THE CHEF
IS IN.
introducing
LAQUISHA
JACKSON
Laquisha first felt inclined to cook at the age of seven. By nine, she was preparing meals. Her passion for delicious food, combined with a childhood enriched by authentic Southern cuisine, has inspired her specialty: hot and flavorful gourmet Southern dishes.
For Laquisha, cooking is therapeutic. She enjoys experimenting with new recipes and creating dishes that are as visually appealing as they are satisfying. While she appreciates countless recipes, her all-time favorite is mac and cheese, which is also a beloved dish among her eight children
Food for the body is not enough. There must be food for the soul.
DOROTHY DAY
Soulful Kitchen was established in 2017 when Laquisha embarked on her professional cooking journey. Prior to launching her catering business, she spent nineteen years in the hospitality industry, holding various roles such as server, prep cook, and manager. In May 2019, she earned an associate degree in Hospitality Administration from Ivy Tech Community College and is an active member of the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce.
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Laquisha has received numerous accolades, including the 2024 Notre Dame Bootcamp Distinguished Alumni Michael H. Boyce Award, the 2024 Distinguished Alumni of Leadership South Bend Award, and the 2024 Northwest Indiana Influential Women’s Award in the Up & Coming Arts category.
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​LaQuisha Jackson is also a facilitator for the Getting Ahead program, a curriculum designed to empower individuals living in poverty by helping them build resources and develop a plan for achieving self-sufficiency.
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While cooking remains her primary passion, Laquisha is equally committed to service within the hospitality industry and her community. Certified in ServSafe, she ensures her catering services meet the highest health and safety standards. As a dual ServSafe Instructor and Registered Proctor, she also provides certification courses, helping aspiring food enthusiasts and professionals advance their culinary careers.
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 in serving as the Hospitality Leader at her church. She has a strong passion for helping families who suffer from food insecurity, which inspired her to start Hope for the Hungry, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of the hungry in Michiana.
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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 her ability to maintain a good balance between work and home.
She loves what she does and one day hopes to be a guest on the Food Network, 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!
