Kelli is a force to be reckoned with. With a background in fashion, her journey into cooking (and the opening of her very own restaurant, Nana’s Chicken n Waffles) might seem unexpected, but it’s this unique blend of creativity and passion that makes her stand out.

Kelli teamed up with Bojangles – a brand that shares her love for Southern cuisine and soul-satisfying meals – to promote the launch of its newest sweet treat, Peach Cobbler. In this exclusive Q&A, Kelli talks about her creative process, her favorite comfort foods and what excites her most about this collaboration. Plus, she gives us a sneak peek into her life beyond the kitchen, including her hidden talents and favorite ATL hangouts. Dive in to get to know the woman behind the flavors and discover what’s next for Kelli and Bojangles!

Bojangles: Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into cooking?

Kelli: Of course, I started cooking when I was a little girl. I learned to cook with my mother and grandmother, and from there, honestly, I didn’t have a degree in hospitality and restaurants. My degree was in fashion merchandising and design, but cooking was always one of those things I enjoyed doing on the side. In 2016, I created a vision board of everything I wanted to develop, create and inspire. One of the things I put on that board was a restaurant. From there, I opened Nana’s Chicken n Waffles in December of 2016. I named it after my grandmother – Nana – who is 85 years young and still moving and grooving. Her fried chicken recipe is legendary in our family and combining that with my love for desserts and dishes bred the many waffle recipes that we serve at the restaurant.

Bojangles: Do you make all the recipes for Nana’s Chicken n Waffles?
Kelli: I’m very hands-on; I make most of the recipes myself. It depends. My daughter inspired me recently by making an incredible Oreo waffle! I have amazing chefs as well.

Bojangles: Can you share a bit about your creative process when developing new recipes?
Kelli: My creative process is all about taking things I love and reimagining them. I often think back to my favorite childhood dishes and figure out how to turn them into waffles. It was a no-brainer when I created a peach cobbler waffle, because I’m a Georgia Peach! I love lemon merengue pie – so I created a lemon waffle. I’m from Maryland, so I created a honey sriracha waffle topped with a deep-fried lobster tail and shrimp kebab as a nod to home. I got creative during COVID and asked myself: what can I throw in here now? That’s where I came up with a banana foster waffle, which has been a huge hit.

Bojangles: What is your go-to comfort meal?
Kelli: I used to love when my mom would cook on Sundays. She would always make fried chicken, mac n’ cheese, candied yams and cornbread. That’s my go-to.

Bojangles: In your opinion, what food defines Southern cuisine?
Kelli: Fried chicken, for certain. It’s iconic. Cornbread is another staple, and honestly, Southern cooking is all about cooking with your soul. That’s the cherry on top.

Bojangles: What excites you most about collaborating with Bojangles?
Kelli: Bojangles and I have so much in common when it comes to Southern cuisine. We both believe in food that feeds the soul and the value in providing true Southern hospitality. Service is a top priority for both of us, and I think this collaboration is a match made in heaven.

Bojangles: Give us your first impressions of the Bojangles Peach Cobbler.
Kelli: Warm, delightful and sweet—just like me!

Bojangles: What’s one item you think Bojangles should make?
Kelli: I’d love to see some waffles, of course. That would be pure magic.

Favorite song? “All the Single Ladies” by Beyoncé.
Dream vacation destination? Egypt.
What’s your hidden talent? Roller skating.
Favorite TV show? Sex and the City.
Go-to ATL spot? Johnny’s Hideaway.
Describe yourself in three words. Strong, resilient and a firecracker.

Bojangles: Describe Season 16 of Real Housewives of Atlanta as one of your waffle options.

Kelli: Let’s just say there’s a very hot Sweet 16 coming up, much like my honey sriracha waffle…