Dustin Gandof
Maya-Camille Broussard, the founder of Justice of the Pies, is a self-taught pastry chef whose artisan pastry business has taken Chicago by storm since its establishment in 2014. However, what sets Broussard apart from other pastry chefs is that she is hard of hearing. In this article, we will explore the challenges that Broussard faces in running her pie business while dealing with hearing loss.
Broussard’s hearing loss is not something that she discusses often, but in a recent interview, she opened up about the difficulties it presents when running her business. It requires her to rely on her other senses, such as taste and touch, to ensure that her pies meet her high standards. This is particularly important when it comes to her signature crust, which she describes as “really everything” in a pie.
One of the biggest challenges Broussard faces is communication. She has to rely on lip reading and written communication to communicate with her team, which can be time-consuming and inefficient. To overcome this, Broussard has implemented a system of visual cues and hand signals, allowing her to communicate quickly and effectively with her team in a busy kitchen environment.
Another challenge is dealing with customers. Broussard’s hearing loss can sometimes make it difficult to understand customers’ orders, particularly when there is background noise or the customer speaks quickly. She has taken steps to address this by training her staff to be attentive and patient with customers, ensuring that they clearly understand their orders.
Despite these challenges, Broussard has built a successful business, with Justice of the Pies gaining widespread recognition for its delicious and unique pies. She has also used her success as a platform for philanthropy, donating a portion of her profits to organizations that address issues of food insecurity and social justice.
Broussard’s experience offers important insights for other entrepreneurs with disabilities who may face similar challenges. Her determination and perseverance in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to us all. With hard work, creativity, and a supportive team, it is possible to overcome any obstacle in pursuit of one’s dreams.
