Meet Tina Vourtis Smith | Baker, Author, and Teacher of Sweet Things From high-altitude bakes to family baking classes, I bring heart (and butter) to everything I make.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tina Vourtis Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tina, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
I think the most impactful thing I’ve done as a parent is to let my kids see me create — not just talk about dreams, but actively chase them, even when it’s messy or uncertain. They’ve watched me build businesses from our kitchen table, write books late at night, and show up for my passions again and again. I want them to know that creativity and hard work can live side by side, and that success doesn’t always mean perfection — it means trying, learning, and growing.

Through baking, writing, and teaching, I’ve tried to show them that joy comes from doing what you love and sharing it with others. More than anything, I hope they grow up knowing it’s okay to take up space in the world doing something that feels meaningful to them — even if it starts small, right at home.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
On the Run: Baked Goods started right out of my home kitchen in Evergreen, Colorado. What began as a small creative outlet—something to bring a little sweetness to my days—has grown into a business that connects people through baked goods, classes, and community. I specialize in high-altitude baking, so every recipe is a little bit of science, a little bit of art, and a lot of persistence.

It hasn’t been easy. There have been long nights, failed batches, and moments of doubt. But every challenge pushed me to learn more, refine my craft, and remember why I started in the first place—to share joy through baking. I’m most proud of turning that passion into something tangible: books, family-friendly classes, and custom orders that make people smile.

What sets On the Run apart is heart. Every cake, cookie, and kit I make carries the same care I’d put into baking for my own family. It’s not just about selling desserts—it’s about creating something that feels homemade, meaningful, and a little magical.

My biggest lesson so far? You don’t have to have it all figured out to start. You just have to start.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting Evergreen, I’d want them to see why I fell in love with this mountain town in the first place. We’d start the morning at The Muddy Buck Café, grabbing a cozy coffee and something sweet before walking around Evergreen Lake—especially if it’s winter and the ice skaters are out.

We’d spend an afternoon exploring the small shops downtown, maybe stop by Hearthfire Books (one of my favorite local spots!) and say hello to the incredible people who support local authors like me. Lunch at Wildflower Café or Cactus Jack’s would definitely make the list—somewhere you can enjoy good food and good conversation surrounded by locals who feel like friends.

If it’s a weekend, we’d hit a local market or community event—there’s always something going on that reminds you how close-knit this place really is. Evenings would be for mountain sunsets, maybe a drive up Squaw Pass Road, and curling up back home with something freshly baked and a cup of tea.

Evergreen has this magic about it—quiet, creative, and full of people who show up for one another. That’s what I’d want anyone visiting to experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to my family—especially my husband and kids—who have been my constant reminder of why I do what I do. Every late-night bake, every recipe test, every event setup… they’ve been there, cheering me on and keeping me grounded when things felt impossible.

I also want to thank my local Evergreen community for believing in small, homegrown dreams. From book supporters to class participants, every kind word and order has helped me turn my passion for baking into something bigger than I ever imagined.

And a special nod to everyone out there balancing creativity, family, and self-belief—you’re my kind of people. 🖤

Website: www ontherunbakery.com

Instagram: @ontherunbakedgoods

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/ontherunbakedgoods

Image Credits
Anne Ludolph
Brandon @ Motus Photography