Keisha Rucker wears multiple hats. Mother. Wife. Successful Entrepreneur. Mentor. Friend and more.
Rucker’s entrepreneurial journey started as a student at Kenwood Academy, where she developed a passion for beauty, style, and fashion. She enrolled in cosmetology school and became a natural hairstylist before going on to open her first business, Pink Velvet Boutique.
Rucker is Co-owner of the popular Hyde Park eatery, The Soul Shack. It is a staple on 53rd street and frequently draws people from all across the Chicagoland area. Though she was born and raised in the neighborhood, owning a restaurant there is something she never imagined she’d do until she did.
N’DIGO recently sat down with Rucker to learn more about The Soul Shack, her personal keys to business, and why mentoring the youth is so important to her.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Keisha Rucker?
Keisha Rucker: Keisha Rucker is a woman of God, mother of three, wife, and someone who loves everyone.
As someone who was born and raised in Hyde Park, how would you describe the magic that is Hyde Park to someone who has never been to the esteemed neighborhood?
Hyde Park is a beautiful neighborhood. It is a community full of families that bring neighbors together, becoming extended family members. Hyde Park offers diversity and allows you to be you. We have many cultures, a variety of restaurants, and many families owned businesses and stores. U of C Campus is located here and, of course, Kenwood High school, where I graduated.
It’s a warm and welcoming place full of life. Many annual festivals and summer and fall events that people love happen here. We are right by Lake Michigan, with one of the best locations to see the sunrise and set. Many of the city’s community leaders and movers and shakers live in Hyde Park. The neighborhood can inspire you. I know this neighborhood. I love and appreciate everything it has to offer. If you’ve been, you know, and if you haven’t, I encourage you to visit.
Did you know pretty early on that you wanted to own a business in Hyde Park?
I never imagined owning a business in Hyde Park when I was growing up. My first dream profession was to be a news broadcaster. *smile* When you are young, you have so many dreams. As I got older, I discovered I had a passion for being an entrepreneur. I knew I would always work for myself.
How did The Soul Shack come to fruition?
The Soul Shack is the result of two great minds in Keisha Rucker and Rico Nance putting their thoughts and creations together to obtain a fantastic outcome! He found the location. The menu is put together from my recipes and family recipes passed down from my great-grandmother.
What is The Soul Shack’s “It Factor” that makes it different from other restaurants?
Soul Shack is an upscale boutique-style restaurant featuring soul food with a twist. We offer traditional soul food meals, but we also carry a Surf & Turf meal that you would typically have to go to a high-end restaurant for.
Can you tell us what has been the undisputed crowd favorite as far as menu items thus far?
I’ve heard people say they are often surprised with the taste of my signature entrees Jerk Cornish Hens, Beef Short Ribs, and Lamb Chops. They are among my favorites too.
What are some of the adjustments you’ve had to make for the restaurant because of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Working hard to retrain our staff was a significant change we had to adjust for. Food and safety are a huge part of our industry. For the safety of our customers, we continuously sanitize and clean multiple times a day. We are very diligent about following all of the guidelines regarding proper social distancing, wearing masks, and keeping plenty of hand sanitizer available.. We are asking every staff member and customer to be patient as things continue to change and evolve. We know we will get through this soon.
What are some of the unique struggles you’ve faced as an entrepreneur who happens to be a black woman?
I can honestly say I have been very blessed in my entrepreneurial journey. I have the support of my partner and my team. I don’t think of them as struggles, just learning lessons.
How do you balance and manage your busy life as a wife, mother, entrepreneur?
I have been an entrepreneur for a long time now. My family and I are trained at this point for a busy schedule. They know we are doing it all for our family and our community.
You also do some mentoring and speaking to the youth of the community. Tell us your approach to mentoring and why it’s so important to you?
I love talking to kids and teenagers and whoever will listen to me encourage them to find something they love to do and going out to do it! Everything is not for everybody. Find what makes you happy. Some people are never encouraged by anyone. I try to push anyone I meet that has a good idea. You can do it. Step out on faith. Try it once. If it’s for you, then it will work. I want everybody to know it’s possible to be who and whatever you want to be!
What are three of your personal keys to business?
Read, Listen. and Learn. I have two women in Yasmin Curtis and Princess Lomax that were in the restaurant industry before me. Any questions or knowledge I need to know, they have been willing to share with me without hesitation. These are things I truly appreciate. We must support one another.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
That l love rehabbing homes and I actually get down and dirty putting them together myself.
Best advice or words of wisdom to young entrepreneurs?
Step out on faith and believe in yourself. Never doubt yourself. Sometimes we hold ourselves back. It’s not the people around us! We do it to ourselves sometimes.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
The past is your lesson. The present is your gift. The future is your motivation.
What’s next for Keisha Rucker?
My goals are to continue running a successful business with the hopes of new locations in different cities. I am working with a few young ladies pushing them to open their own restaurants and believe in their dreams. I have big dreams of becoming an owner of a Boutique Hotel in a warm climate city one day! The sky’s the limit!
The Soul Shack is located at 1368 E 53rd Street in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. For more information, please visit www.thesoul53.com
