We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike & Jessica Barakat and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Mike & Jessica, what role has risk played in your life or career?
We believe risk is necessary in order to grow. Risk is relative. At times, it may feel more painful to not take the risk. Mike took a risk and joined the military after 9/11. Then Mike took risks daily with a job in law enforcement. Jessica took a risk to move to Texas, where she ended up meeting Mike. Together we took a risk finding something we both love to do together with Buttermilk Sky Pie. Looking back on all the risks we have taken, we are so glad we did.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
If you would have told us that we would someday own a pie shop, we don’t think either one of us would have believed you, but here we are! After serving in the Navy, Mike went into law enforcement. Jessica worked in the wellness industry for years. Neither one of us could have been further away from baking pies and selling sweets!
We wouldn’t say getting to where we are today was easy. For years we talked about owning our own business, but we could never decide on something we were both excited about doing. Timing was also a bit difficult. We have two small kids and the safety of both of us having full-time jobs was huge.
At the end of the day taking the leap and Jessica leaving the comfort of her full-time job was well worth it! We were able to find something that we both love. We balance each other out since we both enjoy working on different aspects of the business.
We are most proud of having a family business. This allows us to work together as a team, have more time together as a family and teach our two daughters about business and the importance of working hard towards your dreams.
We love that this brand has made such a huge difference in our family life while allowing us to be a small part of others lives. When people come in to share a sweet treat with a friend it is a bright spot in their day. We love being able to be a small part of people’s big days too, whether it is a baby shower, wedding, graduation, or even the tough stuff like helping to make the reception after a funeral a little easier. Getting to know our customers has been so rewarding and fun. We love partnering with the community with our fundraising and Pie It Forward programs as well!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We are pretty low key! We tend to go to the same places over and over. When people are in town, we usually take them to the Fort Worth Stockyards to see the Long Horns. We love eating on the patio at HG Supply and walking around the shops in University Village. We also love to eat at Our Place in Burleson and First Watch in Mansfield. We enjoy Flying Squirrel Coffee in Mansfield as well.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We would like to dedicate our shoutout to Mike’s mom, Angelica Morales. She has always been Mike’s biggest supporter. Mike’s strong work ethic and compassion for others comes from her. She is a wonderful Mother-In-Law and Nana. We love her so much!
Website: https://www.buttermilkskypie.com/locations/mansfield/
Instagram: buttermilkskypiemansfieldtx
Facebook: Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop Mansfield, TX
Other: Fort Worth Location Website: https://www.buttermilkskypie.com/locations/fort-worth/ Instagram: buttermilkskypiefortworth Facebook: Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop – Fort Worth, TX
Image Credits
All photos courtesy of Photography By Stina