Nashville State Student Focus on Service Takes Her Far
M.K. Harris is an entrepreneur, businesswoman, member of the student government, and a student in her final semester at Nashville State. But, beyond the many titles and activities, in her heart, she’s someone who cares.
One of six siblings, Harris, who is earning her Associate of Science in Business Management, grew up in a busy household surrounded by brothers and sisters, grandparents and great-grandparents, and friends and neighbors. It was there she said her love of people began and where she built the support system that helps carry her today.
“I would not be here without my support system and my faith in God,” Harris said.
A Nashville native, Harris first attended Nashville State right after graduating from Hunters Lane High School, but, after some time, became unsure of what her long-term goals were and left school before completing her degree.
Upon leaving she began a career in the hospitality industry. Over the years, working in various roles, Harris said her passion for helping people gave her direction.
“To see the smile on people’s faces and make the client happy is the best feeling in the world,” Harris said.
Eventually, she joined her mom working at the Nashville institution Prince’s Hot Chicken.
Prince’s is seen as the home and originator of the world-renowned and fiery dish–Nashville style “Hot Chicken”.
Started in the 1940’s, Prince’s has become a centerpiece of southern food and culture, with their blazingly spicy fried chicken.
Harris began working there in 2021 and has risen to assistant general manager.
In her role, she has helped the iconic brand evolve and develop new ventures to expand the reach of the business. One of these new ventures Harris has built a passion for is their catering services.
In addition to her other work, Harris started her own business in 2020. With her knowledge and love of serving others, Harris launched Peace of Cake Concierge, where she specializes in providing personal assistant services to her clients helping them manage their day-to-day needs.
“Being in hospitality I loved being able to delight my clients,” Harris said.
“Making those small details easier for people, you can really make a difference in someone’s life.”
As she progressed through her career, Harris said she was inspired by her younger sister McKenzie who followed her dream to become a collegiate band member and college graduate.
McKenzie inspired M.K. to finish what she started at Nashville State.
“She was one of my biggest motivators.”
Harris resumed classes in August of 2024 and threw herself into her studies and student life.
“Everyone is willing to help you succeed at Nashville State,” Harris said.
She joined SGA as the Senator for the School of Business and Professional Studies, where she uses her focus on service to help other students and makes efforts to shine a spotlight on helping adult learners, like herself, navigate the collegiate landscape.
“Being of service to other people is my passion, I love being able to do that and letting people know you have people to help you,” Harris said.
As she prepares to graduate in the spring and readies herself to transfer to the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, she said she is “immersing herself in the experiences.”
“Keep going, find your passion, and don’t let up,” Harris said.
“You can get it done.”
Harris has been accepted into the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Natalie L. Haslam College of Music to pursue music business. She starts in the fall of 2025.
