We were lucky to catch up with Sarah Ausby recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sarah, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Taking risks has been a defining aspect of my journey, one that has reshaped my life in profound ways. One of the most pivotal moments occurred in 2003, when tragedy struck and my husband unexpectedly passed away after a routine surgery. Left to navigate the uncertainties of life as a widow and single mother, I knew I had to take bold steps to secure a future for my family.

Within just three months of his passing, I made a daring decision to uproot our lives and move to Tucson, Arizona, where my older brother resided. It was a leap of faith, but one that ultimately provided a new beginning for us. In Tucson, we forged a new life, and my children flourished as they embarked on their journeys into adulthood.

However, life is unpredictable, and in 2013, another curveball was thrown my way when I lost my job, leaving me homeless. It was a devastating blow, but I refused to let it define me. Drawing upon my unwavering faith and resilience, I made the bold choice return to Syracuse, New York and return to college, seeking a path forward.

Little did I know, this decision would be the catalyst for a remarkable transformation. Through the support and guidance of an incredible counselor and professor turned friend, I found the resources and strength to secure my own apartment, marking the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey.

Starting with humble beginnings, I began selling dinners from my apartment, with just a handful of customers initially. Despite the challenges and setbacks, I remained steadfast in my commitment, placing my trust in God to guide me through the trials.

And indeed, my faith was rewarded. Today, I stand as the proud founder and CEO of Ma’s Wings & Things LLC, a thriving business that has opened doors to countless opportunities. From becoming an International Bestselling Author to inspiring audiences as a Motivational Speaker, I have embraced the challenges and emerged stronger than ever.

Looking back, every risk I took, every obstacle I faced, was worth it. It has been a journey of resilience, faith, and unwavering determination, one that has shaped me into the empowered entrepreneur and leader I am today. It is a testament to the power of taking risks and believing in oneself, proving that even in the face of adversity, there is always a path to success.

Sarah, 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?

Allow me to introduce myself, I am Sarah “ALL I DO IS WIN” Ausby, a multifaceted entrepreneur on a mission to inspire, empower, motivate and edify individuals through my diverse ventures.

My journey into the food industry was born from a blend of necessity and compassion. Motivated by the need for income and a heartfelt desire to alleviate hunger among the unhoused and underserved, I ventured into the culinary world as the Owner and Chef of Ma’s Wings & Things LLC. Our signature sauces, crafted with love and creativity, stand as a testament to our commitment to delivering unparalleled flavor experiences.

As a Motivational Speaker and Bestselling Author, I am driven by a passion for transformation. Drawing from my own experiences of overcoming adversity and leaning on faith, I seek to inspire, encourage, motivate and edify individuals through my message of resilience and empowerment. Testimonials from event producers and attendees alike speak volumes about the impact of my presentations, characterized by power, motivation, and encouragement.

Through Boss Business Queen LLC, I offer a range of services aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs. From mindset transformation workshops to business development, mentorship, and one-to-one coaching, and more my goal is to equip aspiring business owners with the tools and strategies they need to thrive.

What sets me apart as a Motivational Speaker is my unwavering focus on mindset transformation. I firmly believe that “If you transform your mindset, you will change your life”. It’s not just about motivation; it’s about empowering individuals to cultivate a resilient and success-oriented mindset that propels them toward their goals.

What I am most proud of is my resilience in the face of adversity. Despite facing insurmountable obstacles, I have persevered and risen above, fueled by a relentless determination to succeed. For me, success is not measured solely by monetary gains but by the joy found in overcoming challenges and making a positive impact.

To those seeking guidance and inspiration, know that you are not reading this by accident but by appointment. You are exactly who I am speaking to, and I want you to know that YOU CAN WIN! With the transformed (winning) mindset and determination, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your dreams.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2016, when I first began on my culinary journey with Ma’s Wings & Things, I had a passion for cooking all sorts of dishes. From savory stews to delectable cupcakes. Little did I know that fate had a wing-shaped surprise waiting for me here in Syracuse.

As I began to gain traction with my cooking, I realized that Syracuse had a deep-seated love affair with chicken wings. It was more than just a local delicacy; it was a culture, a tradition. Recognizing this, I knew I had to pivot my focus if I wanted Ma’s Wings & Things to grow.

Thus began the transformation. I shifted my attention solely to perfecting the art of chicken wings. Gone were the days of experimenting with various recipes; now, it was all about crafting the perfect wing. But I didn’t stop there. I saw an opportunity to innovate and set Ma’s Wings & Things apart from the rest.

Enter our signature Honey Garlic Teriyaki sauce. It was a labor of love, combining the sweet notes of honey with the savory tang of garlic and the richness of teriyaki. This sauce became the crown jewel of our menu, elevating our wings to new heights and earning us a reputation for flavor that spread throughout the the city of Syracuse and beyond.

However, just as we were gaining momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, bringing with it unprecedented challenges. With isolation measures in place, the landscape of Ma’s Wings & Things shifted once again. But where there are challenges, there are also opportunities.

I made the decision to pivot once more, this time towards catering. With events slowly resuming and people eager to reconnect, there was a demand for delicious food to accompany these gatherings. Ma’s Wings & Things stepped up to the plate, offering our flavorful wings and signature sauces to cater events big and small.

This pivot proved to be a game-changer for us. it also opened up new avenues for growth and success. Today, Ma’s Wings & Things is not just a wing joint; it’s a cornerstone of the Syracuse community, bringing people together one delicious bite at a time.

Our journey from diverse recipes to signature wings is a testament to the power of adaptation and innovation. Through each pivot, we’ve remained steadfast in our commitment to quality and flavor, ensuring that Ma’s Wings & Things continues to soar to new heights.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

1. Ma’s Wings & Things LLC:

Sampling to business owners/managers:
Offering samples is a fantastic way to showcase the quality of my product and entice potential clients.
Discounts and events with other businesses:
Collaborating with other businesses and vendors through events and discounts helps increase exposure and attract new customers.

2. Boss Business Queen LLC:

Reviews from previous or current clients:
Positive reviews are powerful social proof and can significantly influence potential clients.
Referrals: Word-of-mouth referrals are often one of the most effective ways to gain new clients, as they come with built-in trust.
Website: My website serves as a central hub for potential clients to learn more about my services and offerings.

3. Public Speaking:

Referrals:
Being referred for speaking engagements indicates trust and credibility in my expertise.
Social media marketing: Leveraging social media platforms to showcase my speaking skills and reach a broader audience is essential in today’s digital landscape.

4. Bestselling Author:

Collaborations and Partnerships:
Collaborate with other authors, speakers, or organizations whose work aligns with the themes of my book. This helps expand my reach and introduce my book to new audiences.
Partnering with Black-owned bookstores or businesses to feature my book and reach their customer base.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Boss-Business-Queen.com
• Instagram: bossbusinessqueen_llc
• Facebook: Boss Business Queen LLC
• Linkedin: Sarah Ausby
• Youtube: @MasWingsnThings
• Other: Public Speaking Website: www.Sarah_Ausby.com Facebook: Ma’s Wings & Things Instagram: Ma’s Wings & Things

Image Credits
Book Cover furnished by LaBoo Publishing Testimonial furnished by Tymesha Sene Flyers, Book Bio, and Logo furnished by Sarah Ausby