Natalie Dinning - Lesley’s Sauces

Natalie Dinning is the passionate owner behind Lesley’s Sauces, a Caribbean sauce brand inspired by her family’s culinary heritage. The brand was named after her mother, Lesley, who created the original Jerk BBQ Sauce that became a staple at The Jerk Kitchen, a street food stall run by her father at the Arsenal Stadium. This venture was not just about serving delicious food but also about representing Jamaican culture in their local area and creating a community hub around their cuisine.

Lesley’s Sauces has evolved from a beloved component of their street food offerings to a standalone brand, offering a range of sauces that bring the flavors of the Caribbean to kitchens everywhere. Natalie took over the company after her father closed The Jerk Kitchen, and she has since led Lesley’s Sauces through growth and expansion, particularly during the pandemic, when the business saw a significant increase in stockists and customers. The brand now offers four distinct sauces, each designed to add a burst of Caribbean flavor to any dish.

Natalie’s journey with Lesley’s Sauces has been marked by both challenges and triumphs. One of her proudest moments includes getting Lesley’s Sauces stocked in Whole Foods, becoming the first female-owned Caribbean sauce company to have a condiment in the store. Despite facing barriers and financial challenges as an independent, self-funded business, Natalie remains driven by her love for culture, family, and the desire to see her community thrive.