Today we’d like to introduce you to Symone Lashana.
Hi Symone, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Hello, world! My name is Symone Lashana, I am a 32-year-old entrepreneur who has been cooking since I was 15 years old. I have a business by the name of Meraki Foodz. Meraki in Greek translates to doing something with soul, creativity, and love. That’s all cooking and giving back has been for me.
Once going to college for social work and not finding my fit but knowing that I always wanted to help and give back, is where my business I pray to one day turn into a 501c3 nonprofit organization by the name of Fed by Grace comes in. My inspiration in life to cook has always been my Mama, Hattie Grace. Fed by Grace is a homage to her.
I currently serve the DMV and surrounding areas as a private/personal chef. My goal is for every person that books a dining experience with me to know that they have not only booked a meal to remember but have also provided someone less fortunate than them a hot meal.
I will also be returning to doing pop-up shops as a vendor, I’ve don’t these events before, but this time I will be using these moments to merge with my current studies in Holistic Nutrition. Natural healing has always been a part of my adult life and my goal is to be the resource that I did not have growing up.
How I got to where I am, which in my book is just the surface of what’s to come for my businesses is by keeping this following mindset, and through prayer and meditation. As an entrepreneur, you can sometimes get discouraged and not know what course to take, and that’s okay. Just remember the goal is to never give up. Because you have something the world needs to experience.
I don’t care how many others are out there doing what you do. They are not you.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, this journey has not been a smooth one but it’s been so worth it. I have encountered life, and to pinpoint it on one thing wouldn’t be accurate.
Some days have been better than others but I know the statement when it rains it pours very well. I’ve always been told it’s not about how you fall, it’s about how you get up. So anytime I have fallen. I give myself grace and it’s immediately, okay Symone. Get Up!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have a love and a passion for food that you have never experienced before. Getting a plate from me is like getting a fine dining experience at your grandmother’s dinner table.
I want you to feel and be comfortable, and at home. But I want you to also pull out your phone to take a picture and then immediately put it back down til your plate is clean because the first bite was so good. I specialize in providing that experience. All of this is done and shared at a table with your loved ones.
Those are the moments that matter to me I want to bring us back to the dinner table. I always tell my friends just buy the groceries I got the rest.
Any big plans?
My plans for my business in the future are to have a community center for the Meraki Foodz office where I plan to give back in a way that no one has seen before, provide memorable experiences that were never thought possible, and show anyone out there that needs to believe in themselves again that they are worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.merakifoodz.com
- Other: https://linktr.ee/thaafreespirit?fbclid=PAAaYUKpHFZze900ENauuGYn3A-oLU3pCIwCo_wQwmWrmn6hosqJddGmAl6cU
