Jenny

“In June of 2015, I’d just gotten into the State Fair,” says Sara, “and I needed to build a team. Jenny quickly responded to my Facebook cry for help. ‘Pick me!” she wrote, and I’m so glad I did. Jenny’s been my anchor in many a storm, and I’d be lost without her. She makes all our yummy fillings and adds all the special touches to her pretty Sunday donuts. But it’s her kindness and amazing work ethic that always amaze me. Jenny loves purple, Prince and puppies, and brings joy to everything she does.”

Joe

“For us, 2017 was the year of Onion Gouda at the Minnesota State Fair,” says Sara. “We called in family and friends, and friends of friends, to meet the insane demand for this pie. Well, Joe’s brother works for my husband, who shared our plea for help. Joe was offered up. After the fair, my staff told me about this guy named Joe whom everyone loved and who did amazing work. Months later, we needed to hire again and I asked my staff for suggestions. ‘Joe! Joe! Joe!’ they all cheered. So we pulled him in and Joe has never left us!

Cari

Meet someone who holds a very special place in our heart. “Before Tipsy Pies had come to be,” explains Sara, “I was a stay-at-home mom with five kids under five years of age. Cari and her sweet daughter, Meredith, volunteered in my home weekly to help entertain our kids while I cooked and cleaned. Years later, she reached, looking for a little extra income. I knew she’d fit right in. Cari’s our Sunday Gal! She’s wonderful to our customers and always bright and cheerful. Then and now, she goes the extra mile to serve!”

Madi

“My daughter, Madi, has been in our kitchen pretty much her whole life,” says Sara. “She sold pies at farmers markets with me when she was very young. She washed dishes once she was tall enough to reach the sink. And now that she’s an adult, Madi’s our pie packager and forking expert. She makes the most beautiful pies. She loves to serve people in the café, too. Pecan Pie is Madi’s favorite, and she loves Willow’s Coffee alongside it. This Apple didn’t fall far from the tree!”

Kris

“I didn’t actually hire Kris – my staff interviewed her,” explains Sara. “They told me, ‘She loves baking and dogs, our two requirements to work here.’ I couldn’t argue with that! Sure enough, Kris made a great home with us! She’s even started her own little company within our walls as owner and baker of No Way Sweets. Kris amazes me with every gluten-friendly or accidentally vegan treat she puts in my mouth. Everything she creates is absolutely delicious.”

Sheryl

This lady has a tough job: managing our money to keep everything balancing. “I think Sheryl’s part magic,” says Sara. “We met at the Fair. Right away, she took me under her wing and taught me how to survive in the most intense environment imaginable. That’s where I learned about her bookkeeping skills as well. After the Fair ended, she started with me year-round. I’m so lucky – in so many ways – to have Sheryl in my life. She always has my back! Her favorite saying is, ‘Sara, you just can’t make this sh*t up!”

Leanne

Life is better with a Leanne by your side. “She’s the life of the party and a shoulder to cry on when needed,” explains Sara. “Leanne loves to organize my freezers and storage area. When we can’t find something, we know who to call. Leanne’s a jack of all trades here at Sara’s Bake Shop and a mentor to me at the State Fair. She inducted me into the “Cool Kids Club” (where senior vendors hang out when we have a moment to catch our breath!). The Fair can be an intimidating place and Leanne always helps me find my place.”

Collin

In 2021, we were at the point of being overwhelmed and, lucky for us, that’s when Collin walked in our door. “He’s been our Steady Eddy,” says Sara. “Collin makes the most beautiful pies, including our wedding heart creations. If you buy our Crust Tidbits and they’re perfectly straight, that’s Collin, too. He’s all about the details. We give him the advanced math problems here too! In fact, anything we ask of him, Collin does with a happy heart. He’s truly another blessing to our company.”

Bobbie

“Everyone needs a big sister like Bobbie,” says Sara. “She’s the crafty one in our family. She made our cute pillows in the café and decorates for the holidays. She tries to keep me organized! She creates forms and fliers, masterminds our newsletters, and provides the extra-cute touches you see in the café and in print. Not only that, she’s always sending me new baking ideas. I’m so grateful for her wisdom, grace and for never giving up on me. When I hear, “Can I give you some motherly advice?”, I know I better listen to Bobbie.

Chuck

Meet our “big brother,” Chuck, who’s always ready to help out around the café. You might see him keeping the patio looking pretty and the snow shoveled during the winter… or maybe just hanging around with a coffee in hand and a pastry or two when Sara’s not looking! Takes a village to run this sweet little café.

Sara Hayden AKA The Pie Lady

Being ‘The Pie Lady’ for the past 13 years is an experience that fills me gratitude,” says Sara Hayden. “It’s not the easiest profession (especially at State Fair time), but there’s so much to love – like starting my day with a team I adore, baking early in the morning when I have time to create new flavors, and being able to greet our customers as they come in. It’s hard to express how much I appreciate them for choosing us and how much pleasure I get from creating treats they love. I’m also blessed with a family that not only supports what I do but every day helps to make Sara’s Bake Shop possible.