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From Tech Burnout to Hollywood Pie Queen
27 Nov
Summary
- Left Silicon Valley to master pie-making.
- Became a celebrity pie baker in Hollywood.
- Her documentary 'Pieowa' explores pie's unifying power.
Beth Howard traded the fast-paced world of Silicon Valley for the comforting art of pie making, a craft she now shares through film and in-person classes. Her journey began after a burnout in 2001, leading her to learn from a gourmet deli owner in Malibu. This experience set her on a path to becoming a sought-after pie maker for Hollywood elite, including Barbra Streisand and Steven Spielberg.
Following personal tragedy, Howard found healing and inspiration by traveling across the US, collecting stories about pie's ability to connect communities. This led to her memoir, 'Making Piece,' and eventually to her documentary, 'Pieowa.' The film, a portmanteau of 'Pie' and 'Iowa,' explores the rich history and cultural significance of pie, particularly its role in her home state.
Howard's work emphasizes pie as a symbol of love and unity, transcending differences and bringing people together. She now splits her time between Iowa and Los Angeles, sharing her passion through teaching and screenings, reinforcing the idea that 'pie is love' and a powerful equalizer in a diverse world.




