The best pies in Charlotte NC aren’t hard to find. The story of these pies and of Thoughtful Baking Co. starts in 2020.
When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit Charlotte, it brought with it all kinds of feelings. There was fear, uncertainty, frustration, and even grief. With all that our communities were dealing with, it suddenly became all the more important to find good sources of comfort. Likewise, this was something that Mary Jayne Wilson understood well. She certainly had to try to find the silver lining in her own pandemic struggles.
“Thoughtful Baking Co. came to be after losing my job during the pandemic,” says Wilson. “I had known for a long time that I wanted to have my own business. This was just the push I needed to make that happen.”
Comfort Food, Warms Meals and Pies In Charlotte NC
Wilson took a hard look at her surroundings and focused on what she felt would be the ultimate comfort food—pot pies. These warm, nourishing meals were perfect for feeding a wide range of people. From families looking for an easy dinner to isolated workers looking for a taste of home, there was something for everyone. But Wilson always knew she’d like to expand her menu one day. Today, Thoughtful Baking Co. offers all kinds of pies, desserts and even quiches.
“I grew up loving to cook and bake and loved all things food,” recalls Wilson. “Growing up in NC, I have many childhood memories of picking strawberries at the local farm in the spring, picking tomatoes from the garden in the summer and blueberries from our neighbor’s blueberry bushes.”
Wilson’s love of food—and her respect for where it all comes from—is what drove her to create a business like this one. She and her crew think deeply about what dishes they are making. This thoughtfulness extends beyond just choosing high-quality seasonal ingredients.
Thoughtful About Staff and Sustainability
Thoughtful Baking Co. also takes pride in treating their staff well and understanding their impact on their community. This has made sustainability a big part of their identity, too. In addition to sourcing from local producers, they also use recycled products and stay away from single-use plastics. The business even takes things a step further and composts all that they can to create as little waste as possible.
As Wilson’s business grew into a full-time pursuit with five additional employees, she’s also continued to reflect on just how much more thoughtful she’s become.
“I have left behind the idea that food has to be precise and perfect,” notes Wilson of her lessons learned while pursuing a career in food. “Beauty in food, for me now, comes from how it makes people feel. It comes from the energy, love and passion that was put into growing/raising it and making it.”
So, for those who want to taste the difference fresh, seasonal ingredients and a little thoughtfulness can make can find Wilson and her team at various Farmers’ Markets throughout the Charlotte NC area. Thoughtful Baking Co. even takes pre-orders and custom orders. Customers can reach out via their website to learn more.
