Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Wadsworth
Hi Amanda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Tiny Pies® was founded in 2011 by myself, Amanda Wadsworth, and my mother, Kit Seay. The idea for the business actually came from a simple moment with my son. One evening, he had pie for dessert and asked if he could take it to school in his lunchbox the next day. When I explained that it would be too messy, he suggested we make something he could eat with his hands. That sparked an idea, and my mom and I started experimenting with old family recipes.
We took our creations to a local farmer’s market director, who was so impressed that she invited us to sell at the market. At the time, Kit was working as the House Mother at the Delta Delta Delta Sorority house on the University of Texas campus, so we launched Tiny Pies® from the Tri Delta Sorority kitchen, using recipes passed down four generations. These recipes were inspired by my great-grandmother, Maude, who perfected the art of pie-making in her own time.
What started as a small market venture quickly grew into a beloved brand, and for the past 14 years, Tiny Pies® has been all about creating connections through our pies. We now have two retail locations in Austin, TX, and have expanded to ship nationwide. In addition, we offer catering, corporate gifts, and participate in large-scale events like ACL and F1.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to have recently brought on an investment partner who will help us scale. In 2025, we’re planning to open new locations outside of Austin, marking the next chapter of Tiny Pies®’ growth. It’s been an incredible journey so far, and we’re eager to continue sharing our pies—and the connections they create—with even more people.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The most challenging aspect of running Tiny Pies® has always been securing funding. For years, we bootstrapped the business, reinvesting everything we earned back into the company to sustain and grow it. It was a constant balancing act, but it taught us a lot about resilience and resourcefulness. In February of 2024, we brought on an investor partner who is now helping us scale the business more effectively. With their support, our goal is to expand our retail footprint and further develop our distribution channels, taking Tiny Pies® to the next level. Additionally, our supply chain is complex as well, from sourcing flour and butter to procuring fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables when in season, all the way to delivering our finished pies to retail stores. It’s a challenging process.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Tiny Pies®, I’ve had the privilege of wearing many hats, evolving from baker/ co-founder in the early days to CEO and now as my current role as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). In the beginning, Kit and I were both hands-on in the kitchen, baking pies, while she managed day-to-day kitchen operations. As the business grew, I shifted my focus to marketing and business development, with the goal of expanding the brand.
As a naturally creative person, I find the innovation side of the business particularly fulfilling—whether it’s developing new products, reimagining our packaging, or brainstorming website enhancements, the creative process is something I truly thrive on. In my current role as CRO, I have the opportunity to collaborate across all departments, working strategically to drive revenue and support the continued growth of Tiny Pies®. The diversity of my responsibilities keeps me engaged and constantly learning, which I find incredibly rewarding.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partner with my mom, Kit. From the very beginning, our collaboration felt like a perfect balance, as we each brought different strengths to the table. What made it so special was the deep trust we shared; we always had each other’s back, which allowed us to navigate challenges with confidence. Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to work with many talented individuals who have helped us grow Tiny Pies into what it is today. One key team member has been Chef William Ankeney, who has been with us for eight years and has been instrumental in shaping our vision.
Additionally, I cannot overstate the impact our investment partner and Tiny Pies CEO, Clint Shackelford, has had on the company. With his decades of experience and extensive business network, Clint has been a game-changer for us. He’s helped secure the funding necessary to grow the brand and has been an incredible mentor and friend. I truly appreciate his guidance and support as we continue to build Tiny Pies® into something special.
Pricing:
- Tiny Pies® $5.95 each
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tinypies.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tinypies
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tinypies
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2670175/admin/dashboard/
Image Credits
Annie Ray, Annie Ray Photography
Ford Chupik (2 photos on white background by themselves- strawberry cheesecake and pie freeze)
