Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Harris.
Hi Erica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Chef Erica Oden Harris, affectionately known as Chef OH, is the visionary founder behind Dress Up LLC—a gourmet soul food and catering brand rooted in legacy, culture, and elevated flavor. With a love for the kitchen that began in early childhood, Chef OH grew up surrounded by generations of exceptional home cooks, where the rich traditions of Southern cuisine from Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana were passed down and perfected. Today, those same flavors are reimagined with a refined California twist, creating a signature style that is both nostalgic and elevated.
A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Chef OH brings formal training in cross-cultural cuisine, charcuterie, and buffet presentation, paired with years of hands-on experience across every level of the culinary industry—from prep chef to private chef and beyond. Her journey reflects both resilience and passion, ultimately leading her to entrepreneurship and the birth of Dress Up.
Established as a formal business in 2022, Dress Up LLC is more than catering—it is a full culinary experience. The brand was inspired by Chef OH’s original line of handcrafted dressings and has evolved into a luxury soul food service known for bold flavors, beautiful presentation, and unforgettable moments. At its core, Dress Up stands for excellence, intention, and impact—serving food that not only satisfies, but tells a story and creates lasting memories.
Beyond the kitchen, Chef OH is a woman of faith, a devoted mother, and a passionate advocate—using her platform to inspire others, raise awareness for premature birth and intellectual disabilities, and lead with purpose in every space she enters.
Dress Up LLC is where soul meets sophistication—where every dish is done with love, every event is elevated, and every experience is unforgettable.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but it’s been a purposeful one. Building Dress Up LLC from the ground up came with challenges like limited funding, lack of resources, and having to do everything on my own at times.
There were moments where I was the chef, the manager, the marketer, and the backbone all at once. But those pressures didn’t break me—they refined me. They taught me discipline, faith, and how to build something meaningful with what I had.
What started with very little has grown into something I’m proud of, and every struggle is a part of that story.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a certified chef and the owner of Dress Up LLC, a soul food and catering company rooted in tradition and elevated with a California twist. I specialize in creating gourmet soul food experiences—whether it’s intimate meal prep, private chef services, or full-scale catered events. My focus is not just on feeding people, but creating moments through food that feel intentional, comforting, and unforgettable.
I’m known for bold, flavorful dishes that carry generational roots from the South—Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana—while presenting them in a refined, modern way. From signature brunch experiences to elevated comfort meals, everything I create is done with precision, passion, and love.
What I’m most proud of is building my business from the ground up while staying true to who I am—my faith, my values, and my commitment to excellence. Every menu, every plate, and every client experience reflects that.
What sets me apart is the intention behind my work. I don’t just cook—I curate experiences. I blend soulful tradition with elevated presentation, professionalism, and a personal touch that makes people feel seen, cared for, and celebrated. My clients aren’t just getting a meal—they’re getting a feeling, a memory, and a standard of quality that speaks for itself.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
One of the things I love most about Sacramento is its diversity. It’s a city full of culture, resilience, and creativity, and that shows up beautifully in the community and in the food scene.
At the same time, one of the biggest challenges is the lack of funding and resources available to small business owners—especially those who look like me or come from backgrounds where access hasn’t always been equal. There are so many talented entrepreneurs trying to build something meaningful, but without the right support, it can feel like you’re constantly having to work twice as hard just to be seen and sustained.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @DressUpLLC
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085179855795&mibextid=wwXIfr
