There’s a reason, I think, why we use the phrase “pie in the sky” to describe something that’s out of this world. It’s because there’s literally nothing better than a homemade pie. Am I right or am I right? Actually, I got into a semi-heated argument at a family holiday dinner where I was defending pie over chocolate cake. Don’t get me wrong…chocolate cake is fine. Actually the only chocolate cake I’ll eat is my mom’s Texas Chocolate Cake. You have to spell it like that with capitalized letters. Texas Chocolate Cake is well, it’s chocolate sheet cake, but with a superiority complex. And while I do love a gooey slice of TCC, if I’m headed to the dessert table it will be PIE that I’m getting. Every time.

And by the way, “chocolate pie” does not count. That’s a Snack Pack in crust. It’s a total impostor to the institution of pie. (I realize later in the blog Harriet talks about chocolate pie. I maintain my stance until I taste hers LOL)

Here at Down in the Hollow, I’m all about things that make you feel grounded, rooted and take you back to simpler times of gingham picnic blankets and catching fireflies, so when my friend Harriet, owner of Herald Pies – a local pie company, reached out to me about a giveaway collaboration y’all know I jumped all over that.

If you’re reading this, it’s likely because you’ve already seen the Instagram post announcing the giveaway, but just in case you didn’t know about it, here is how you enter the drawing and what you’ll win if chosen:

• Go follow my Instagram page – @downinthehollowblog
• Go follow Herald Pie’s Instagram page – @heraldpies
• “Like” both of our posts announcing the giveaway
• Tag 3 of your friends on the post you want to be entered into the drawing for – on Herald Pies, you’ll be entering to win a free pie of your choosing and on Down in the Hollow you’ll be entering to win a copy of my favorite home design book, “Cupcakes & Cashmere At Home”

We’ll keep it open until Monday at noon when we will both draw names and announce our winners so be on the lookout for that!

P.s. last night I went to pick up these two pies from Harriet to do a little shoot for this post (not the best photo shoot but whatever, I’m new). I got an apple crumble and…wait for it…strawberry margarita! Did y’all know such a pie existed? I’M LITERALLY SO PSYCHED. And also, this will be a repeat buy allllll through the Spring & Summer for me and Adam, for friends, for neighbors, for any other excuse I can think of… 🙂

I’ve seen so many giveaways over the years that I’ve followed different bloggers or companies, but I’ve never seen it go further than that and that’s always kinda bothered me. I can’t quite stomach the thought of blogging just to raise an absurd “following” on social media, because to me that’s not what blogging is. If you want to be Instagram famous, then call yourself an Instagrammer, not a blogger. To blog is to write. To be creative. To curate a space that people want to visit again and again to browse what you’ve published for ideas, stories, inspiration, shopping and feel-goods.

That being said, I couldn’t *just* do a giveaway with Harriet. I mean, come on, she makes beautiful and delicious pies out of her home and pours passion and love into it. This isn’t just a giveaway. It was a chance to learn someone’s story. And to share it. I think it might just be that my degree is in Journalism and so I constantly walk around wanting to know everyone’s stories (I’m a nightmare in airports), but everyone has something to say and all it takes is for others to just stop what they’re doing and take the time to ask questions.

I was hoping Harriet wouldn’t think I was a total weirdo when I asked to interview her for a blog post, but thankfully she completely embraced it AND oh my goodness y’all, the answers. It was everything I was hoping it would be. So, I really do hope you go enter the giveaway, but I also hope you stay here, read this interview, get a glimpse into the person behind the pies and then become a loyal, pie-eating customer! Enjoy!

1. What made you want to start Herald Pies?

I think everyone reaches a point in their life when they would love to be their own boss and do something that is empowering and what they truly love to do. I’ve always taught violin lessons (which I love doing) but there’s something about making something you enjoy, and that other people can enjoy immediately that is so rewarding. Several of my close friends were so encouraging, to the point that if I didn’t start Herald Pies, I was going to feel like I let them down haha. (Not really – but I cant describe how supportive my friends and family have been)

2. How did you come up with the name?

Without the name, there would be no pie shop! When it came to me, that’s what made me pull the trigger! I love the style, music, etc from decades ago (50s/60s/70s).  For example, I am obsessed with the Beatles and really don’t listen to any current music. If I ever open a location, I definitely want there to be a retro vibe – that being said, my two reasons for the name are this: 1. I love when newspapers are called The Herald because it’s going to announce what’s new and current. Well, i want the pies i make to be the current, exciting news! 2. I was inspired specifically by several photos of my grandpa, Harold. I was named after him and we were very close. Maybe some day those same pictures of him will be a part of Herald Pies either through branding or just decor, but either way, he was a major influence in my life and I love that I was named after him! Might as well name my pie shop after him too!

3. What is your pie-making philosophy?

Sometimes I get too wrapped up in the details and wonder if I could ever do mass production if I’m so detailed, but honestly that’s what I want from this business. Details. Those are the things that make something special and make people feel special. I want people to feel like I’m specifically making a pie just for them, because that’s exactly what I’m doing!

4. Is there any family significance with pie? 

Ever since I was a young kid, my sister and I would make pumpkin pie from scratch and ALWAYS make the crust ourselves. We would take the unused crust to make little cinnamon rolls!  It’s definitely my favorite dessert with the fondest memories tied to it. 

5. What is your favorite pie to make and why?

Man, this is a tough question! Pumpkin pie is the most nostalgic, blueberry is the prettiest and i love that you never know what the juices are going to do, peach is the best tasting, but chocolate with a coffee whip is 🤤

6. What’s the secret to your crust?

Ice. Cold. Butter. 

7. What advice do you have for anyone looking to launch a small business?

Giving up in the beginning stages will be way easier than you think, don’t let it even be an option! Don’t get discouraged, and when something goes well you’re excited about, celebrate! Even if it’s a small victory, it gives you that extra push to keep working towards your goals. 

8. How do you balance a full time job, being a mother, other creative outlets and running Herald? (disclosure: I would have asked this same question had the subject of the interview been a man. Ok. Moving on.)

Oh man, it is hard. The list of apparent ways are baking mostly at night after the kids go to sleep (and because I’m a night owl), mainly sacrificing sleep so I can do the mom stuff and the music/baking stuff, we will often buy dinner and  not cook so I can spend my time baking, but honestly the only real answer is Mitch, my husband. He’s so supportive and helpful in every way.

 
9. Do you have any plans (or dreams) to expand?

Yes. I have a major dream to have a local pie shop in Edmond where you can get pie and coffee – maybe even an alcoholic beverage, and MAYBE even stay open late because pie is better after 10 and nighttime is my jam. Haha 

10. What do you love most about owning your own business?

My favorite part is when someone tells me how much they enjoyed a pie I made them. I really want them to love it and knowing that they did – and that it’s my business and pies – means a lot. And that that the business can be whatever I want it to be!

XOXO, Thessali

apple pie baking cooking food foodie home baking homemade pie Lifestyle margarita pies recipe small business strawberry