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

Hi Teresa, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Knowing whether to give up or keep going is a personal battle many of us face. It doesn’t matter your title, fame or fortune. At some point in your journey you get tired and have to decide, do I give up or keep going. For me, giving up is not an option. We are all on earth for a limited time, it’s imperative that we use that time to the fullest. In 2018 and 2019 I had two major spinal surgeries, being a chef this was a major hit to my career. Having to be on 95% bed rest was depressing. I was not the easiest person to be around, I was mad at the world and had just about given up every thing that made me Me! It was a very dark time for my family and me. I wanted to give up so badly but one day I was watching an episode of “Iyanla Fix My Life”. Everything she was saying to the woman on the screen resonated with me. I decided right then and there that even the thought of “Giving up” would never enter my mind or spirit again. I then began seeking God for direction and guidance. That’s when God gave me the vision of making my blends for everyone. Being a diabetic, having hypertension and high cholesterol I had previously began to change my eating habit. I was making seasonings with no salt, because I wanted to control the amount of salt I added to my dishes. After researching, studying and pairing various herbs, spices and aromatics, we were able to create an assortment of no and low sodium spice blends and seasonings.

On February 15, 2021 we launched Next Level Flavors LLC. Had I given up, we would not be able to give our community and the world healthier options to season their food. I have too many goals to accomplish to give up. I have a 16 year old black son that will never see me give up. I have a wife who wouldn’t give up on me, I could not give up on myself, our plans and dreams. Our talents are too important, we owe it to ourselves, our children and communities to keep fighting. It is a must that we keep going!


Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Getting Next Level Flavors to where we are was definitely not easy, but certainly worth it. There’s been challenges as business owners we had to overcome like most businesses, but our main challenge was/is my spine/ back recovery. We don’t dwell on the challenges we face, we just get up everyday and make the most of it. Some days I can’t move and can only work from the bed, but I keep going. What I want readers to know most about our brand is we make our blends with Love! We love people! We truly want them to live and eat healthier, which is why we use fresh dehydrated ingredients to make our blends. A lot of the health challenges our community face is partly due to what we’re eating. Next Level Flavors is dedicated and committed to helping people take control of their health one dish at a time. You add the salt, we add the flavor!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Henry County, which is a few miles south of Atlanta. We have so many exciting things happening here. One of the first places you should visit is Southern Fusion. They’re a local family owned restaurant and they have some of the best food I’ve ever tasted. Make sure you grab a massage from Exec Level Massage & Beauty, they make you feel right at home. Henry county recently opened the Stockbridge Amphitheater, and they have phenomenal lineups of various shows. Local lounges have rap battles, music battles and more. Don’t forget to shop at the local shops, boutiques and various other small businesses in the square. South Atlanta is really growing and there’s more to come.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First, I must thank my Creator. I am nothing without God. My wife Cheareike & our son Shan are my world and my backbones. They give me daily motivation! My dear family and friends, I can’t thank you enough for your prayers, love and support. I must thank Ms. Iyanla Vanzant. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her, but her words helped me during a very dark time. I’m eternally grateful. Also special Thanks to ShoutOut magazine. I truly appreciate the spotlights you all give to local creators, artists and business owners of the community.

Website: www.nextlevelflavors.info

Instagram: nextlevelflavors_cheft

Facebook: Next Level Flavors

Other: TikTok: Next Level Flavors Google: Next Level Flavors LLC

Image Credits
Isaiah Jones

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.