Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Schmitt
Hi Nicole, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Orlando but when my partner and I got married, we moved to San Antonio TX. While there I discovered I had many food allergies and needed to adjust my lifestyle. We moved back to Orlando in 2021 after 5 ½ years in San Antonio. After our move back, I noticed that in Orlando there was a lack of gluten-free options and so I set off on the journey of Just Pie Orlando. I’ve previously worked in kitchens from Disney to country clubs and my brain had lots of ideas on what to create. Every one can make a cookie right? So I decided to go super niche and create Pie Pockets. What are Pie Pockets? Pie Pockets are a small hand pie with an assortment of fillings. AND they are ALL GLUTEN FREE and soy free! Like I said earlier, I have a long list of food allergies and wanted to come up with an idea that’s not only safe for me but also delicious.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been an interesting road. Smooth? I’m not so sure what that even looks like nowadays. When I first started I had no idea what I was getting myself into, from figuring out all the legal stuff, to taxes and applying to markets. It was all very overwhelming! I eventually found my groove in applying and the constant continuation of upping my social media game. Thankfully I have met wonderful people along the way who have helped me in my journey. Vendors love to tell you about what markets they’ve applied for and how they did. I’ve also met amazing friends by doing custom orders that have impeccable marketing ideas. Honestly, doing this alone is not an option. I wouldn’t have gotten this far if it wasn’t for the incredible people I’ve met the last 4 years.
Another struggle is I have chronic pain and endometriosis, a chronic illness I was diagnosed with in 2023. I deal with chronic migraines daily and have flare ups from my endometriosis on the random. When I wake up in the morning, I never know how I’m going to feel. Just Pie Orlando is a labor of love and my struggles. I love my business but also recognize that sometimes I have to take a step back. The chronic struggle is real.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Just Pie Orlando is a Florida cottage food business based in Orlando FL. A cottage food business means I bake out of my home and sell directly to the consumer. No wholesaling and I’m limited on the types of foods I can make. I specialize in gluten-free pie and I’m known for many things, such as, the pie lady, just pie, pie girl, the pie pocket lady, etc. Rarely do people first know me by my actual name Nicole(which doesn’t bother me one bit). I’m most proud of the brand I’ve built. I LOVE offering gluten-free options to the Orlando community. I love my logo that an amazing local artist friend created for me. What sets me apart from others is my niche, all I do is Just Pie and it’s gluten-free! When I started back in 2021 there weren’t many gluten-free options but now I see more popping up and I’m SO PROUD to be a part of the movement!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Hmm, the most important lesson…well there are many lessons owning a business. But the most important, YOU CAN’T DO THIS ALONE. Yes, I’m the only one making the pies, running my social media accounts, doing my newsletters, etc…but if it weren’t from my partner helping me set up at markets, helping me with taxes, my Baker Bestie setting up with my at markets, vendors giving advice, other friends giving me advice, Just Pie Orlando would not be possible.
Pricing:
- All Pie Pockets are currently $5 each
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.justpieorlando.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justpieorlando
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justpieorlando
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Justpieorlando
Image Credits
Brian Carnell, Nicole Schmitt, Emily Jarjoura.
