We were lucky to catch up with Chef LaKisha Harris recently and have shared our conversation below.
Chef LaKisha , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
My mission is to mend racial, cultural and religious choices that keep us separated as a community at large.
One commonality amongst us all, is that we have to eat to live.
Most food choices come from our heritage, upbringing and even financial status.
At the end of the day, much like music-food transcends all cultures and can be a vehicle and platform wherein which we discuss our differences, learn about others and evolve in our thinking ; simply but understanding others and their plight
Chef LaKisha , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I was raised by both my parents and 9 siblings. Early on in life, I learned the responsibilities of taking care of family, cooking large meals, and choosing the well being of all over my own.
I studied abroad, went to college, climbed the corporate ladder and followed the course of most others.
I realized that I was working and obtaining income, but not “living” or practicing my passion.
One day, after working under the leadership of a very cruel and narcissistic supervisor; I made the choice to follow my dreams
I always enjoyed cooking and serving others, but the stigma attached to growing up obese-‘s being rejected by others caused me to hide my love for food.
It was as if one day, my soul just opened up. I then realized that life is really about charting your own course. Living according to your dreams and using the creativity that God placed on the inside of you.
I lost a lot, made many mistakes and found myself on public assistance. I had a dream in my heart, I just didn’t know how to bring it into fruition.
I just started practicing my passion. I made continuous improvements every day. I found my stride and purpose.
I began to share my love of food, culture and the history associated. I was happy to find that others enjoyed what I had to offer, and it was as if almost immediately the pain of the past went away.
It’s not come without significant sacrifice, loss and tears – but I’m living out my life’s purpose.
And thankful for my journey.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
I had to unlearn that my voice didn’t matter. That all that I am capable of dokey. So are others so it’s not worth sharing.
I had to learn that failure is a moment and not a lifetime sentence. That the climb to success is often lonely – but worth the reward in the end.
I had to unlearn that money equals happiness. When in fact, fulfilling your destiny is the most joyful journey you will ever take.
I had to learn that family or bliss connections do not equal your village. If they do not support. If no one applauds. If no one encourages you – you have to know without a shadow of a doubt; that if God is for you – he’s more than the entire world against you.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I began my journey cooking out of my home. When covid struck, I relocated to my hometown.
No savings, nowhere to go, and a 9 yr old child being raised by a single mother.
I slept on the floors and couches of family members. Lost my truck, home, marriage and bank accounts.
Seemingly going in reverse and not forward. The only thing I was assured of, was that I had a destiny. And that no matter who or what I lost – I had to fulfill it.
I’ve evolved as I’ve grown. Learning from my mistakes and humanity. I’ve learned to appreciate the valleys and enjoy the mountains.
Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. You have to be resilient, tenacious and humble. You can never let what hurt you JJ her you. Just keep moving forward. Keep praying. Keep learning: and above all else – keep showing up. 
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/soulfilledchef?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
- Facebook: L’ soul Filled
- Youtube: Cooking with l’soul
- Facebook: Soul Filled Catering and Private Chef Services
- Tiktok: Soulfilled1
Image Credits
Self photographing