Kelli Ferrell Says She Didn't Hear Brit Eady's Pistol Comment

Kelli Ferrell Talks NaNa’s Chicken and Waffles

During the interview, Ferell enthusiastically shared with BOSSIP how her grandmother, affectionately known as “NaNa,” inspired her to create the NaNa’s Chicken and Waffles empire. What started as a dream on her vision board has evolved into a thriving Southern food staple. The restaurant, with locations in Georgia, has become a beloved destination for comfort food, bringing together flavor, family, and community.

“I’ve had my business for 8 years, and I’ve been able to sell amazing chicken and waffles for the last 8 years,” she proudly told BOSSIP. “My business started on a vision board. I put everything on that vision board that I wanted in my life—from the restaurant to products to vacations, homes, everything—and literally, that’s what I did. I was able to manifest NaNa’s Chicken and Waffles and dedicate that to my beautiful grandmother, Nana, and we have been doing so since December 26, 2016.”

Still, the road to success hasn’t been without bumps.

“Restaurants are hard, you know?” she admitted during BOSSIP’s #RealityRecap. “I’m grateful I was able to make it through the pandemic and do some amazing things, but hospitality in general is very hard, and business in general is very hard.”

Still, she made sure to emphasize during this Black Women’s History Month that fellow female entrepreneurs can follow in her footsteps.

“You gotta go for it. Nothing beats a failure but a try. I got a lot of no’s before I got a lot of yeses,” she said.“I was in fashion before I was in hospitality, and I didn’t have a big background in restaurants. So I always tell people I went to Google and YouTube University. I figured it out on my own… but most importantly, when God gives you a vision, he instills it in you.”

That divine direction, paired with hustle and heart, continues to guide Kelli as she grows her brand and fulfills her purpose both on and off screen.

Watch our BOSSIP #RealityRecap with Kelli Ferrell!