Hidden Gems: Meet Kerline Ordeus of KO Kitchen LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kerline Ordeus.

Hi Kerline, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a Haitian chef, storyteller, and community builder based in Los Angeles. My journey with food began long before I ever thought of it as a business. I learned to cook in Haiti from family members and villagers who treated food as memory, medicine, and resistance. Cooking wasn’t just about feeding people; it was about survival, love, and preserving culture.

When I moved to Los Angeles, I was deeply craving community and connection. I didn’t see Haitian food or stories represented the way I knew they deserved to be, so I decided to create what I was looking for. That’s how Knockout Kitchen was born not just as a catering company, but as a platform to celebrate Haitian history, women, farmers, and the power of gathering.

Today, my work spans catering, cooking classes, private dining experiences, cultural events, and content creation. Everything I do is rooted in honoring where I come from while reimagining what Haitian food and storytelling can look like in modern spaces. Food is my language, but community is the heart of everything I build.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is building trust and support in spaces where resources are limited and competition can feel personal. When you’re creating something new especially in underrepresented communities not everyone understands your vision right away. I’ve experienced moments where collaboration didn’t work out, ideas were misunderstood, or support wasn’t there when I needed it most.

Another challenge has been wearing multiple hats. I work full-time in healthcare while building my culinary business, which requires discipline, boundaries, and constant recalibration. There have been moments of burnout and self-doubt, but I’ve learned to pace myself and stay aligned with my purpose.

Through it all, I’ve learned that clarity, documentation, and standing firm in my values are essential. Every obstacle has helped me refine my voice, strengthen my boundaries, and build something that’s truly sustainable not just for me, but for the community I serve.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
KO Kitchen LLC is a Haitian-rooted culinary and cultural platform based in Los Angeles. Through catering, private dining, cooking classes, and community-centered events, I create experiences that highlight the depth, history, and intention behind Haitian food.

My work goes beyond serving meals, it’s about storytelling, education, and connection. I design immersive experiences that bring together food, music, art, and conversation to honor Haitian heritage while making it accessible to broader audiences. From intimate dinners to large-scale cultural gatherings, each experience is thoughtfully curated to feel warm, intentional, and rooted in tradition.

Over the years, this work has led to collaborations with community organizations, cultural institutions, and brands, and a growing audience both online and in person. I’m especially proud that people consistently return not just for the food, but for the care, storytelling, and sense of belonging they experience at my events.

In addition to live events, KO Kitchen is expanding into digital content and future product offerings that allow people to engage with Haitian cuisine and culture in their everyday lives. At its core, my work is about preserving culture, building community, and using food as a bridge between generations.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is integrity in how I show up, how I collaborate, and how I tell stories through food. Haitian cuisine carries generations of knowledge, and honoring that responsibility guides every decision I make.

Community also matters deeply. I’m intentional about creating spaces that feel inclusive, respectful, and rooted in connection. That means uplifting elders, LGBTQIA+, supporting artists, farmers, and small businesses, and making sure the people involved in my work are valued and seen.

Lastly, sustainability matters not just environmentally, but emotionally and culturally. I’m focused on building something that’s honest, thoughtful, and long-lasting, rather than fast or extractive. If the work doesn’t align with my values, it’s not worth doing.

Pricing:

• Catering & Events Custom pricing based on guest count, menu, and event scope.
• Private Dining Experiences Starting at $150 per person, depending on customization and service level.
• Cooking Classes (Public & Private) Pricing varies by format and group size.
• Community & Cultural Events Sliding scale or partnership-based pricing available.
• Consulting / Collaborations Project-based pricing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.haitianko.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haitiankokitchen?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563523358572&mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@haitiankokitchen?si=bdMYCpEqql8eNlbL
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@haitianko?_r=1&_t=ZT-93EOOtWDYuz

Image Credits
7ven Monae -cooking classes + red dress image