We recently connected with Audrey Hayes and have shared our conversation below.

Audrey , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

Audrey Hayes is the President of a non-profit organization called Unique Pieces. Unique Pieces Inc partners with after school programs, summer camps and churches to provide free tasty healthy meals for children. This organization has served over 500,000 meals in 50 locations across 10 years.

The misconception about our program is that it is for those in poverty. When actually although we do serve those in poverty, the middle class family benefits from this program as well. We help hardworking parents reduce and sometimes eliminate the increased cost of food during summer months.

Our partnership with afterschool programs, summer camps and churches allows those ministries doing God’s work to use those funds that would normally be dedicated to food to further expand their ministry in other ways.

One Youth… One Family…. One Community

Audrey , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Audrey Hayes is an inspirational example of what hard work and dedication can achieve! She is a native of Dallas, Texas who is a successful Business Owner and Community Leader with 13 years of experience.

As a Business Owner she has operated a Consulting Firm since 2009. She has used her proven business strategies, systems, and processes to help over 20 businesses grow and expand. Her unique skill set for understanding finances is truly remarkable.

As a Community Leader, Audrey has made an incredible impact through her work with Unique Pieces Inc. She presides as President of the organization. Unique Pieces Inc partners with after school programs, summer camps and churches to provide free tasty healthy meals for children. This organization has served over 500,000 meals in 50 locations across 10 years, in addition to managing a million dollars in Federal Grants.

On top of all of this, Audrey is a mother of 3 adult sons, supported by 2 loving parents and a village of people constantly pushing her forward. She is also a breast cancer survivor, and host a podcast called The Lioness Experience that talks about real life issues.

Audrey operates life on 2 principles:

1. God will bless your effort. Get up every day and give your best effort.
2. Dr. Cornel West belief:
“To Serve the People… You must First Love the People!”
One thing about Audrey she loves the people.

Audrey Hayes is an amazing individual and an incredible role model for us all!

Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?

It was Summer 2014, what I know now is my organization was stretched wide but not vertical. That summer we barely broke even. All that investment and no return. It taught me a valuable lesson. Proper financial planning is the foundation of success for all projects. Step 1 is to always do a financial forecast. You have to play chess not checkers. You have to think 12 months ahead when planning for a business. You must knw how the money comes in and how much and when it goes out.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I recently has a colleague call me and offer me a contract that would double in size. She shared she had talked to a few other colleagues and they all recommended me for the contract. My reputation is why this happen. It is because as long as they have known me I am consistent, reliable, professionally, timely and responsible. Because she knows my character she is entrusting me with one of the largest contracts in Dallas. All based off of reputation.

Your word is your bond. Your name is your lively hood!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.weareunique.org
• Instagram: Audrey_TheBrain
• Facebook: Audrey Hayes
• Youtube: The Lioness Experience

Image Credits
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