Nakaya D Powell
Nakaya Powell (She/Her) is a Philadelphia-based entrepreneur, culinary professional, and community leader whose career reflects resilience, faith, and purpose-driven leadership. She is the CEO of Nakaya’s Personal Touch Catering and Nakaya’s Personal Touch LLC Apparel & Accessories, where she has successfully built and expanded brands rooted in creativity, quality, and personal connection. With extensive experience in the culinary industry, Nakaya has worked alongside respected professionals such as Delilah Winder, operated her own catering business, and contributed her talents to several high-end restaurants throughout Philadelphia. Her professional foundation is supported by formal education from J&A Culinary Institutes and The Art Institute of Philadelphia, equipping her with both culinary expertise and business acumen.
Nakaya’s journey is deeply personal and inspiring. As a single mother, she has navigated and overcome significant personal challenges while achieving milestones such as homeownership and sustained business growth. Her faith has played a central role in her life and career, serving as the inspiration behind her faith-based brand, Look What Faith Did, which symbolizes perseverance, strength, and unwavering belief through adversity. This philosophy not only guides her entrepreneurial ventures but also shapes her leadership style—grounded, authentic, and purpose-focused.
Beyond her professional achievements, Nakaya is deeply committed to service and community engagement. She volunteers at Girard College and consistently gives her time and resources to support her local community. Her personal interests include active involvement in church, singing gospel music, traveling, and spending time as a proud mother to her daughter, India, and a devoted pet mom. Known for her compassionate spirit, Nakaya is passionate about using her life experiences to support, uplift, and guide others, embodying a genuine commitment to giving back and making a meaningful impact.
• I hold an Associate's degree in Culinary Arts and Business Management, and I am certified in safe food handling practices, pro-management techniques in nutrition cost control, hospitality management, supervisory skills, and plate presentation.
• The Art of culinary Philadelphia - AA
• Girard College FEA Board Vice Chair
What do you attribute your success to?
Rooted in my faith, I'm driven by dedication, resilience, and determination to inspire my daughter and young women everywhere to reach for limitless possibilities, knowing that unwavering focus can turn aspirations into reality. Now I can truly say I’m living out my dreams.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Tapping into the unique gifts and talents God has given each of us unlocks unparalleled potential and fulfillment, allowing us to transcend limitations and pursue careers that ignite passion and purpose, such as roles that prioritize exceptional customer experiences, where treating others with kindness and respect is paramount, and passions like cooking and designing clothes become catalysts for success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To young women entering this industry, I believe there is immense value in combining hard work with creativity. I encourage you to stay curious, listen closely, and learn from experienced professionals who have paved the way, as their insights can be invaluable to your growth. At the same time, it’s equally important to trust yourself and cultivate your own unique style and voice success comes from balancing respect for the craft with the confidence to bring your individuality to everything you do.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I just need to take the time to allow myself to put all the effort that I did into my catering business into my apparel line. Working a full-time job and catering and doing things at school limits my time, but if I want my business to succeed and thrive, I really have to take the time to get the things done that I need for the apparel line to succeed. Trust me I am.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and showing positive leadership. Show me, compassion, empathy. To stay in humble.