Dedun Sonaike – Pies of London: Harper College

Dedun Sonaike first savored a meat pie in Nigeria, where her father was the head of the catering department for the University community. Spicy beef pies and sausage rolls were staples in her home but creamy chicken pies were her favorite, instilling a lifelong love of the savory pie. Visits to the United Kingdom meant enjoying the delicious pies again, even at the airport, where Adedunke purchased them as a filling and savory dish.

Returning home, Adedunke would excitedly tell her coworkers about her gourmand experience, but they had never heard of meat pies. She realized that Americans needed these delicious treats, even if they didn’t know it yet. Although she had learned from her baker father how to make savory pies, she honed her skills by taking classes in the UK, developing her unique recipes for fillings and crusts.

The quintessential steak and kidney pie was Dedun’s first official pie. She remembers the mixed reception of her initial efforts, “The pies were awesome. I offered them to co-workers, but they hated it. Americans do not like innards. So, I made a chicken pie and sausage rolls and there were calls for more.” From there, Pies of London was born. Customers clamor for the full range of Dedun’s pies, including Steak and Stout, Chicken and Leek, Chicken and Mushroom, Lamb and Sweet Potato, Beef and Cheddar and Pork. She also offers traditional and vegan sausage rolls and is expanding her plant-based options. To complete the experience, customers can order sides including mashed potatoes, mushy or whole peas, gravy, and chocolate chip cookies. Pies of London’s fan base is flourishing with online ordering, popular pop-ups and farmers market appearances throughout Chicago and the suburbs, as well as a featured booth at the renowned Taste of Chicago.

1. Why did you choose to start Pies of London?
I felt my neighborhood was missing this iconic British food. As members of a former British colony, it was surprising to me that quite a few Americans have never heard of this product; they always equate it to chicken pot pies (yuck!). After finding success in offering my pies locally, I knew that we needed to expand this product to the airport. It is convenient, affordable, and made with good quality ingredients, perfect for traveling. Plus, the delays at airports, people deserve something to make them forget their predicament.

2. Tell us a little about your business and what makes it unique.
At Pies of London, we fill our pies with only the freshest ingredients sourced from local farmers and artisans of the highest quality. Our goal is to offer the best quality premium and gourmet pies at an affordable price. We are not the cheapest, but I am sure we are one of the best, if not the best. We use high-quality ingredients like Angus beef, Amish chicken, real butter, organic flour, mushrooms, and carrots simmered in herbs and cream for the finest premium taste. Our meat mixtures are simmered for hours, building flavor without the use of msg or additives.

3. What was the problem you were facing when you decided to contact the Illinois SBDC at Harper College?
I pretty much had everything mapped in my head, as I am an analytical person. I contacted the SBDC at Harper College because I needed someone else’s professional opinion to tell me the possibility of achieving my plan.

4. How did the Illinois SBDC at Harper College help with the problems you were having?
Advisors Tom Cassell and Kevin McVearry, were particularly helpful to me. Kevin has helped numerous times to look at and overcome challenges that could have made me give up my dreams. From reviewing my financial forecasts and the veracity of the numbers to solving business challenges, Kevin has been a life saver. Of his work with this successful entrepreneur, Kevin states, “It has been a pleasure to work with Dedun to bring her memories of her father’s bakery to the reality of a thriving and growing new business. I look forward to working with her on all phases of her business.”

5. Would you recommend small business owners use the services of the Illinois SBDC at Harper College?
I probably should say no because otherwise I would never get to be able to schedule time with Kevin, but absolutely I would. I wonder how many businesses fold because they don’t have a second set of eyeballs advising them.

6. What does the future look like for Pies of London?
To continue expanding Pies of London. I envision a sit-down eatery in a garden-like atmosphere to enjoy the not so humble pie. It would be the perfect place to hold events, from bachelorette’s to children’s parties.

7. If you had one piece of advice to give someone just starting a small business, what would it be?
After you think you have your business plan tied down, give the SBDC a call and pick the right adviser(s) for you. Ensure that they have the experience in your industry and defend your idea. If you really believe in your vision, fight for it, and understand you’re fulfilling a need that people may not know they currently have. I got accepted into many markets, pop-ups and specialty markets due to the uniqueness of my product.