MUNCIE, Ind. — Susan Danner is more than just your average community member. In Muncie, they know her as the “Pie Lady”.
Her nickname originated 10 years ago, when she started her business in Hartford City. She liked to sell pastries, sourdough, muffins, and more baked goods, but when she arrived in Muncie, her pies started to take off.
“Well, it was very interesting,” Danner said. “When we first started the market, I would make a little bit of everything, but everyone seemed to really like the pies. I would make more pies, and finally, people would say “that’s the pie lady””.
Danner started selling at local farmers' markets and the Muncie Makers Market, but due to popular demand, she started taking orders online.
“Last year, I did about a little over 2,000 pies, and this year it’s going to be about 2,500 pies. And this is all in my kitchen. I received my safe-training certificate.” Danner said.
Danner sells an average of 100 pies at each local event, and it’s important to her to put a face to her products.
“They know that they can look at you and say you made it. If you’re buying something at a grocery store, they don’t have a clue who made it. I think it’s important to some people to actually know and can make a connection with who baked it.” Danner said.
Danner has more than 74 flavors to offer to anyone. Although Danner is the face of her product, her daughter takes care of the promotions behind the scenes.
“I’m just so proud of her success. She does everything on her own while I handle the promotions or just give her a space at the market.” Moth Danner said.
As Moth and Susan Danner continue to work together, they find the little things keep them going.
“When people come up and say, I tried your pie, and it was the best pie ever had, I’m like Oh, whoa, thanks.” Moth Danner said. “Things like that are really special.”
The Pie Lady plans to be at the Muncie Holiday Market at 600 S Walnut St. To learn more about her business, check out her page
Contact Amelia Winter with comments at amelia.winter@bsu.edu.
