We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nadia Moseley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Nadia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a business owner? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

I’ve never really entertained the thought of having a regular job because I’ve always been passionate about turning my creative ideas into something tangible and meaningful. My background is in the arts, and for me, being an artist isn’t just about creating—it’s about shaping an entire experience, whether that’s through a piece of art or a pie.

As a business owner, I find immense value in the freedom to stay creative, to innovate, and to make something that is entirely my own. Entrepreneurship allows me to do this on my terms, which is something a traditional corporate job wouldn’t offer. The journey of building a business is far from easy; it’s filled with uncertainties, especially financially. There are times when you’re not sure where your next dollar will come from, and you’re constantly in a service role, working hard often for less pay than you might in a conventional job.

But for me, the reward comes from the outcome of all that effort—seeing my ideas come to life, watching people enjoy my products, and knowing that I’ve created something that brings others joy. There’s also the excitement of seeing my business grow and the potential to eventually create jobs for others, to build something that’s bigger than just me. That’s what truly interests me and keeps me motivated. So, to answer the question, yes, I’m extremely happy as a business owner, and no, I don’t think about having a regular job. The life I’ve built through my business feels like the most authentic expression of who I am and what I love to do.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Nadia Moseley, originally from Seattle, Washington, but born in Chicago. Before diving into catering, I spent over 20 years running a photography business, where I expressed my love for beauty and creativity. I’m an artist at heart, always finding beauty in the world around me. My journey has taken me to Atlanta and New York from 2004 to 2020, and eventually back home to Seattle.

When I moved back in 2020, I was still focused on photography until one day, I made an announcement on Facebook that I had sweet potato pies for sale. A friend ordered 25 pies for her company, and I realized I couldn’t let that many of my great-grandmother’s pies go out into the world without a way for people to come back for more. That’s when my entrepreneurial spirit kicked in—I built a website, created business cards, designed a logo, and my photography background helped me bring it all together visually.

Naming my business was a challenge despite my artistic background. I decided to go with something straightforward that reflected what I love—pies, charcuterie boards, and books. That’s how “Pies Boards And Books” was born. Once everything was in place, things started to take off slowly but surely, and now I’m proud to say that my business is steady.

We specialize in Honey’s Pies, named after my great-grandmother, who taught my mother, who then taught me, and now I’m teaching my daughter. We offer a range of pies, including sweet potato, apple, honey, and seasonal pies like blackberry, cherry, blueberry, and rhubarb. My charcuterie boards are another unique aspect of my business, allowing me to play with food and create beautiful, artistic displays. I believe food is a canvas, with its vibrant colors and textures, and charcuterie allows me to express my creativity while catering to events like weddings, parties, and personal gatherings.

What sets Honey’s Pies apart is the quality of our sweet potato pies, which are a soul food dessert. In a city like Seattle, where the Black population isn’t as large, it’s exciting to offer authentic southern sweet potato pie that people rave about. I’ve also mastered making gluten-free pies that are just as delicious as the traditional ones, which has been a game-changer for many of my customers.

I’m incredibly proud of the professional connections I’ve made along the way. I sell my pies every Sunday at Pike Place Market under their Artisan Food Program and have participated in pop-up shops throughout the city, collaborating with amazing people. Despite not having any employees yet, I’ve managed to feed up to 200 people at events, and I handle it all with passion and dedication. My goal is always to make sure my clients are happy and that they have an unforgettable experience with my pies and charcuterie.

Through all of this, I’ve been able to build something that not only represents my love for food and art but also honors my family’s legacy. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me and to continue sharing Honey’s Pies with the world.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

My strategy for finding clients has always revolved around the principle of “location, location, location.” Being visible and accessible in the right places has been key. I’ve found that word of mouth is incredibly powerful as well—nothing beats the recommendation of a satisfied customer.

Consistency is also crucial. I make sure to respond promptly to every inquiry and always offer great customer service. You can never underestimate the impact of treating people well and making them feel valued. For me, it’s about creating a vibe that things are meant to be, making sure that every interaction feels personal and genuine.

As a business, I’m here to give people what they want. And what people want are delicious pies and beautifully crafted charcuterie boards. When you do it well and put passion into your work, clients will naturally find you, especially for those special events where they want something unique and memorable. It’s about staying true to what you offer and making sure every client walks away happy.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience is something I experience every day as a business owner. It’s not just about overcoming a single challenge—it’s about continuously showing up and putting in the hard work, even when things get tough. Being a business owner means wearing many hats—I’m not just the baker, but also the marketer, PR person, and the one handling all the clerical work. There are days when I’ve worked 16 hours straight, only to get right back up the next day and do it all over again.

One of the most important things is maintaining quality and consistency, no matter how tired or overwhelmed I might feel. It takes resilience to ensure that every pie, every charcuterie board, and every interaction with a client meets the high standards I’ve set for myself and my business. It’s that commitment to excellence, day in and day out, that defines my resilience as a business owner.

Contact Info:

• Website: PiesBoardsAndBooks.com
• Instagram: @PiesBoardsAndBooksDotCom
• Facebook: Pies Boards And Books
• Twitter: @piesfood3234
• Youtube: Pies Boards And Books
• Yelp: Pies Boards And Books
• Other: TikTok: @piesboardsandbooks

Image Credits
Morgan Elise Photography