Jada Miles shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Jada, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What battle are you avoiding?
I’ve been avoiding sharing my story and taking the next step in my creative journey because of fear of judgment. But I’m ready now to release it and fully claim my voice.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jada Miles, a Chicago native from the Westside, inspired by my late mother who passed when I was 11. Her love of cooking shaped my passion for creating soulful, plant-based meals that celebrate heritage and bring people together. I’m the founder of Neo Soul Eats, a brand blending Chicago soul and Caribbean flavors, and I’m currently working on a cookbook featuring beginner-friendly, health-conscious recipes that make flavorful cooking accessible to everyone.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I couldn’t make it out of my environment, that I wasn’t beautiful, and that I wasn’t deserving of love. Today, I no longer believe those things — I know I am worthy, capable, and ready to create the life I deserve.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the defining wounds of my life was losing my mother to breast cancer at 11 years old. Her passing left an emptiness that shaped much of my identity and my need to nurture others. I also carried wounds from growing up in an environment where hope felt limited and love was often conditional. Healing came when I learned to turn pain into purpose — through cooking, creativity, and faith. Every dish I make now carries her love and the resilience she taught me. My healing is ongoing, but I’ve transformed grief into gratitude and found strength in becoming the woman she raised me to be.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I am committed to building my culinary brand, Neo Soul Eats, and sharing my love for soulful, plant-based cooking. No matter how long it takes, I will turn my vision into a restaurant, bakery, and cookbook that inspires and nourishes others.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I used to follow the path that felt expected of me—being the responsible one, helping everyone else before myself. But I’ve learned that I was born to create healing through food and storytelling. That’s what lights me up, and that’s where my heart belongs.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: neosoul_eats
- Facebook: Jada Miles
