Meet Teresa Outley: Chef & Entreprenuer

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

Hi Teresa, how does your business help the community?
Next Level Flavors is a small family business that is dedicated to helping people lower their salt intake and take control of their blood pressure. Hypertension is found in 45% of adults in the United States; of those 45%, 35% is African American. Although there are many contributing factors to hypertension in the African American community, the most common is salt. One thing about POC we believe in seasoning our food, but the way we’re seasoning it is killing us slowly. In early 2019, shortly after having my first spinal surgery; I was diagnosed with hypertension and Type2 Diabetes. As a former Medical Assistant, I know the severity of both diabetes and hypertension. Due to having back to back spinal surgeries (2018 & 2019) I was on strict bedrest with very limited mobility. However, I knew that being a chef, I could at least change my eating habit. I began to research and study various herbs, aromatics and spices that are good for the human body and various medical conditions. This led me to study the seasonings I was using to season my food with. I noticed the amount of salt, sodium and additional preservatives that are added to our seasonings. Not only was those seasonings causing my blood pressure to continue to rise, it was also causing inflammation flare-ups in my joints and at that time I couldn’t understand why.
After months of studying, testing, and researching; I started making seasonings and spice blends for my family. We purchased fresh produce from our local farmers market, purchased a food dehydrator from Amazon, and we began dehydrating our own produce and grinding it to make spices. Soon after, I started making seasonings for my mother and sisters (they suffer with hypertension too). After six months of eating right, and very light exercise my blood pressure was soon controlled. My wife and I then thought, Wow, if we can do this for ourselves and our family’s, why not help others. Soon after, Next Level Flavors LLC was born.
Our brand gives the community a healthier alternative to season their dishes. We want to change the way cooks use salt; salt is meant to enhance the natural flavor of food, Most times, cooks want to add flavor to their dishes without the additional salt and sodium that is found in most seasonings. That’s where we come in! We make fresh spice blends and seasonings with no and low salt; and without the additional preservatives. Our blends are made with fresh herbs, aromatics, and various organic spices that give an amazing depth of flavor in each bite. Our brand will not only add the flavor you think you will miss with salt, but we’ll take your palate to that next level of flavor.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’ve always had a passion for cooking, it’s something I’ve loved doing since I was a child. My wife and I had plans to open a food truck, but clearly God had other plans for our culinary journey. Our brand is dedicated to giving our community a healthier option to season their food. We use fresh ingredients and organic spices to create our spice blends. Building Next Level Flavors has not been easy, but certainly worth it. Starting a new business is never easy, there are many challenges along the way. Although there were obstacles, I’m most proud of how my wife and I were able to overcome them. Prayer and the ability to communicate with each other makes this journey much easier. During this process I have learned many lessons. I think the greatest one that I’ve learned so far is “Don’t get discouraged”! There have been many days where I’ve felt like giving up, but I knew I had to keep going. Some days my blends didn’t come out right, my produce was too dry, I was in severe pain, etc., but I kept going even when I was feeling frustrated and discouraged. I want the world to be aware of what they are eating and how they are seasoning. I want people to know we have healthier and affordable options to season their dishes, while continuing to add an immense depth of flavor.

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.
Atlanta have so much to offer, whether you like the arts, food, museums or just a nice lounge to kickback and have a good drink. Since I love history, one of the first places I would take a friend to visit is the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. There’s so much history to be absorbed there. Another one of my favorites, is the High Museum of Art. They have various exhibitions that are absolutely breathtaking. The pictures, the culture and scenery is amazing. You can not come to Atlanta and not visit the Belt Line. The artwork is fascinating and the trail allows you to walk and take in some of the best scenery Atlanta has to offer. In my opinion, Atlanta is the food capital of America. You can find some of the best food spots in Little Five Points. One of my favorite spots there is CRAVE. They have the best fried lobster tails and waffles, I’ve ever tasted. There’s also a restaurant by the name of Milk & Honey ATL, they have a variety of delicious dishes on their menu. If you’re vegan, then it’s a must that you go to Slutty Vegan and try their entire menu. I’m a very laidback person, I enjoy the grown and sexy environment. You can get both great food and a nice environment at Esco Seafood. They have a Lobster & Shrimp Thermidor that will have your taste buds dancing, and the DJ have the music just right. Very nice spot! There is so much to do and so many opportunities in and around Atlanta. A lot of dreams have come true for many people here because of their hard work and dedication.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s a few people honestly who deserves recognition, but I must first and foremost thank my Lord & Savior, without Him none of this would be possible. Next is my beautiful wife Cheareike and our handsome son Shan. In 2017, I came to my wife and told her I wanted to pursue my dream of being a chef. My wife changed no words with me. She allowed me to quit my job in corporate America and go to culinary school full time. 18 months later, I started facing health complications that led to seizures, convulsions and two spinal surgeries. My wife and son were my primary caregivers. Cheareike worked, cooked, cleaned, helped our son with homework and much more, not once did she complain. She & our son prays for me, they encouraged me to start Next Level Flavors, and they motivate me on a daily basis. My wife and son were and is there for me every step of the way helping to nurse me back to health. I must recognize my Mom (Jackie), it’s a blessing to have a praying Mom. My mom and Aunt Vera’s prayers got me through many rough days. My Mother-in-Love Charlette, our sisters Pam, Yolanda and Kesha, our brother CJ and best friend Crystal, thank you isn’t enough for the prayers, long talks, encouragement and support. Last but certainly not least, our additional Family and Friends, your love and support means the world to us. We can’t thank you all enough for being on this amazing journey with us!

Website: www.nextlevelflavors.info

Instagram: www.instagram.com/nextlevelflavors_cheft

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nextlevelflavors

Other: TikTok: Next Level Flavors

Image Credits
Teresa & Cheareike Outley