In this deeply moving and inspiring episode, Aggie and Cristy sit down with Blair Pietrini, co-founder of Pietrini Pizza Napoletana and longtime community advocate, for a conversation that goes far beyond business. Blair shares her powerful story of launching a dream with her husband, losing him just ten months after opening their restaurant, and continuing to honor his legacy through family, faith, and fire-forged perseverance.
From founding a nonprofit that served tens of thousands annually to building a thriving restaurant with no prior industry experience, Blair’s journey is one of unwavering values, radical authenticity, and a refusal to let tragedy define her future. You’ll walk away with lessons on leadership, grief, guts, and how to build a business that’s truly an extension of who you are.
In this episode, we cover:
- How Blair’s 25+ years running Grateful Hearts shaped her leadership and people-first approach
- The story behind opening Pietrini Pizza Napoletana in the middle of COVID—and the devastating loss that nearly ended it
- What it means to run a business rooted in values like integrity, enthusiasm, and ownership
- The healing power of hospitality, and why her restaurant feels more like a home than a business
- How Blair intentionally cultivates culture, even with a young and inexperienced staff
- The mindset shift that allowed her to move through grief with gratitude
- Why passion trumps reason—especially when you're over 60 and following a dream
- Her son’s journey to becoming a certified pizzaiolo (yes, that’s a real title!)
- How to lead without compromising your values—even when it's the harder path
Memorable Quotes:
“I never wanted to reach the end of my life wondering what if. I’m okay with trying and failing. I’m not okay with never trying.”“This place—it wasn’t our dream. It was his. But seeing him live it was mine.”“Adversity is a terrible thing to waste.”
🤝 Connect with Blair Pietrini
- 🍕 Pietrini Pizza Napoletana: pietrinipizza.com
- 📧 Email: hello@pietrinipizza.com
- 📞 Phone: (562) 485-7939
- 📷 Instagram: @pietrinipizzanapoletana
- 👩🍳 Featured on Women in Pizza
- 📰 Read more: PMQ Article on Blair Pietrini
Keep up with more content from Aggie and Cristy here:
- Facebook: Empowered Women Leaders
- Instagram: @badass_women_in_business
- LinkedIn: ProveHer - Badass Women in Business
- Website: Badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com
- Athena: athenaac.com
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