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Recipe for Success Produces
Joyful Lifestyle
WESTPORT - Building The Pie Bar was an accidental labour of love for engineer Stacy Blair. Marveling at the broad reach and deep customer appreciation for her culinary delights, she envisions a bright future for her growing business.
Stacy, once a commuter to a government job in Gatineau, found herself at a crossroads during her third maternity leave. A chance lesson in pie-making from husband Scott revealed her newfound passion. “Reluctantly, I put on the apron and fell in love with baking.” She said goodbye to her engineering career and embraced the world of small business.
The Pie Bar artfully crafts each batch of croissants, sourdough bread, cookies, cream-filled pastries, ready-to-bake mixes and holiday boxes filled with delicious foodie bliss. The menu is also populated with scrumptious dessert pies like Honey Lavender, Chocolate Bottom Pecan, Maple Lime, Caramelized Apple Butterscotch Custard and Bananas Foster Cream. On occasion, small convenient "Handpies" are available in either dessert or savoury recipes like Pulled Pork and Cheesy Potato Empanada.
“COVID made my business. The timing was right; Customers were driving over an hour to pick up pies. It was a low-risk activity they could enjoy.” Stacy says.
“The local business community is so supportive, empathy and collaboration between owners are the best parts of having a business here.” she notes, recalling delivering her twins that December. She took a brief three-day break from the business with assistance from friends and family.
The family's DNA contains an entrepreneurial spirit evident in Scott’s construction projects, their Blair Brothers Maples line of syrup products and in the children’s handiwork. In 2020, Scott transformed an old drive shed into a commercial kitchen in response to growing demand for the baked goods.
Recently, Stacy received a digital adoption grant and is a grant recipient of the Starter Company Plus program. Her clever and genuine use of social media is propelling her brand to new heights through the combination of minimalistic styling, a keen eye for imagery, and a humbling sense of humour. Posts and videos reap thousands of views, with the most popular on Instagram being over 1.5 million.
The Blair’s welcomed visitors for Maple Weekend in 2023. People tasted her culinary delights, purchased syrup and picnicked on the hills. For 2024, the business is hosting the first tap ceremony, "Tapping Out" on March 2 with live music and an open bakery.
Looking ahead, Stacy envisions an even sweeter future. “I’d like to make this place a destination, a rural experience, one where people come for a visit, enjoy our products, and a walk the nature trails.” Mindful that engineering a thriving business requires patience and planning, she is thankful for all the supports received, acknowledging each one is an essential ingredient in her recipe for success.
Orders are taken in advance, reserve your Valentine's Day box today. Watch for new bakery hours to be posted, and stay tuned to her social media feeds for what's freshly baked. Pick-up is available at her bakery, 9277 County Road 42. Visit the website to order online.
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