Meet Amber Darrisaw | Entrepreneur, Chef

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

Hi Amber, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I was approaching my sophomore year of college, and I was employed at a local restaurant. I spent my entire freshman year and the summer after, working everyday. Unfortunately by the end of summer, I had nothing to show for it. All my basic needs as a college student blew through each paycheck I received, and I really wanted a change. I’ve loved the art of cooking for as long as I can remember. I’ve always enjoyed the feeling of sharing my passion with close friends and family, and getting their feedback from anything I create. Starting NLE didn’t take me much thought. I knew I wanted, so I made it happen.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Next Level Eats is a small, Black-Owned business that has newly relocated to the Metro-Atlanta Area. I offer catering for private and large events, everyday orders on our website (The best-seller is Salmon Alfredo), and a plethora of desserts and treats. I’m excited about being in a new city with more opportunities for growth, but I am aware that it won’t be easy. It’s been almost 4 years since I started, and it has been an amazing experience, but starting a business as a 19 year old came with a lot of challenges. I’ve been the chef, the social media marketer, the editor, and the website builder. Even today at 23 years old, I face challenges that I have to overcome. My passion behind what I do is what has kept me going, and it’s a constant reminder of where I want to be. I’ve learned that you have to be your own biggest fan, and you have to believe in yourself more than anyone else does. That’s definitely easier said than done. I pride myself in leaving every customer completely satisfied with what I’ve presented to them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m still fairly new in the city, but some of my favorite spots so far have been, in no specific order: 10th & Piedmont, Encore Hookah Bar & Bistro, Elleven45 Lounge, The Battery, Andretti, Hungry Ghost (for their to-go margs), Slutty Vegan, Fin & Feathers on Edgewood, Triton Yards, & Harold’s Chicken & Ice Bar. Cru on Peters Street on Saturday night. Blaq Hause in Marietta

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely want to give a shout-out to my mother. She’s been a huge help when it comes to support/promotion, solving issues, and just simply encouraging me to keep going. I also want to thank my friends who constantly show me love. I definitely want to thank my closest friends for constantly showing me love, and my boyfriend, TJ for being my biggest cheerleader. I want to specifically shout out my best friend  @_djslimb who is the hottest Dj in Atlanta, my good friend @monibeaute who is a new mobile lash tech, the beautiful @crownedxash who does the best wig installs, and @girlsonanotherlevel_ who has an empowering podcast for women, and @leledidmyhair for recommending my business for this interview.

Website: https://nleatsllc.square.site/

Instagram: @NextLevelEatss

Twitter: @NextLevelEatss

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Kriston Kincaid @itstakethree