In a cozy kitchen tucked away in Eden Prairie, Carina, the heart and soul behind Pieway to Heaven,bakes more than just pies—she crafts community, connection, and a whole lot of love. With roots in a family of entrepreneurs and a passion for creating something special, Carina’s journey to pie-making was as organic as her ingredients.

A Family Tradition Turned Sweet Success

Carina’s entrepreneurial spirit runs deep, inherited from her father—a lifelong military man and entrepreneur—and a family that values hard work and dedication. Though she began her professional life as a coach and later transitioned into personal training and group fitness, baking pies was always a beloved pastime, especially during the holidays.

The inspiration to turn her pie passion into a business sparked after relocating from Colorado. Frustrated by long drives into Minneapolis for high-quality pies, Carina’s husband suggested she start baking her own. What began as a simple solution soon blossomed into something much bigger. Encouraged by her family, especially her kids who couldn’t get enough of her creations, Carina launched Pieway to Heaven—a name her creatively gifted daughter coined, inspired by the classic “Highway to Heaven.”

What Sets Pieway to Heaven Apart?

In a world where supermarket pies line the shelves, Carina offers something truly special—handcrafted, twice-baked pies that are buttery, flaky, and made with love. Every pie is a reflection of her commitment to quality, using organic ingredients whenever possible and sourcing locally to support small farms. The twice-baked method Carina perfected ensures that each bite offers the ideal texture and flavor.

But it’s not just the ingredients that make Pieway to Heaven stand out—it’s the personal touch. Carina delivers pies directly to customers' cars, seizing the opportunity to connect with each person. She loves learning the stories behind the orders—whether it’s a birthday, retirement party, or simply a sweet treat for a Tuesday afternoon.

Pies, People, and Purpose

Carina’s mission is simple: to get a pie into everyone’s hands and maybe even convert a few “non-piepeople” along the way. She believes that the joy of sharing a homemade pie can bring people together, and she’s seen it firsthand through the events she caters and the pie-baking classes she hosts.

Her classes aren’t just about baking—they’re about connection. Whether it’s a group of college friends reuniting or a family bonding over lattice crusts, Carina creates an environment where memories are made. She’s also proud to offer custom pies for special events like weddings, baby showers, and retirement parties, finding immense joy in being a small part of life’s big moments.

Challenges, Growth, and Giving Back

Running a small business isn’t without its hurdles. For Carina, social media has been a particularly steep learning curve—“I’m kind of an old goat when it comes to tech,” she laughs—but she’s eager to learn and connect with more customers online.

As Pieway to Heaven continues to grow, Carina is also exploring ways to give back. She’s actively considering how the business can support local nonprofits and hopes to use her platform for more community-focused initiatives in the near future.

More Than Just Pie

Pieway to Heaven isn’t about mass production or chasing big profits—it’s about heart. Carina’s dedication to her craft and her community shines through in every flaky, golden crust. She takes pride in being a small business that stays true to its roots, focusing on quality over quantity and meaningful connections over quick sales.

Whether you’re a lifelong pie lover or someone who hasn’t quite found their flavor yet, Carina has a slice waiting for you. And who knows? One bite might just make you a pie person after all.

If you're interested in having an interview for a member blog, please email Grace Leapaldt at grace.leapaldt@epchamber.org for more details!