Meet Pilar Stolarczyk | Property & Pastry Enthusiast

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

Hi Pilar, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I’ve never followed the conventional path, and that’s been a conscious choice. Even as
a kid, I was energized by doing things differently. One of the biggest early risks I took
was moving to Vietnam, and that experience rewired how I see the world. I’ve always
been drawn to change, challenge, and the unknown.

That mindset stuck with me. I left college during COVID after realizing online learning
wasn’t working and I was heading into debt without
direction. I made the difficult decision to walk away and start working.

That leap led me into film production, where I worked on sets and soaked up every
experience. But over time, I realized it wasn’t the future I wanted – so I pivoted again,
this time into real estate. I blended my love of baking with business, and The Baking
Realtor was born: a creative, relationship-driven brand that’s fully mine.

To me, risk is just another word for betting on yourself. Every major turning point in my
life has come from letting go of what wasn’t working – and stepping forward before
having all the answers. That can be scary, but it’s also where the best growth happens.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m a real estate agent and a baker – and I built a business that blends both passions into one brand: The Baking Realtor. Whether I’m dropping off homemade cookies at a showing or surprising clients with personalized gifts at closing, I use baking as a way to connect with people and leave a lasting impression. It adds warmth, creativity, and a little joy to a process that can otherwise feel all business.

What sets me apart is that I don’t just sell homes – I create moments. Real estate can be cold, transactional, even intimidating. But when people work with me, I want them to feel cared for, seen, and supported. The baking side of my business lets me add that personal, thoughtful layer that makes the whole experience feel human again.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. I didn’t come in with a trust fund, a mentor in the industry, or a roadmap. I had to build everything from the ground up – learning through trial, error, and a lot of late nights. I’ve juggled side jobs, chased dead-end leads, and invested in myself even when it didn’t feel like it was paying off. But I kept showing up, refining, adjusting. And little by little, I’ve gained traction.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? There’s no “right” way to build a business. Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be valid – or successful. You can build something meaningful and profitable by leaning into what makes you different.

What I want people to know is that it’s okay to be multi-passionate. It’s okay to start over, pivot, or build something that doesn’t fit into a neat category. Your story doesn’t have to fit a mold to be powerful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d want them to experience the real Atlanta – the kind of spots locals actually go to, with a mix of chill vibes, great food, and a little bit of weird (in the best way).

We’d kick things off in Little Five Points, where I used to live. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon thrifting, people-watching, and popping into favorites like Criminal Records – hands down the best record store in the city. From there, we’d cut through Inman Park (with its gorgeous Victorian homes) and hop on the BeltLine, which always has something happening – food, art, people, energy.

For food, we’d hit up Victory Sandwich Bar for cocktails and quick bites, grab burgers at The Vortex (still the best in town), and catch a sunset drink at the Hotel Clermont rooftop – a must for the view alone. I’d also take them to Wheelhouse Bar & Pub for trivia night – it’s low-key and always a good time, and Decatur in general is a blast to explore.

We’d definitely catch a live show at The Eastern, one of the best venues in the city, and make a stop at The Plaza Theatre, my go-to for old films, cult classics, and weird screenings you didn’t know you needed. And if the timing lines up, we’re hitting Fernbank After Dark – boozy science, music, and dinosaurs. What else do you need?

And yes, I’ll probably bake them something too – most likely brown butter chocolate chip cookies.

What I love most about Atlanta is its rhythm – laid-back one minute, electric the next.
There’s always something to discover, and I love sharing that magic with people.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m where I am today because of the people who believed in me – even when my path
didn’t make sense on paper.

My parents trusted me to figure things out in my own way and never pressured me to
follow a formula. That freedom meant everything.

My partner, Ryan, has stood by me through all the pivots, the late nights, and the self-
doubt. He’s patient, grounded, and endlessly encouraging – I couldn’t ask for a better
teammate in life.

I’m also incredibly grateful for a small circle of close friends who’ve kept me sane, inspired, and grounded. They’ve talked me through setbacks, cheered me on during big wins, and reminded me who I am when imposter syndrome kicks in. Having that kind of real, steady friendship while building a business? That’s gold.

And I can’t forget the incredible crew at Keller Williams Metro Atlanta. The support,
mentorship, and generosity I’ve received from fellow agents is rare. I walked into that
office with big ideas and very little experience – and they made space for both. I’m
deeply grateful.

Instagram: https://instagram.com/the.baking.realtor

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-pilar-s-949470162

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pilarstolarczyk