Learning how to cook is a skill most humans develop at some point in time. Whether for survival or to experience a different culture, food can connect a multitude of people and communities. Keith Manley learned the blessing knowing how to cook could have on others and himself.
Manley was in college when he started developing his cooking skills after his dad tried to teach him, but like most kids, he had his mind on other things like basketball. He prioritized basketball as a child, eventually earning a scholarship to Gardner Webb University. In college, Manley quickly developed a love for struggle meals.
“You know struggle meals always come in the clutch, especially as a college athlete, I didn’t have time to cook a proper meal, and ordering out was not an option after a while,” Manley said about his eating habits while in school. “Ramen noodles were always my go-to, I would cook shrimp or chicken to make it look fancier.”
After college, Manley, like most newly young adults, went and experienced life, making headlines in the entertainment industry following his debut on ‘Married at First Sight.’ While his acting career took off, his heart remained in his home city of Charlotte, North Carolina. “Besides being on TV, my full-time job was mentoring underprivileged boys in Charlotte. I love giving back to my community and helping others like how people helped me growing up.”
Manley has supported the youth by creating Gemclass, a groundbreaking daily subscription service designed to empower his community to embrace self-assurance. He recently unveiled his insightful book, “Life is Just: A Walk Within,” offering invaluable insights into the beauty of existence. Not stopping there, he has also ventured into fashion with his distinctive line, Finesse University.
In 2022, Manley produced a growing event series called Life Is Just, curating five events across North Carolina and Los Angeles and drawing in thousands of attendees, vendors, and creatives to celebrate hidden gems in each city and foster new relationships in the creative community. He also partners with the SoLa Foundation, an organization that works to improve the lives of South LA residents and break the cycle of intergenerational poverty by providing opportunities for education, economic mobility, & community development.
During this time, Manley continued developing his cooking skills and soon became skilled enough to be considered a chef. “Cooking taught me how to be patient, which everybody needs, and when I lived in LA, cooking introduced me to other cultures, giving me a different experience.
Manley connected his cooking skills and love of giving back to a collaboration with Everytable. “ It was a blessing in disguise because I was recommended to them by a friend because I was looking for healthier meals and noticed their work in the community, so after trying their meal, I sent them a message to see if they were open to a partnership.”
That message led to Manley and Everytable creating Keith’s Spicy Shrimp & Noodles, released this year, paying homage to Manley’s southern roots, love of Asian culture, and a reminder of where his passion for cooking started.
“The relationship I have built with Everytable has been organic and a great benefit to my NC community and my partnerships with LA organizations,” Manley said. I hope to continue working with them not only to create meals but also to continue supporting communities and the youth.”
To learn more about Manley’s community efforts, check out his Instagram page @keithisjust. You can also try his meal at participating Everytable stores.
