Meet Kristin Klenda | Baker

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

Hi Kristin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have been a home maker for the last 25 years. My husband and I made that decion when we had children. It was important to us that I stayed home and be a consistant caregiever for our children while they where little. Once our childeren became older, I also began to take care of our neighbor’s children for extra spending money. 25 years have pased, and my kids have grown up, and the little neighbor kids have became school age. I knew being idle was not for me and that I needed to find something to do. I knew I did not want to go to town to work, and I wanted something that was flexable that could work with my familes busy life. When thinking of things I enjoy, I thought about making pies and other baked goods. I wanted to make sure that I could maintain felxible hours. Once I learned about the cottage food act and how it would allow me to make my baked goods in my kitchen and sell them to the public, I decided to start my own business. So in October of 2023 I started Bountiful Blessing Pies and Baked Goods.

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.
I first learned how to make pies when trying to impress my husband who loves peach pies. It must have worked because we have been married for 28 years. Over those 28 years, his pie appetite never diminished, and I contunued to perfect my pie baking skills. Through trial, error, and guidance from previous pie bakers, I was able to develop a perfectly light and flakey pie crust. As I began to share my pies with others, I discovered that many are intimidated by the prospect of baking pies. However, through my pie making experince I was able to develop the understanding and sense of what makes a good pie. Therefore, I was, and am not, intimidated by the idea of making pies. Rather, the idea of making pies to share with others is exciting. Also, the joy and pride that comes from satisfied eaters is encouraging. I chose the name “Bountiful Blessings” because it serves as a reminder to me about how blessed my life has been, and how the blessings will continue through this business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In the summer months, the city of Fort Morgan provides live music in the town center park known as “Thursday Night Live'”. These live music nights are inspired by Glenn Miller as this is where he grew up. There, my best friend and I would enjoy the live music, browse the food and merchandise vendors, and enjoy the time together outside.

Also, if my friend happend to visit on July 11th and 12th, we could go to the town event known as “Bobstock” together. At this event, there is even more live music from renound artists that last throughout the entirety of the two days. Furthermore, there will be many vendors there, like myself, selling products or promoting their organizations. This is a great time to experience Morgan County as all types of people come together and celebrate their community.

As far as a week long experience, I am not too sure. However, any Fort Morgan visitors need to check out the historic “Rainbow Bridge”, as well as all the town features added as seen on the TV show “Hometown Makeover”.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to my family, consisting of my husband Mike Klenda, my son Owen Klenda, and my daughter Faye Klenda. Other friends of mine deserving credit and recognition include Kathy Wood and Jennifer Rhode. Kathy and Jennifer were invaluable in helping me learn how to run a business.

Facebook: Bountiful Blessings Pies ans Baked Goods

Image Credits
Kristin Klenda
Kim Rutt