to get ITP for some truly unique eats, shopping and entertainment. The ability to travel in one direction and be in the thick of things and then travel in a completely different direction and be out in the country makes me feel like I have the best of both worlds right at my doorstep.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.pieabakeshop.com
- Phone: 678.252.9255
- Email: baker@pieabakeshop.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pieabakeshop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Pie-a-Bakeshop-368321963338868/
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
