Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Chisholm.
Hi Jessica, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The Jess Pies Story — “We Spread Joy, One Pie at a Time”
In 2011, I baked my first pie — not for a business, but as a personal challenge.
I didn’t expect that simple act to spark something so meaningful. The moment I pulled that pie out of the oven, I felt an overwhelming sense of joy — the kind that comes from creating, sharing, and connecting. From then on, I kept baking for family and friends, just to pass along that same feeling. Each pie became a small act of love and optimism.
Fast-forward to 2023. Life looked very different: I was deep in my corporate career, but the joy that once fueled me was fading. So I turned back to the thing that had always lifted me — baking. That Thanksgiving, I made 11 pies to commemorate the year of my first bake. Every single one sold out. The feedback was instant, heartfelt, and deeply affirming. I realized I didn’t want to lose that feeling again.
That moment became the seed of Jess Pies Baked Goods — founded between 2023 and 2025 as a passion project with a simple goal: to spread joy through scratch-made pies and cookies. Our first offerings were humble — three classic pies (Apple 🍎, Sweet Potato 🍠, and Pecan 🥧) and two cookies (Brown Butter Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Gingersnap). Each was rooted in warmth, nostalgia, and community.
Then life took another turn. In the summer of 2025, I was laid off from my corporate role — just weeks before welcoming my second child. It was one of those pivotal moments that could have been defined by fear. Instead, I chose faith — and flour. I leaned into my calling to spread joy, turning what began as a side hustle into a full-time purpose.
Today, Jess Pies Baked Goods isn’t just a bakery — it’s a movement built around joy, resilience, and connection. Our mission is to remind people that no matter what chapter you’re in, small acts of joy can change everything — your day, your year, even your life.
We Spread Joy…Pies and Baked Goods Are Just Delicious!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I was laid off from a stable corporate job during a season when my family was also welcoming a new baby. Becoming a full-time entrepreneur while adjusting to life with a growing family brought a lot of change at once. There was excitement about what Jess Pies could become, but also uncertainty about leaving behind the stability and structure I had known.
Some of the biggest struggles have been self-doubt, building confidence, and managing my time. When you’re building something so personal, it can be hard to separate how the business is doing from how you feel you’re doing. I’ve had to learn to trust myself while giving myself room to be a beginner.
Being the sole baker has also been a challenge. As demand grows, I’m learning how to keep up while maintaining the quality and care that go into everything I make. Beyond baking, there’s an entirely new world to navigate, from pop-ups and farmers markets to certifications, licenses, and the day-to-day work of growing a business.
I’m still figuring out how to balance being a mother, a wife, and a business owner. What keeps me going is seeing people enjoy something I’ve made and the encouragement our community has given us. That support has helped me build confidence and keep taking the next step, even when I don’t have everything figured out.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Jess Pies is a Black-owned, Women-owned baking business built around a simple mission: Spread Joy. We specialize in Southern inspired handcrafted pies and cookies that bring people together, whether it’s for a holiday celebration, a thoughtful gift, or an everyday treat.
Our offerings include apple, sweet potato, and maple pecan pies, along with cookies like brown butter chocolate chip and oatmeal gingersnap. We offer both whole and mini pies, so there’s something for sharing around a table or enjoying on your own. Readers can find us at local farmers markets and pop-ups, order directly, or connect with us for holiday orders, events, and business gifting.
What makes Jess Pies special is the personal connection behind it. As the baker, I put my care into every batch, and meeting the people who enjoy what I make is one of my favorite parts of this business. There’s something meaningful about having someone try a pie, share a memory it brings back, and then return to introduce us to a friend or family member.
I’m most proud of the community growing around our brand. From our early pop-ups to farmers markets and holiday orders, people have encouraged us, shown up for us, and made Jess Pies part of their own traditions. Building those relationships means so much more to me than the products themselves.
I want readers to know that Jess Pies is a growing small business with a lot of heart. Whether you’re picking up a cookie or trusting us with dessert for your family’s holiday table, we’re grateful to be part of that moment. Our hope is that every experience with Jess Pies leaves you feeling a little more connected and brings a little more joy to your day. We Spread Joy…Pies and Baked Goods Are Just Delicious!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Perseverance, relationships, and JOY!
Pricing:
- Large Pies $45
- Mini Pies $12
- Cookie Packs starting at $9
- Whipped Cream starting at $4
- Holiday Bundles starting at $45
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jesspies.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesspies2011/
- Other: https://g.page/r/CUDAR1xU6BvxECE/review
