Meet LaKisha Harris | Chef & Philanthropist

We had the good fortune of connecting with LaKisha Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi LaKisha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I began my own business because I knew I had something special to share with the world through food. I wanted live life, on my own terms in my own way. I wanted to follow my own rules, live without remorse and use my creativity to build my reality.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
By title I am a chef, but in conduct I am so much more than that. I speak 4 languages fluently, A Spanish teacher , a neurosurgical assistant, community liaison and advisor, a worship leader at my church, a volunteer within my community, a single mother, a divorcee.
I am someone who was once over 350 lbs. I was lost in this world, no self esteem; no feeling of worth.
All of these factors make me who I am today. They keep me humble, teach me compassion, help me stay grounded; and force me to believe that my faith has given me favor with many.
My food is bathed in love. And once a person has experienced it, they never forget having their Soul Filled.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If I were visiting Muskegon, my first stop would be Per Marquette. I would walk to the lighthouse, and climb the dunes.
I would eat a cinnamon roll from the “Early Owl” and walk the streets of downtown.
I would say hi to my friends at The Culinary Institute,The Frauenthal and Core Realty.
I would tell everyone how amazing the city of Muskegon has been to me; introducing them to our Mayor Ken Johnson and Jake Eckholm, who are big supporters of my brand.
On the following day, I would start my morning with The Doughnut Experience. They have THEE BEST doughnuts I’ve ever eaten in my life.
I would visit my Alma mater Reeths-Puffer High School, to show my rocket pride.
In the afternoon, I would go over to Bethany Church to talk with my bestie Pastor Jill and get her one of her amazing hugs.
I would have lunch at Hamburger Mikey, and have a twerk off with my bestie – owner Tim Taylor. I’d find time to volunteer at Kids Food Basket and Every Woman’s Place.
If the weather was permitting, I would then walk to The Farmers Market for fresh produce and to support the local economy.
For dinner I would have Navarro’s Mexican Takeout, Totoro’s with extra cheese and house chips.
I’d have to make a stop one day at “Flawless Studio by Kandra” she keeps me looking like a doll. Hair, makeup, laughter and sharing – would consume our entire day.
I wouldn’t mind visit friends at The Muskegon Channel, The Hackley Library, Wesco, GVSU Innovation Hub, or. Pine St Mercantil. I’d then trek across to sit and talk with Chef Corine, at Corine’s Cakes and Catering. She shares so much wisdom and love unselfishly I’d look for business guidance from my advisor Henrietta Hadley and Deputy Assistant Zaneta Adams
And if football season, I would go support my favorite quarterback M’Khi Guy and see him do what he does oh so well.
To close out my week, I would attend church at Corinthians, Church of The Living God or Holy Trinity. I’d find time to pray with my friend Andrea Piggue, Adrienne Melton, or Tonya Harris
I wouldn’t leave the city without something from the Tiki Boiz and shopping at Chic Boutique in the Lakes Mall.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The credit for who I am, and the evolution of all I’ve become belongs to my late grandmother Mrs Minnie Moore. She saw my love for food at an early age. She took time out with me, showing me how to make things from scratch, how to can/preserve, how to garden before l was 5 yrs old.
My grandmother had 62 grandchildren before her passing, but our bond was different. It was as if she knew that I would have the ability to carry out her legacy. I miss her more than words can express every day.
And the scripture Romans 8:18 that I learned at 16 years old, has carried me all of my life.
Website: https://soul-filled-enterprises.my.canva.site/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/soulfilledchef?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakisha.harris.524?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Other: Tik tok https://www.tiktok.com/@soulfilled1?_t=8hSCTrEP3E3&_r=1