Darien Rozell, the social media expert behind the popular Instagram account @pantryhill, finds joy in connecting with her followers both digitally and in person. While the online grid of photographs is great, she believes that nothing beats the experience of gathering around her kitchen table and sharing her family’s generations-old pie dough recipe.
To bring this tangible exchange to life, Rozell has been hosting seasonal pie-making workshops at her beautiful property in northern Saratoga. These workshops have quickly gained popularity among her audience of over 33,000 followers, with the recent peach pie workshop selling out within a week.
As Rozell explains, “I always thought someday I’d love to invite people here to experience what we’re doing. Last summer, I thought, ‘What am I waiting for? Let’s just see if anyone might be interested.'” And the response has been overwhelming, thanks to the carefully curated snapshots of Rozell’s domestic life that she shares on her @pantryhill Instagram account. Her home showcases a blend of Americana and English country house aesthetics, and each well-composed photograph is accompanied by captions that beautifully reflect the rhythms of her family life and the changing seasons.
Rozell’s expertise in building her social media presence comes from her professional background in magazines, as well as her experience in education and childhood literacy. She describes Pantry Hill as a lifestyle brand that combines her family’s heritage and home with seasonal living. “Pantry Hill is like a storybook that we’re writing,” she explains. “What I’m really passionate about is pulling images and telling a beautiful story.”
Unlike many lifestyle accounts on Instagram, Rozell has chosen not to monetize her @pantryhill account. She wants people to feel emotionally connected to what she’s building rather than simply engaging in a quick exchange of money for goods. Her only venture into products has been a small line of candles that she collaborates on with a neighbor and hand pours in her kitchen.
To further foster this authentic connection, Rozell opens her doors to her followers through the seasonal pie workshops. Each workshop is limited to twelve attendees to ensure a personalized experience. Participants not only get to bake their own pies under Rozell’s guidance but also have the opportunity to explore her garden, where local experts share their knowledge and celebrate the fruit featured in the pies.
Guests at the recent peach pie workshop were treated to a menu of local cheeses selected by executive chef Alex Lempka, a snack board designed by Rozell that included local honey and chocolate, and a wine tasting led by Annmarie Guglielmo. As the pies baked, attendees enjoyed the charming ambiance of Rozell’s garden, with its raised beds of vegetables and cottage-esque shed.
Rozell’s workshops have attracted participants from across the country, evidence of the powerful connection she has formed with her followers. Louise Hulbert, who drove all the way from Delaware County to attend the peach pie workshop, spoke highly of the experience. Carrie Shea, the owner of Sugarbush Lane Mercantile, also praised the event as a great community gathering for people who appreciate tradition and connection.
Looking ahead, Rozell plans to continue hosting pie workshops and may even expand into other creative classes and events. She loves the opportunity to teach and build connections with attendees. As she says, “We want people to leave the workshops feeling like they just walked out of their favorite storybook.”
To learn more about Rozell and her Pantry Hill brand, visit her Instagram account @pantryhill. And for exclusive access to future workshops, be sure to sign up for the Pantry Hill email newsletter.
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