When a Bakery Meets the Community – A Workshop with Peach & Pie

When a Bakery Meets the Community – A Workshop with Peach & Pie

 I attended a heartwarming workshop at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center, a former historic theater now being transformed into a vibrant hub for the arts. The event wasn’t just a typical lecture—it was a genuine exchange of stories and inspiration from local creators and small business owners.

One of the most moving moments was hearing the story of the owner of Peach & Pie, a local bakery with a big heart. She started her journey at just 24 years old, baking out of a food truck, and has since built her own bakery after a decade of hard work, creativity, and persistence. Her story of growth and resilience was deeply inspiring, especially to anyone dreaming of turning passion into a livelihood.
She offered samples of her signature croissants--made entirely with vegan ingredients—and they were absolutely delicious. The layers were delicate and buttery (despite being dairy-free), and the flavors were incredibly rich. After just one bite, I found myself wanting to visit her bakery in person to try more.
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She also mentioned that she teaches cake decorating classes, and her Instagram page is filled with stunning examples of her edible creations—each one a true piece of art.

While I may not be able to attend every workshop like this, this experience reminded me how powerful local stories can be. It’s not just about pastries or business—it’s about people with vision, grit, and heart. I left feeling inspired and grateful to have had the chance to connect, even briefly, with such a passionate maker and the welcoming community around her.

​A touching workshop experience at the St. James Community Cultural Arts Center featuring Peach & Pie bakery's inspiring founder—who started with a food truck at 24 and now owns a vegan pastry shop. Her story, croissants, and cake artistry left a lasting impression.

​I came across this organization quite by chance. I was participating in a local 5-mile fundraising event, and my art booth happened to be set up right next to theirs. At first, it seemed like we might quietly set up, exchange polite greetings, and simply go our separate ways. But then, something unexpected happened—a strong gust of wind blew one of my paintings toward their booth, catching the attention of one of their team members.

That small moment of surprise led to a real connection. The staff member realized I was an artist and came over to talk. After a warm conversation, she invited me to attend this workshop. It was such a simple gesture, but it reminded me that there are people throughout the community who care deeply about art—who want to preserve it, share it, and create space for it to thrive.

Sometimes, we get so caught up in our own creative routines that we forget just how many others are out there working, in quiet but meaningful ways, to build a more artful world. Just knowing that organizations like this exist in our local neighborhoods is a source of comfort and hope.

While I may not be able to actively participate in all of their events—this year, my focus is on creating more artwork and engaging in deeper inner exploration—I’m genuinely grateful for the introduction. And if time and life allow, I absolutely plan to join more of their joyful, creative gatherings in the future.