Wende Smith was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and raised in the vibrant communities of Roxbury and Dorchester in Boston. From a young age, she was surrounded by the rich aromas and deep traditions of Southern soul food, passed down through generations of talented cooks in her family — her grandmother, aunts, mother, and father all left lasting impressions on her through their love-infused dishes.

After graduating high school, Wende explored several career paths in her search for purpose. In 1998, she began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), caring for the elderly with compassion and dedication for over a decade. Later, she transitioned into early childhood education, serving as a preschool teacher from 2013 to 2022 — a role she found deeply rewarding.

But in 2017, something began to stir. Wende started cooking from home, preparing soul food dishes that she had grown up with. The response was immediate and heartfelt — family, friends, and coworkers encouraged her, supported her, and placed orders. It was then that Wende realized her true calling: feeding people from the heart.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, Wende found herself with the time and space to reflect and reconnect with her faith. Through prayer and her strong Christian beliefs, the vision for Smith’s Soul Kitchen was born. It wasn’t just about food — it was about purpose, passion, and people. With God’s guidance and her own determination, Wende began building her soul food business from the ground up.

Her motto says it all: “Smith’s Soul Kitchen — food cooked with love.”

Wende’s recipes come straight from the heart, inspired by the flavors and traditions of her family and fueled by her faith. She’s worked as a food service manager and line cook, and has catered for community events, organizations, and private functions — always serving dishes full of flavor, warmth, and soul.

Today, Wende continues to master what she loves most: creating unforgettable meals that bring people together. Smith’s Soul Kitchen is more than a business — it’s a reflection of her journey, her heritage, and her unwavering belief in walking the path God has placed before her.