Libertyville woman gives pies a try
Janet Speck left a 20-year career in graphic design because of a need to try something new and express a different type of creativity.
Speck now creates pies instead of documents on the computer.
The Libertyville woman launched Tweety Pie, a business specializing in pies, both sweet and savory. "I do just pies," Speck said.
The entrepreneur emphasizes that she focuses on quality, an aspect that she feels differentiates her from the larger pie sellers. "My pies are all-natural and made by hand," she said. "It's such a great niche."
Because there are no processed ingredients in the recipes, the shelf-life of the pies is three or four days. "Each pie takes a couple of hours to make," she added.
The apple nut is the most popular sweet pie topped with a brown sugar and pecan crispy topping. The large pie sells for $18 while the 6-inch goes for $6. Pecan, blueberry and cherry are other favorites.
On the savory side, Speck creates pies for every meal, from the bacon, egg and cheddar pie to crab or sweet potato pie. The chicken pot pie is a favorite with an $8 price tag for the small and $20 for the larger version.
Speck started the business in her home kitchen after taking all the necessary food and sanitation classes. However, she found she could not legally sell the pies baked in her home. Beginning in April, Speck began renting space at a commercial kitchen.
She now sells the handmade treats at Parkview Gourmet in Libertyville and Tony's Butcher in Grayslake and Libertyville. The pies will also be sold at the Libertyville Farmer's Market on Thursday mornings.
Because of the ingredients, Speck does not yet ship the pies. She sells some of the pies frozen with directions attached on how to reheat. "You'd never know they were frozen," she added.
The name, Tweety Pie, is a nickname her mother, Arlene Wahlin, has used for years.
Speck's mother, originally from Sweden, assists in the business. Wahlin has a background in catering. One of Speck's early memories in the kitchen is of her mother making Swedish meatballs. "My mom makes the best meatballs and she doesn't have her recipes written down," Speck said.
Speck, 43, uses all her own recipes that she has altered over the years. Much like in her career as a graphic designer, she says this is another way to express her creativity.
She and her husband, Michael, are raising two daughters.
Speck, who grew up in Glenview, believes the pies will be popular in the summer. "It's all about home cooking and bringing a family together," she added.
For more information, call (847) 602-1063 or check out www.tweety-pie.com.
@Leadin for body copy:Legal issues: "HR Legal Update," a free business workshop focusing on workplace immigration issues, will be presented from 8 to 9 a.m. June 25 in the lobby of Dunham Hall, 1400 Marseillaise Place at Aurora University. The school's Human Resources Institute is presenting the event. Penelope M. Lechtenberg, partner with Hinshaw & Culbertson in Rockford, will lead the educational session.
French nails: L'Eiffel Bistrot & Creperie and Anthony Vince Nail Spa are the latest retailers to sign leases at The Arboretum of South Barrington. L'Eiffel is a new restaurant owned by Woodstock resident Frank Ferru, his family members and a private investor. It will feature authentic French cuisine.
The nail spa, with locations in Illinois and Ohio, is expanding from Oakbrook Center. Vince Ho owns the growing business.
Kim Mikus covers small business. Contact her at (847) 427-4567 or at kmikus@dailyherald.com.