Meet katie Pfister | Baker

We had the good fortune of connecting with katie Pfister and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi katie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Balance is one of the hardest things to figure out as a small business owner and being employed for yourself. One one hand you get to make the calls, you don’t have to ask permission to run out for a school play, to go on vacation, to leave early for a DR appointment, but then again your always ON call, phone off isn’t an option in case an emergency or a question pops up, people have needs even while you are away that are pressing to them, and even at Dr appt the guests need is the most important. After all that’s how were making $$ and paying the bills! Balancing all of these things a three kiddos(4 counting my husband ;)) is tricky and still something that needs to be worked at on a daily basis.
The best way for me to try and do that is to be present in what ever I am doing. While at work I put all my focus there and when I get home I sit down and play with my kids and give them my undivided attention. Often for me waking up early before anyone else is awake is when I get the most done and myself organized for the day which helps me better balance my time between work/family/friends and be able to enjoy each thing as it comes throughout the day.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I own a coffee shop and bakery in Marietta right outside of ATL called Sessions Stand. We are a tiny 500 sq foot walk up only shop. With that being said we faced lots of obstacles as we opened. Being outside of the city this tiny neighbor hood a walk up only spot was a bit difficult to some to wrap their heads around. We only have 3 tables, no restroom, its raining…cant come inside, needless to say it has come with its fair share of questions and things we never even thought about that needed some figuring out. We worked at it, we made changes, we believed in what we were making, selling, and the support of our community. Thru all that (and a global pandemic) we are so thankful that we still get to work daily on this dream. We are thankful for people taking a chance on us, people bundling up in the cold to grab a coffee or stand in the rain to wait on avocado toast, we wouldn’t be here with out each of them. It was hard and still is (for the most part) day in and day out but most good things are hard. We hope that our hard work and determination to make a dream come true provides the experience that we strive to give our guests. We hope our corner makes you take a minute to soak it all in and enjoy the community that is Marietta and obviously your coffee and pastry!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is tricky! Lots of places to go and then at the same time I Neve make it out with work and three little kiddos!

if were staying here in Marietta…
Drinks, Third Door is a fun speakeasy cocktail lounge and the drinks are always fantastic!
Glover Park Brewery is a fun place to hang out with a huge backyard area and space for kids to run around and play.
Sarah Liz Boutique or Market with a B are great shopping spots that support local families
On Saturday Marietta has THE BEST farmers market and we love to be able to support our local farmers and friends weekly while stocking up on produce and goodies for the week!

An Atlanta week…
So u have to say is if was planning I would make sure we were doing this on the 2nd weekend of the month so we could shop for the day at Scotts Antique Market, one of my very favorite things to do! Best to go when your not looking for something in particular because then you find lots of things you then can NOT live without! Love wandering the market and finding vintage treasure both for home and business. Not gonna lie…mimosas in the parking lot are always a good idea too!

For dinner or snacks Staplehouse is always a great option. Umi was one of the best meals I ever have eaten and not a single thing was cooked, still boggles my mind but a great place to go if your a sushi lover. The Betty is another fun dinner spot with its dark navy and big arch banquet seats it feels prohibition supper club and grand so its a fun night out with friends.

For one stop shop of fun stay at The Clermont, eat at Tiny Lous, drink up stairs at the rooftop bar over looking the city, and if you drink enough don’t be shy and end your night at The Clermont Lounge. We did this for my birthday with a friends and it was one of my very favorites nights out in ATL. I may have regretted every decision I made the next morning but it was 100% worth it. Hotel was fun, different, and comfy. Food was so yummy and I love the bright peach wall paper bathrooms! and the lounge… there are no words but we had a great time!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have always loved baking and grew up doing so with my mom, grandmother, and as a hobby with friends. Each of these people helped shape me into what I am today and pushed me to make it into a career, supporting me along every step of the way(or listening to the struggles that come with it all!).

Ryan Smith, of Staplehouse here in Atlanta, was the first chefs that I ever worked under and ran the first kitchen I was ever a part of. He taught me how to think of food differently than anyone else ever had. How to make sure that ever bite was balanced and showed me the right rules to break.

Website: sessions-stand.square.site/

Instagram: SessionsStand

Image Credits
Caleb Jones