Meet Kate Kingsley | Head Chef and Founder of Maple Meal Prep

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

Hi Kate, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of Maple Meal Prep has to be the passion we put into every meal we make. It was never about becoming an entrepreneur for me—it was about creating something that aligns with my love for food. I wanted to offer people delicious, nutritious meals that didn’t compromise on taste, and that’s exactly what we do. We focus on using the best, whole ingredients and supporting local farmers whenever we can, which really makes a difference. It’s also been crucial to have a strong support system—my family, friends, and especially my husband have been my rock. This business wouldn’t be where it is today without their encouragement and belief in me. At the end of the day, it’s all about staying true to what we’re passionate about and being dedicated to growth while keeping that personal touch with our customers.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My career has been a journey I never saw coming. If you’d asked me a few years ago, I would’ve told you I had no interest in being an entrepreneur. But life had other plans, and here I am today—proud of how far Maple Meal Prep has come in just 18 months. What sets us apart is our commitment to communication, authenticity, and teamwork. I believe these values are key to success, not just in business but in life as a whole. If you’re true to your word and stay authentic to who you are, it builds trust and connection with your team and your clients. That’s been fundamental for us.

I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built from the ground up—starting with nothing and growing into a profitable, ethical business with strong values. I’ve never worked harder at anything, even in my college athletics, but the pride I take in what I’m doing keeps me going. I didn’t expect the road to be easy. In fact, it’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever done—no question about it. Every day presents new challenges, but also new rewards. What drives me is knowing that there is always a solution, and I refuse to give up. Mistakes and hardships happen; they’re part of the process. But I choose to learn from them, and after a healthy dose of stress and fear, I keep moving forward.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that nothing is ever perfect. Business and life are constantly evolving, and that’s something we all have to embrace. As a recovering perfectionist, I struggled with this for a long time, but now I see the value in imperfection. It’s what pushes us to grow and evolve. I’m grateful to have a husband and business partner who supports me through it all—he’s always there to lift me up and help me find my way when the going gets tough.

Maple Meal Prep is more than just a meal prep service; it’s a reflection of my journey and my values. Our story is rooted in a deep love for food, our local community, and providing people with nutritious, delicious meals that they can trust. My goal is to make Maple Meal Prep a one-stop shop for all food-based needs in the Carolinas, and I’m excited about the future and the possibilities ahead.

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?
If my best friend was visiting the area and I wanted to show them the best time ever, we’d definitely keep it chill but fun. We’re not really the ‘going out’ type, but there are still a few things we would absolutely do.

One day, we’d head to the White Water Center for some adventure—rafting, ropes courses, and hiking. It’s the perfect way to get our adrenaline pumping while enjoying nature. On a separate day, we’d spend a relaxing afternoon on Mountain Island Lake, cruising around on a boat and just enjoying the peaceful vibes of the water.

For meals, we’d go all out. We’d hit up Kindred in Davidson for an unforgettable dinner—amazing food and great atmosphere. For a more laid-back vibe, we’d grab burgers at Baes in Mooresville. Then, to get a feel for the local scene, we’d spend an evening walking around Downtown Matthews, soaking in the charming atmosphere, and another evening in Plaza Midwood, where there’s always something fun happening.

We’d also need to fuel up with some killer coffee, so we’d make sure to stop by Bill and Bob’s in Stallings and 220 C Bahn Mi in Charlotte for a caffeine fix. If we’re lucky, we’d even catch a CLT FC game—it’s always a blast!

It’s a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and good food—everything that makes Charlotte so special.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I was fortunate to find an incredible mentor who took time out of his busy schedule to help me build Maple Meal Prep. I can say with complete certainty that without my mentor, Ted Gallucci, I would not be where I am today. So, THANK YOU Ted. Let’s see how far we can go!

Website: https://maplemealprep.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/maplemealprep