On this week’s episode of The Sauce, host Lauren Healey is joined by Lia Holter — the award-winning baker and owner of Made. by Lia in Old Town Florissant, who just released her first cookbook.

Lia shares how she turned a passion for baking with her mom and grandmother into a full-fledged career — from launching a small Facebook page in 2012 to winning TLC’s Next Great Baker and growing her brand into one of St. Louis’ most beloved bakeries.

In this episode:

• How Lia’s family traditions and pastry-school training shaped her baking philosophy
• The story behind Made. by Lia — from home kitchen to bakery in Old Town Florissant
• What it was like competing (and winning) on Next Great Baker
• How she built her business through pop-ups, community support, and a $25K Kickstarter
• Writing and testing recipes for her new cookbook, released just in time for holiday baking
• Balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and finding joy in both

More highlights:

• Where to pick up the Made. by Lia cookbook — madebylia.com, Amazon, Target, and local retailers
• Tasting table favorites: cherry strudel, jumbo chocolate chip cookies, vegan cinnamon sugar donuts, and vegan/gluten-free chocolate espresso donuts
• The secret behind her “not-too-sweet” baking style — and how she keeps her passion alive

https://www.madebylia.com/

🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and all major platforms.
 📅 New episodes drop every Tuesday.