We had the good fortune of connecting with Symone Swain and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Symone, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business was, How can I give back, my way? This is so much bigger than me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I got to where I am today with the love and support of my friends and family. In 2020 I decided to take some time solely on my business. Driving Lyft and Uber to make ends meet. This was the beginning. Plate sales on weekends, doing pop up shops out of town, and private dining booking. But as we know life happens and harder on some more than others. So I returned back to the corporate chef world.
It was so hard just feeling like I’ve failed and I would never fully work for myself.
I made a leap a year later to San Diego, California with the help of my fav cousin, mother and sister.
I launched my first networking dinner, creating an amazing first visual for my business with the help of an young talented local videographer.
While being a manager on the marines base I still felt like something was missing and Meraki Foodz brought Fed by Grace.
What I want the WORLD to know about my brand and story is that it has always been a journey to how I can give back, and no matter the obstacle I have never and will never give up.
Meraki Foodz will be the over head of community centers all over and Fed by Grace will provide meals to the homeless that feels forgotten and unseen.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am still a newbie to San Diego. Butttt if I had my best friend in town
Me being a chef I cook mostly for my friends.
I love to go to Sprouts and Chula Vista Food Service food box.
My favorite view is the Torrey Pines nature reserve and Sunset Cliffs.
Bonfire nights at Mission Beach.
Brunch at Breakfast Bitch.
Saturday Night out to Gossip Girl.
Mega Margaritas for the week wine down at Cabo Cantina.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and 2 of my best friends deserve the BIGGEST shoutout! They believe and push me when I don’t want to face the day! My sister Jasmine, my mother Tonya, my brother/ father ( he raised me) Hashaun and my besties Brittanie and Courtney.
These 5 people push me beyond measure and pulled me out of the dark days that sometimes come with having your own business and wanting to give up.

Website: www.MerakiFoodz.com

Instagram: @meraki.Foodz

Other: Personal IG @thaafreespirit Revamping my website currently so it is down

Image Credits
Personal Photo Credit – Fujilluminate Additional Photo Credit- Myself

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