Lillie’s Soulful Plate is more than just a catering service, it’s a living, breathing tribute to tradition, family, and the magic that unfolds when good food brings people together. We’re beginning our journey by catering soulful meals to our community, with plans to open a pickup and delivery restaurant early next year. Founded by Chef Ashley, a proud Southern Black woman with deep North Carolina roots, this kitchen was born from the love, warmth, and wisdom passed down by her late mema, Annie “Lillie” Libert.

Ashley grew up in a home where food was never just food, it was love made visible. Some of her earliest memories are filled with the comforting aroma of beef stew in the oven, fried chicken on the stove, and the joyful sound of laughter filling every corner of the kitchen. Her mema, Lillie, knew that a meal could do more than satisfy hunger; it could connect hearts, bridge generations, and tell the story of where you come from.

From a young age, Ashley was by her grandmother’s side, watching her transform humble ingredients into iconic Southern dishes that told a story, recipes that were passed down through generations, whispered over the sound of sizzling skillets, and perfected by time and care. These meals weren’t just served; they were shared experiences, each plate holding the history, resilience, and joy of a family rooted in Southern tradition.