THE CHEF
IS IN.
introducing
LAQUISHA
JACKSON
Laquisha first felt inclined to cook when she was seven years old. By the time she turned nine, she was cooking meals. She has a love for all things delicious, but growing up on a hearty diet of authentic southern food has inspired her specialty: hot and tasty, gourmet southern cuisine.
To Laquisha, cooking is therapeutic: she loves trying her hand at new recipes and making dishes as beautiful as they are satisfying. She’s experimented with countless recipes and can find a way to appreciate them all, but her all-time favorite dish is mac-and-cheese, a favorite among her eight children as well.
Food for the body is not enough.There must be food for the soul.
DOROTHY DAY
Soulful Kitchen launched three years ago when Laquisha started cooking professionally. Prior to starting her catering business, Laquisha worked in the hospitality industry for nineteen years at each level: server, prep cook, and manager, to name a few. In May 2019, she graduated from Ivy Tech Community College with her associate degree in Hospitality Administration, and she’s currently a member of the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce.
While cooking is definitely Laquisha’s calling, her heart shares another passion in service in the hospitality industry as well as in her community. Laquisha is certified with ServSafe, so her services observe all health and safety procedures when handling food and beverage services. She recognizes the importance of this education, and as a dual ServSafe Instructor and Registered Proctor, she provides ServSafe classes to all foodies interested in becoming certified and potentially elevating their culinary career.
featured in
SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE'S
Under
40
40
2021
Chef Jackson was recognized by the South Bend Tribune in the 2021 class of South Bend's 40 Under 40. The publication states: "the 15th annual "40 Under 40" represents some of the brightest talents in the region. Honorees, chosen by a committee formed by the South Bend Regional Chamber, are recognized for the achievements in their careers and their contributions to community. The eight-person selection committee, comprised of local business leaders, reviewed more than 180 nominations this year. "
Additionally, Laquisha takes great pleasure serving as the Hospitality Leader at her church. She possesses a strong passion for helping families who suffer from food insecurities, which inspired her to start Hope for the Hungry, a non-profit dedicated to addressing the needs of the hungry in Michiana.
Being a mother, philanthropist, and entrepreneur certainly isn’t easy, but Laquisha attributes her success to the support and understanding of her friends and family, as well as maintaining a good balance between work and home. She loves what she does and one day would like to be a guest on the Food Network or have her own cooking show, write her own cookbook, and create her own cookware and seasonings. Be on the lookout -- this chef is just getting warmed up!
