Meet HBCU Grad Kinna Thomas Who Created Patti Labelle’s Pies

Patti Labelle did not create her infamous pies, which are sold at Walmart. Kinna Thomas, a proud HBCU graduate of Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, created the pies. That’s right! Kinna is the mastermind behind the beloved Patti Labelle Sweet Potato Pie, which has become a viral sensation and a bestseller in Walmart stores nationwide for more than eight years now.

Up until 2020, Kinna held various positions at Walmart, including Senior Buying Manager and Merchandising Director. Her job was to ensure that top-notch bakery products reached over 4,500 store locations.

Kinna conceptualized the dessert line two weeks into her role as the Senior Buyer for Cakes and Pies at Walmart. What many may not know is that the base of the famous pie is Kinna’s family recipe. In fact, when she approached the President of Bakery and Deli at Walmart about her idea, it was only a mere 24 hours later that she was in contact with Patti Labelle, and the finishing touches were being crafted for the Patti Pies.

Five years after its launch in 2020, Walmart reported that 36,000 Patti LaBelle Sweet Potato Pies are sold daily. Following the success of the Patti Pies, the line has expanded to include peach cobbler, banana pudding, bread pudding, and many more variations of African American dessert staples.

While in college, she honed her leadership skills and embraced the values of collaboration and confidence. Kinna furthered her education with two Master’s degrees from Webster University, which laid the foundation for her remarkable career trajectory.

With a career that started in the world of fine jewelry, Kinna’s unwavering commitment to quality and customer satisfaction seamlessly transitioned into the food industry. Her dedication has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Buyer of the Year for Walmart Stores, Inc., and she has been featured in numerous publications and media outlets.

Reflecting on her partnership with Patti LaBelle, Kinna highlights the rapid development from idea to reality. Despite the unexpected cultural phenomenon, she remains focused on delivering quality products that resonate with customers. Kinna’s journey is not just about personal success. She is driven by a desire to inspire others through speaking engagements and business conferences, sharing her experiences and insights. Her focus remains on purpose-driven opportunities that contribute to business growth and development, a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs.

“I’m not worried about who knows my name. I am concerned about having my team of people deliver great quality foods and brands relevant to the customer experience at the best value possible. The only recognition that matters to me is helping the customer. The rest of that stuff will take care of itself,” Kinna said.

After working at Walmart, she was a senior merchandise executive at Target for almost three years. She is now the Vice President of Merchandising Operations and Business Development at CVS Health.

Kinna is the proud mom of two boys and an active member of the Phi Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Northwest Arkansas. She has been married to Gerry Thomas for nineteen years.

This article first appeared in Black Business.