Today we’d like to introduce you to Symone Barnes.
Hi Symone, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey really started with family. After my grandmother passed, I felt this pull to fill a gap. She was such a central figure in bringing everyone together, and I realized how much those shared meals meant. Cooking became my way of keeping that connection alive — holidays, random Sundays, celebrations — I was always the one in the kitchen making sure everyone felt together.
Initially, I went to school to become a social worker because I’ve always cared deeply about people and wanted to make an impact. But over time, I realized I could still do that — just in a different way. Food became my outlet. I found that I could create comfort, safe spaces, and real connection through curated dining experiences. In many ways, I just found my own path to the same purpose.
I started taking my cooking more seriously, refining my style, and intentionally building Meraki Foodz. What began as cooking for family and friends evolved into private chef services and curated experiences. I’m currently working part-time while growing my business, but my goal — and what I’m actively building toward — is operating Meraki Foodz full-time.
For me, it’s never just about the food. It’s about experience, culture, and bringing people together in a meaningful way.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been smooth? Not at all.
I’ve faced grief, job loss, income instability, and moments where I felt lost. There were seasons where I questioned myself and had to push through real emotional and financial challenges. It hasn’t been a straight line.
But what I can say is that I never gave up — and I never will. Every setback forced me to grow stronger, get more disciplined, and become more intentional about what I’m building. The difficult seasons clarified my purpose. They taught me resilience, faith, and how to bet on myself even when things felt uncertain.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth — but it’s been transformational. And I’m grateful for that.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I operate Meraki Foodz as a private chef and curated dining experience brand. I specialize in elevated comfort cuisine — bold flavors, soulful dishes, and intentional menus that feel personal and memorable. My focus isn’t just on food tasting good, but on how it makes people feel. I design experiences that bring connection, culture, and comfort to the table.
I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve never quit. There have been seasons where I had to slow down, regroup, and rebuild — but I’ve never walked away from my vision. That consistency, even through uncertainty, is something I carry with pride.
What sets me apart is my passion and the understanding that what I’m building is bigger than me. This isn’t just a business — it’s purpose-driven. I truly believe in what I’m creating, and I move with the confidence that it will happen for me because I’m willing to do the work for it. That mindset shows up in how I cook, how I serve clients, and how I continue to grow.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
If there’s anything my journey reflects, it’s that purpose doesn’t always show up the way you expect it to. I’ve been pursuing modeling since I was 16 and cooking since I was 15 — two passions that have shaped who I am in different but equally meaningful ways. For a long time, I thought I had to choose one lane. Life has shown me I don’t.
I thought I knew exactly what my path would look like, and then it shifted. But sometimes the detours reveal what you’re actually meant to build. I don’t see my passions as separate anymore — I see them as something I can merge. Creativity, presence, storytelling, expression — whether it’s through food or in front of a camera, it all comes from the same place.
I’m still growing, still learning, and still building — but I’m proud of the courage it takes to pursue something that feels bigger than you. If my story resonates with anyone, I hope it reminds you that slowing down doesn’t mean failing, and setbacks don’t cancel vision. You don’t have to shrink your dreams to make them practical. Keep going.
Pricing:
- Meal Prep Starting at $150 for 5 Meals
- Intimate Dining Experiences Starting at $200
- Small Event Catering Starting at $200
- Wellness Education Starting at $50
- Travel Chef Starting at $300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.merakifoodz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thaaaafreespirit?igsh=MWJrcnh0Y296NnluYQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://linktr.ee/thaafreespirit
