Today we’d like to introduce you to Symone Swain.
Hi Symone, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
How did I start? Sheesh, some days I still feel like I’m starting, but I know I have come a long way. When I began my business Meraki Foodz in 2020, my sole purpose was to be one of the best private/ personal traveling chefs where ever I went. In 2022 the focus and my objective changed. If you live in California, you understand that homeless is EVERYWHERE. Having the heart that I do, it was tough to watch and see daily. I then decided to gear all my attention toward feeding and clothing the homeless; the world has enough restaurants but not enough people or kitchens to help those in real need. With this in mind, Fed by Grace was born. Grace is my grandmother’s middle name. Whenever I cook, I feel close to her. I like to believe her heart of service lives in me every day that I try to make a difference.
For the past year, I have fed the homeless whenever I could. I have recently begun accepting clothes and food donations to pass out to anyone I pass that needs it, and I will also be volunteering to cook at local shelters soon.
The long-term goal for Meraki Foodz is to be the safe place I grew up in, a community center. Fed by Grace will be the leading example of changing how you view those less fortunate than you, one kind act at a time.
There is so much to come with Meraki Foodz and Fed by Grace!
I have recently relocated to the Maryland area, where I will be making sure to be the difference I want to see.
I currently use my home to store donations. That will change very soon, as I have received a flood of people wanting to donate!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it has not been a smooth road, but when I say this is a journey I will never regret! The biggest struggle has been not allowing fear to stop me. Being creative with a heart of service, you can see many ways to help, but the struggles presented themselves through financial difficulties or lack of support.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My name is Chef Symone of Meraki Foodz and Fed by Grace. I am a 32-year-old entrepreneur and prayerfully one-day philanthropist. My heart for service led me to social work right out of high school, but my desire to help differently introduced me to my love and passion for food.
I have been a personal/ private chef for almost 3years, working professionally in the industry since I was 21 and starting cooking for my family when I was 15.
I specialize in bringing people together through my food, making lasting memories with those that matter, and spreading the message that it is so much bigger than us. I am proud of my decision to step away from private chef work and bless those in need with the basics and a meal they will never forget. What sets me apart from others is that I know my purpose is not just to tell people but to show them that they matter! I am known for providing a safe space to be yourself unapologetically. Currently working on a storefront and a van that will serve the community it’s in.
We’d love to hear about what you think about risk-taking.
My view on risk-taking is if you want it, go get it! I stand by the statement, “you will not get to new places doing the same old things.” I live my life by taking risks, it’s not always the easiest, but it feels so good to say I may fail, but I tried. Or look, if I never took a risk, I would never have known this or that is possible. Sometimes we don’t take risks out of fear. My advice to EVERYONE is to let that fear fuel you, not stop you!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.merakifoodz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fedbygrace222/
