Hi, I’m Janelle—the heart and hands behind Nelly’s Cuisine. The name “Nelly” comes from the latter half of my given name, but it also carries a deeper meaning: “the shining light.” For me, food has always been more than a meal—it’s a way to shine my light, share love, and bring people together.
My culinary journey began right here in Indiana, working in corporate dining at Cummins. What started as a deli position quickly grew into a passion. I rotated through every station—the salad bar, grill, and line—learning hands-on from seasoned chefs. In 2007, I had my breakthrough moment when I was challenged to create a full protein dish and a vinaigrette from scratch. That experience unlocked my confidence as a chef and sparked my dream to do more with food.
Over the years, I built my reputation in the kitchen through energy, creativity, and flavors that drew long lines. Customers often said, “What is she making? Why is the line so long?” That joy of serving people kept me going until 2020, when COVID-19 suddenly changed everything. Sent home from work, I felt lost—until my pastor and mentor encouraged me to step out in faith and start my own business.
I began small, preparing meals for doctors and busy families, and hosting pop-up shops featuring my Caribbean-inspired cuisine. The response was overwhelming. I still remember giving away my last portion of curry goat to a woman who insisted it was “the best she had ever tasted.” That single dish led to my first cultural event catering opportunity—and the beginning of Nelly’s Cuisine as a true brand.
Since then, I’ve cooked for schools, cultural festivals, and community events, each time bringing a taste of my Trinidad and Tobago roots to Indiana. Along the way, I’ve been blessed with mentorship, newspaper features, and incredible customers who have supported my journey.
Nelly’s Cuisine is more than food—it’s a story of resilience, faith, and passion. Whether it’s a plate of curry goat, jerk chicken, or freshly made sides, my goal is always the same: to serve meals that feed both body and soul.
At Nelly’s Cuisine, every dish is crafted with a creative twist, blending traditional Caribbean flavors with modern techniques. We take pride in delivering meals that are both comforting and refreshingly new.
We believe great food starts with integrity, which is why we carefully select ingredients from trusted, ethical sources. Supporting fair practices ensures that every meal nourishes both our community and the people behind the produce.
Our commitment to health and flavor means using only 100% organic ingredients whenever possible. This guarantees that every bite is wholesome, natural, and packed with fresh, authentic taste.