Daily Inspiration: Meet Maurice Hayes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maurice Hayes.

Hi Maurice, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I got started with BONEZ in the year of 2019! Never in my life did I think chicken wings will be my “IT FOOD” meaning I did not know that’s what I would later on in life specialize in. In 2019 I started off baking wings for my family, and close friends for their home gatherings and small events. I did that for about 9 months you know just having fun with it especially creating all those sauces for the wings. I received a lot of feedback from everyone saying the wings were really good, falling off the bones (which is where the name BONEZ) originated from and I should consider taking it to the next level. It took me about two months to sort of revamp the business and figure out new ways to make chicken wings and new sauces and launch it to the world, because I was really afraid of failing at this.

March of 2020, I launched the name “Bonez By Bhen “and started a pick-up and delivery service with my chicken wings. My menu at opening was short and simple because I did not want to overwhelm myself with something I was very new to. So, I started with fried Chicken wings served with fries and a soft drink. The first few months I sold out everyday none stop, with great reviews and returning customers. That there told me I needed to do something different with my wings to keep my customers happy and also serve individuals who don’t eat fried chicken. A month later, I released Pan-Seared wings, grilled wings., fried wings, baked wings, and smoked wings. I even took the advantage of adding more to the side dishes from Mac and Cheese, broccolini, asparagus, mash potatoes, sweet potatoes, yellow rice and Brussels sprouts. Since I’ve done that business have been booming and I can’t say that I am not excited. I am overwhelmed with joy to this day I cannot believe this is happening for me. In closing, I am really hoping to expand my business to where I can open a luxury wing shop one day and not just in my hometown but in several other cities as well.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Honestly, this journey has been a challenge but I am so proud of myself for taking the first step in starting my business because it has come such a long way. When I first started one of my biggest challenges were finding a comfortable space to work in, and meeting the demand based on the space I was currently in it was unrealistic however god gave me patience, endurance and favor to reach the height I have met thus far in with my business.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Something that I specialize in? Wings of course; I can make chicken wings any type of way regardless of the request! Wings is something I can know I will always be able to master. Each wing is filled with flavor and have a crunch out of this world even after it’s tossed in sauce. Something I am most proud of, as little as this may seem to others but something I’ve been most grateful for is having customers come from different cities such as Houston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Boston, Florida and Las Vegas to have my wings. Customers flying out makes me super excited because again this is all still unbelievable. Something that sets me apart from others would have to be my sauces, each sauce is made from scratch and made with love. Sauces are super filling and each flavor has its own unique taste to it.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Starting this business has shifted my perspective on risk taking completely. Prior to Bonez, I was good with making decisions that were well planned out and had a definite result. I procrastinated for a while prior to being in this business. Then, I made a choice to take the risk and at least have the answer for how my business would do, and how I would want it to be ran. I am just touching the surface with my potential because I have gotten out of my own way to go for my dreams. With knowing what I know now, I would tell any and everybody to take the risk, start the business, write the book or do whatever you want to do. Just remember to follow your dreams and remind yourself that at least you will never be ignorant to the lifestyle change from whatever your risk involved.

Pricing:

• Personal Pan of Wings – $30.00
• Small Pan of Wings – $50.00
• Medium Pan of Wings- $70.00
• Large Pan of Wings – $ 95.00

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Bhenj_