About Chef Harley

Chef Deshawnadann Mills, affectionately known as Chef Harley, was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, a city rich with hidden secrets and gems that shaped her culinary journey. From a young age, she was immersed in the world of cooking, thanks to her mother, a hard-working woman who would come home from long shifts and still find time to prepare hearty meals for not just the family, but for the entire neighborhood. Her mother was lovingly called “Ole G Mama”, a title that reflected her heart for service and community. This spirit of hospitality was passed down to Chef Harley, who often found herself side-by-side with her mother in the kitchen, learning the ropes of preparing flavorful dishes and feeding anyone who needed a meal.

On days off from school, Chef Harley would spend time with her grandmother, picking fresh greens and herbs from the garden, gathering ingredients for their meals. She vividly remembers the scent of BBQ wafting through the air as they prepared for their annual neighborhood pig roast, a feast that brought the entire community together. Whether it was learning to clean fish or helping with the cooking, Harley absorbed the lessons of culinary art and the power of food to connect people.

One moment that stands out to her is when she asked her mother, “Why are we feeding all these people? Don’t they have homes?” Her mother’s reply was simple yet profound: “Babygirl, you don’t know everyone’s story. You may be entertaining an angel, or this meal might be the one thing they look forward to all day. Look how happy they are.” This wisdom stuck with her, igniting a lifelong passion to recreate that joy, warmth, and sense of belonging for everyone through her food.

With over 15 years of culinary experience and formal culinary training, Chef Harley has mastered the art of creating exceptional culinary experiences that are as flavorful as they are memorable. Her culinary style is deeply influenced by her roots, specializing in soul food, Caribbean dishes, and comfort foods that evoke a sense of home. From rich, savory braised short ribs to vibrant, spiced jerk chicken and classic fried green tomatoes, her dishes are a reflection of her love for bold, comforting flavors.

But her journey hasn’t always been smooth. As a survivor of domestic violence, Chef Harley turned to her passion for cooking as a way to heal and find purpose. Her experiences have fueled her advocacy for others, particularly for those who are survivors of trauma, and for autism awareness, a cause close to her heart as her son has autism. Her resilience and determination to create meaningful, heartfelt experiences through food continue to inspire those around her.

Today, as the proud founder of Elegant Eats LLC, Chef Harley delivers more than just meals—she creates experiences that bring people together, celebrating life’s moments through the universal language of food. Her goal is to ensure that every dish she creates not only nourishes the body but also touches the soul, just like the meals she grew up sharing with her community in Milwaukee. Whether she’s crafting a four-course dinner, a Caribbean-inspired feast, or a soulful brunch, Chef Harley’s food tells a story—one of love, resilience, and connection.

“Everyone deserves a great meal,” she believes, and with every dish, she brings that belief to life, one unforgettable experience at a time.