Who is Meraki Foodz?!
Who is Meraki Foodz?!
Meraki Foodz Wellness Shoppe is a Baltimore-based private chef and holistic wellness brand rooted in intention, creativity, and nourishment.
We believe food is more than a meal — it is an experience, a form of healing, and a way to connect. Every dish we create is guided by the philosophy of meraki: doing something with soul, creativity, and love.
Founded by Symone Barnes, Meraki Foodz offers intimate private chef experiences, small event catering, and wellness-centered food education. Our approach blends elevated flavors with mindful preparation, creating experiences that feel both refined and grounding.
At this stage of our journey, every service booked and every meal prepared directly supports our nonprofit initiative, Fed by Grace — a mission dedicated to feeding and uplifting the homeless community. Our goal is to establish consistent monthly outreach, with the intention of growing into weekly service through continued bookings, support, and donations.
Serving the Baltimore and DMV area — with travel available — Meraki Foodz Wellness Shoppe exists for those who value intentional living, meaningful gatherings, and food that nourishes both body and spirit… while helping us give that same nourishment back to the community
Meet the Founder
Symone Barnes is the founder and creative force behind Meraki Foodz Wellness Shoppe — a private chef and holistic wellness brand rooted in intention, creativity, and soulful nourishment.
At 35, Symone brings both lived experience and professional training to her work. While her journey began with a passion for helping others through social work, she discovered that her true calling lived in a different space — one where food could be used as a tool for connection, healing, and impact. She graduated in 2014 from Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina, where she honed her culinary foundation and developed a deep respect for food as both craft and culture.
In October 2020, Symone officially launched Meraki Foodz while living in Charlotte, NC, during a time when many were reevaluating how they connected with food, wellness, and community. What began as a private chef service quickly evolved into something deeper — a calling to create intentional dining experiences that nourish the body, mind, and spirit.
Guided by the meaning of meraki — to do something with soul, creativity, and love — Symone’s approach blends elevated flavors, holistic principles, and mindful preparation. Her work reflects a belief that food is not just sustenance, but a powerful form of healing, expression, and connection.
Now based in Baltimore and serving the DMV, Symone continues to expand Meraki Foodz Wellness Shoppe as a purpose-driven brand. Every experience she creates is rooted in the understanding that her work is bigger than her — using food not only to serve her clients, but to pour back into the community through her growing initiative, Fed by Grace.
Contact us
Have a question or ready to create something intentional?
We’d love to connect.