Beth Howard's Journey from Burnout to Empire-Building: How Pie Saved Her Life
Beth Howard, a former web producer in Silicon Valley, found herself at a crossroads after burning out in her career. During her exit interview, she expressed a desire to engage in hands-on activities, and her solution was to make pie. This seemingly simple decision led her on a path that would not only heal her but also build an empire.
Howard's love for pie began with a chance encounter at Mary's Kitchen in Malibu, where she was hired as a pie maker. Her passion for pie-making grew as she created delicious pies for celebrities like Barbra Streisand, Dick Van Dyke, and Steven Spielberg. However, her life took an unexpected turn when her husband, Marcus, died suddenly, leaving her devastated.
It was during this period of grief that Howard met Janice Molinari, an LA producer/director who admired her pie blog. Together, they embarked on a journey to explore the world of pie, leading to the creation of her documentary, 'Pieowa'. The film showcases the history of pie and its role in bringing people together, featuring a diverse cast of characters, from church ladies to blue ribbon winners.
Howard's own story is a testament to the power of pie. After her husband's death, she found solace in making pies and even started a blog called 'The World Needs More Pie'. Her journey took her from Malibu to Iowa, where she opened the Pitchfork Pie Stand in her childhood hometown of Ottumwa. She met Doug Seyb, a local farmer who became her partner and a key supporter of her pie endeavors.
Today, Howard splits her time between Iowa and LA, but her heart remains in the farm, where she runs 'Camp Doug(h)' and holds piemaking classes. Her Apple Pie Recipe, shared in the article, is a testament to her expertise and her belief that pie is not about perfection but about bringing people together.
The documentary 'Pieowa' has gained popularity, screening in Iowa and across the US. Howard's journey from burnout to empire-building through the simple act of making pie is an inspiring tale of resilience and community. It highlights how something as seemingly ordinary as a pie can become a powerful symbol of connection and healing.
