Chuvalo “Mark” Ferrell is a Georgia-based entrepreneur and father who built a thriving business from the ground up — only to watch it be stripped away through a series of devastating legal rulings and public misrepresentations. As the founder of Nana’s Chicken and Waffle, a beloved Southern food brand with multiple locations and a food truck, Mark turned passion and hustle into a legacy.
But in the wake of a contentious divorce, Mark lost everything: his business, his home, access to his children, and nearly his peace of mind. Despite documentation proving his ownership and financial transparency, he was repeatedly jailed, misrepresented in the media, and denied a fair voice in the courtroom. Even worse, these false portrayals have been amplified on national television — including episodes of The Real Housewives of Atlanta — intensifying the emotional and reputational toll.
Throughout it all, Mark has maintained his dignity and silence, honoring court orders and focusing on rebuilding his life. But as his story has been distorted for entertainment, the cost to his mental health, his family, and his future has become too great to ignore.
Now, during Men’s Mental Health Month, Mark is stepping forward to speak not only for himself — but for every man navigating grief, injustice, and emotional isolation in silence. His story is one of loss, yes — but also resilience, advocacy, and the power of truth.
See below for our interview with Mark.
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Mark Ferrell from Atlanta. I’m a father of four beautiful daughters and the founder of
Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles and Uncle Butch’s Chicken-N-Waffles. I built both restaurants
from scratch and turned them into something special. Life hit me hard, but I’m still here,
rebuilding and sharing my story to help other fathers going through similar pain.
What happened when you went through your divorce?
It changed my life in the worst way. I was hit with child support way above what I could
afford and was detained over a business loan that was already paid off. While I sat in
jail, my house was sold, my businesses were taken, and everything I built was stripped
away. But the hardest part is this, I’ve only seen my daughters a couple times in the
last three years. The rest has just been over the phone.
How did all this hit your mental health, and how did you cope?
It nearly broke me. I dealt with depression, anxiety, and hopelessness. But I leaned into
therapy, prayer, staying active, and a small circle of real support. Most importantly, I got
closer to God — and that relationship kept me going when I felt like giving up. I’m still
healing, but I’m stronger now because of it.
Who is Mark Ferrell as a father?
I’m steady. Loving. Present in every way I can be. I talk to my girls often, encourage
them, and remind them they’re never alone. I may not be able to show up physically like
I want to, but I show up spiritually and emotionally. I’ve never left them — I’ve always
been here.
How did these hard times change the man you are?
They humbled me and changed my focus. I used to chase success, but now I chase
peace, purpose, and being the kind of man my daughters can be proud of. I learned
how to lead from the bottom and keep my head up even when everything was taken
from me.
How did it change the father you are?
It made me more intentional. I value every phone call. I listen more. I speak love into
them every chance I get. I’ve learned to be a father through heartbreak, through
distance, and through silence. But love finds a way.
What advice would you give other men in a divorce?
Stay calm. Document everything. Get therapy. Pray. Don’t try to fight it all alone. Most of
all — never stop being there for your kids. Even if they take everything else, let your
kids know you never gave up on them.
Why should men, especially Black men, look after their mental health?
Because we’ve been taught to stay silent, and it’s killing us. There’s nothing soft about
taking care of your mind. Get help. Talk it out. Pray. Let yourself feel, and don’t be
ashamed of needing support. That’s real strength.
Where are you now in your healing?
I’m still healing, but I’ve come a long way. I’ve gotten closer to God, and that
relationship has been my anchor. I’ve let go of a lot of bitterness, and I’m learning how
to move with peace instead of pain. I’m not all the way there yet — but I’m on the right
path.
How’s your relationship with your kids today?
We talk regularly. I love those calls. But I’ve only been able to physically see them a
couple times in three years. My ex uses the child support against me, knowing I can’t
pay what the court ordered. It hurts — but I make sure my daughters know that I’m still
here, I love them, and I’ll never stop trying to be in their lives.
What’s next, and how can people follow you?
I’m continuing to rebuild, share my journey, and speak for fathers who feel forgotten. I’m
working on a book and a docuseries that tells the truth about what I went through. You
can follow me on Instagram and TikTok: @chuvalomferrell to stay connected.
I want other brothers going through this to know they’re not alone. My story is personal,
but the pain is shared and I’m committed to using it to build something bigger than
myself.
