Rising to the Occasion: How Helm Pie Bakery is Blending Tradition, Community, and Purpose
When Charmaine St. Peters bought Helm Pie Bakery in February 2023, she wasn’t just acquiring a local business – she was realizing a long-dormant dream, reigniting her passion for community connection, and creating a space where purpose meets pastry.
“I always said someday I’m gonna own my own little café where people can come and feel like they’re part of the family,” Charmaine reflects. “But as I got older, I figured that dream had passed me by.”
That changed when friends of Charmaine’s, whose family had run Helm Pie Bakery for years, decided to sell the business. Located just six minutes from her Middle Sackville home, the opportunity felt serendipitous.
Charmaine discussed the idea with her husband, and he was extremely supportive. She also called her best friend, who was so supportive that she wanted to join Charmaine in the venture.
“It came together really quickly,” she recalls. “I had about two or three months to make it all happen. I was at the bakery in the mornings learning the ropes from the previous owner, and in the afternoons I was working with CBDC to figure out financing.”
Charmaine reached out to the CBDC after a frantic Google search on how to buy a business led her to their website. “Jennifer O'Quinn from CBDC was amazing,” she says. “She walked me through what I needed for the loan application and helped me prepare a solid business plan. The support they gave me was exactly what I needed, especially on such short notice.”
CBDC’s financing enabled Charmaine to purchase the business and invest in much-needed equipment like a new oven, proofer, and freezer - essentials for a bakery that prides itself on quality and from-scratch products.
From the beginning, Charmaine and her business partner, Janet Anthony, were committed to preserving the bakery’s legacy. “They were known and loved for their bread and pies, and we didn’t want to mess with that,” Charmaine explains. But they’ve also been thoughtful about evolution. After listening to customer feedback, they expanded their offerings to include gluten-free options from Schoolhouse Bakery, brought in sourdough from a local artisan, and reintroduced fan-favorites like meat pies and takeaway meals.
The bakery’s social media presence - especially on Facebook - has been central to their success, with customers playing an active role in shaping the menu. “Our community really tells us what they want, and we listen,” Charmaine says.
That same spirit of community was front and center in the aftermath of a recent devastating local house fire, which shook the entire Sackville community. Charmaine knew she had to act. “I said to my husband, ‘I have the perfect vessel to make an impact.’” She pledged to donate two dollars from every item sold over a three-day period. “Our sales were record-breaking. People came in just to support the cause. Staff donated their tips. Even friends from outside the province sent money.”
That effort remains Charmaine’s proudest moment. “If I didn’t own this business, I couldn’t have done that. It was our way of giving back.”
But Helm Pie Bakery is about more than just delicious treats and community support – it’s a place for family. Charmaine’s 70-year-old mother – who was instrumental in the initial set up of the business – now helps with grocery shopping for the business. The bakery also provides a place where her autistic sister-in-law – who worked for 37 years at Prescott Group – can stay engaged and fulfilled.
“My sister-in-law is our Cookie Monster,” she laughs. “She bakes all our cookies. It gives her a deep sense of purpose and joy.”
Her staff, too, are part of the heartbeat of the business. “They’re more mature folks who just love baking. They treat it like it’s their own.”
Looking ahead, Charmaine dreams of expanding to a larger space in Middle Sackville—somewhere with room for customers to sit, enjoy a coffee, and build connections. “I want a real café, where people can come and feel welcome. That’s always been the dream.”
As she balances a full-time job, family responsibilities, and business ownership, Charmaine remains grounded in what matters most. “It’s not about making a ton of money. It’s about supporting other families, creating purpose, and giving back.”
In every way, Helm Pie Bakery is baking up more than just pies—it’s building a community one loaf, one smile, and one story at a time.