We recently connected with Amauri Bey and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Amauri thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?

I definitely take vacations as much as possible. It’s abundantly important to reset as much as possible. It helps in reflecting on your endeavors to be great. And gives you an opportunity to rest, and relax yourself before getting back to business. Go somewhere where you can be totally free of responsibility. Let go of your responsibilities while in that place. And reward yourself by enjoying the time away from what makes you so successful and prominent. When you come back to it, you will be invigorated, and revitalized. Will be ready to continue your journey of prosperity.

Amauri, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Meet Amauri Yousef Bey (Chef Ace).  To be an artist is what I’ve always wanted.  I’m a writer and a performer of poetry and music.  So, when I began my career, I wanted it to be artistic as well.  That’s what led me to pursue and obtain my degree in culinary arts.  I knew that the world of culinary arts would be a respected profession where I could be my true artistic self.  I’ve been cooking now for 16 years.  In the past, I’ve been a chef for one of the nation’s oldest and most successful professional baseball clubs, the St. Louis Cardinals and I’ve worked for the Hyatt Hotels in Missouri.  I’ve traveled to work at resorts such as the Round Island Resort on Mackinac Island in Michigan and also for lodges like the Stone Water Cove in Missouri.  Working for Sodexo as the Executive Chef of the nation’s first degree granting HBCU, Lincoln University in Missouri was such an honor.  I’ve opened kitchens at numerous restaurants throughout the St. Louis Metro area, such as Luna Lounge and IP 54 Bar & Grill.  I have also prepared private meals for prestigious individuals nationwide. I am currently the owner and operator of my own private catering company called Supreme Chef Concepts.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

What helped me build my reputation and continue to have a good reputation has been consistency. Always making sure my flavor profiles match what I’m cooking. Always making sure that my dishes look immaculate. And always making sure that the people I serve are abundantly, happy with the food. People eat with their eyes first so if it’s not visually appetizing, then it’ll be hard to build a great reputation. Practice, practice, and more practice in the to consistency. Make it your business to become greater at your skill set.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Instead of having to worry about the initial, I found acompany that was willing to subcontract mycompany for my services. Then I put together a contract, stating how much I needed to be paid per month for my services. I use the first months wages to begin business. So I basically outlined my starting into my business proposal. So my start up money came from the company that I privately cook for. This is an optimal way to start a business without having any money. Find someone who needs your talents, Offer your services pro bono a few times. Then you’ll be the first person to be contacted when they need your particular skill set.

Contact Info:

• Website: Supremechefconcepts.com
• Instagram: Cheface11
• Facebook: Yousef Bey
• Other: I was published in this cookbook about two years ago. https://vinepair.com/features/external/Beaujolais_Cookbook_Full.pdf

Image Credits
I would like to thank my mother, Annette Williams, for always being such a strong willed individual. Who never quits. Because of her I have the same mentality as my mother. Never quit until the goal is accomplished is the mindset. I would also like to thank my daughter, Aniya Denise Graham, for being the gas in my engine. Her Love fuels me to continue to grow myself as a man, so that she can see me in a light that she can, and be proud of.