Today we’d like to introduce you to Quan McLeod.
Hi Quan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started with a simple passion for sharing authentic Southern flavors with a creative twist. In the beginning, it was just me cooking for family, friends, and small community events, growing up being taught by my great grandmother Lillie”Biggie” Wilson but the response was overwhelming. Word of mouth grew, and soon I was catering larger events, festivals, and corporate gatherings.
Over time, I built Biggie’s Southern Soul into a recognizable brand known for bold, soulful dishes like alligator & grits, deep-fried ribs, and oxtails & waffles — foods that honor tradition while surprising people with something new. My focus on quality, consistency, and community has helped me expand from a small kitchen operation into a full-service business with food trucks, catering, and vendor partnerships at major events.
Today, I’m proud to have a loyal following, repeat contracts, and a growing presence across North Carolina, all while keeping the same mission: delivering unforgettable food experiences and uplifting my community.”
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?
“It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most entrepreneurs, I started with a dream but limited resources. There were times when I had to cook out of my home kitchen, juggle bills, or work long nights just to make sure every order went out right. Balancing quality, consistency, and finances while trying to grow a business wasn’t easy.
There were setbacks — equipment breaking down during events, slow seasons, unexpected costs — but each challenge taught me something. I learned to stay adaptable, build stronger systems, and lean on my community for support.
Through it all, my passion for serving good food and making people smile kept me going. Every obstacle became part of the recipe that shaped Biggie’s Southern Soul into what it is today — resilient, flavorful, and rooted in love and determination.”
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
“I’m proud to wear a few different hats — I’m both a chef and a mental health advocate. Through Biggie’s Southern Soul, I bring people together with food that feels like home — rich, soulful dishes like oxtails and waffles, deep-fried ribs, and alligator and grits that celebrate culture, comfort, and creativity. My food isn’t just about taste — it’s about connection, healing, and reminding people that love can be served on a plate.
On the other side of my purpose, as a mental health professional, I focus on compassion, understanding, and helping others find peace and stability in their own lives. I specialize in working with individuals and families who need encouragement and guidance to overcome personal challenges.
What sets me apart in both spaces is my heart for people. Whether I’m serving a plate of soul food or supporting someone through a tough time, my goal is the same — to feed the soul, literally and emotionally. I’m most proud that I’ve found a way to blend both passions into one mission: using food, faith, and empathy to uplift others and build community.”
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The most important quality behind my success is having a genuine love for people. Everything I do — whether it’s cooking, mentoring, or providing mental health support — is rooted in compassion. I truly care about how people feel, and I believe that love shows through in my work.
That love pushes me to go the extra mile, to make sure every meal is made with care, every client feels seen, and every interaction leaves someone better than before. It’s what keeps me grounded, consistent, and connected to my purpose.
When you lead with love, people feel it — and that’s what builds trust, loyalty, and community. For me, that’s the true foundation of success
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.Biggiessouthernsoul.com
- Instagram: Biggiessouthernsoul2.0
