Meet Trailblazer Stephanie Hockersmith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Hockersmith.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Stephanie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
About 14 years ago (shortly after I got married), I got very sick. I was diagnosed with rare form of Celiac Disease about six months later and immediately adhered to a gluten-free diet. As a baker, I dedicated myself to making amazing gluten-free baked goods, and that’s where my love of pie making began.

Fast forward to about three years ago, I was (and still am) a stay at home Mom desperate for a creative place in this world of my own. That lead me to do two things: I challenged myself by entering a local pie competition with my gluten-free pies, and I started a local book club to share my passion for reading. I ended up winning 1st place at the pie competition (against non gluten-free pies) two years in a row, and my book club grew to include 30 women (and is still going strong today!). Shortly after that, I decided to start a Book Blog on Instagram. Through that process, I was able to combine my two loves: making pies and talking books in a unique and fun way. I now am known for designing pies that match the books that I’m reading and it is such a huge passion of mine. I am so grateful to have found this creative niche for myself that gives me so much joy and purpose!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road. I faced health challenges, and also a lot of (self-imposed) domestic guilt when I would be spending time dedicated to my pies instead of performing other household duties. Having a supportive partner who loved seeing me be passionate was so critical to helping me overcome the guilt. Also, making my pies and writing my reviews became as crucial to my mental and emotional well being as breathing is to my physical well being. I NEEDED the creative outlet and the pride that came from accomplishing something I set out to do. It gave me life. I think my best advice is to quote my friend Eve Rodsky (author of Fair Play) when she says that “women need to give themselves permission to be interesting.” It’s so easy to get lost in the busy-ness of life, but taking the time to find what makes you feel alive is crucial to your well being. Also, never be afraid to challenge yourself and try something new, you never know where it might lead you.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I sell my gluten-free pies out of my home right now, but my main passion is in the “pie art” side of things. I have become known for creating pies that match the books I’m reading, and it has created a following on Instagram that I never could have imagined! I also love to read and am very proud of my book reviews and promoting the books that I’m passionate about. I’m so grateful to have found a unique way to display my art while also still helping to promote literacy. I love using my feed to support women authors and elevate women’s voices. I think having a feed that not only elevates women but also inspires them is what I’m most proud of.

Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
As I mentioned before, I LOVE Eve Rodsky’s Fair Play, especially as a married woman. I also love reading fiction with strong female characters such as Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes, From Sand and Ash by Amy Harmon, From Scratch by Tembi Locke, and How to Walk Away by Katherine Center. I also follow a lot of fellow book bloggers and pie bakers that constantly inspire me. I love Reese’s Book club as well, if you’re looking for amazing book recommendations that highlight women’s voices, you can’t go wrong with Reese’s book picks.

Contact Info:

• Website: pieladybooks.com
• Email: pieladybooks@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/pieladybooks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pieladybooks/

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