Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiara Clark.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Originally, I wanted to start a “guiltfree” dessert business, so I enrolled in a pies, cookies, and tarts class at community college. I really took to the pie portion of the class. I liked making crust, there’s a whole art to it. In the class we used to put small amounts of alcohol in many of our desserts so I wanted to see what would happen if I increased the amount of alcohol. The first pie I made was sweet potato pie that I put more than enough brandy in. It might as well have had cocaine in it because after eating it that “guiltfree” shit was out the window. Lushes Pies was born.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Smooth is definitely not the word I would use to describe it. It’s more like a road under construction. I started this while staying with my grandmother who loves her Salem Lights. Luckily, for me I had a friend who let me bake in her kitchen and also taste tested my pies. Once I was finally ready to test my pies on the general public, I decided to hit the farmers market scene. I’d signed up for a night market, I remember being anxious and doubting myself. I was thinking -these pies are ugly, not good enough to sell. Well if they were ugly it didn’t matter because I sold every last one. I did a few more events then decided to enroll in culinary school. I found it difficult to work, go to school, and grow Lushes Pies. I supposed the struggles I’ve experienced are the struggles of any beginning entrepreneur; location, doubt, and time.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Lushes Pies story. Tell us more about the business.
My business is Lushes Pies. We specialize in alcohol-infused pies. We’re most proud of our crust. As I said before, there’s a whole art to it and I’m getting pretty good at mastering that artform. What sets us apart is that our pies will slap you.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t know if I actually believe in luck, but there have definitely been some good things that have happened to me. One thing in particular was being a vendor at the Gumbo Smackdown that Houstonia Magazine does every year. All the vendors were established brick and mortar restaurants, then somehow there was me, the home baker. It was a great experience.
Pricing:
- 9 inch Pies $20
- 1dz Mini Pies $25
Contact Info:
- Website: LushesPies.com
- Phone: 281-942-0558
- Email: orders@lushespies.com
- Instagram: Lushespie
Image Credit:
Taylor Hayden
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