Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Eliza Eugene Enterprise and 

Blessed to Be a Blessing

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your business:

I  am a  LA licensed realtor, LA licensed Contractor,  Certified LA Economic Developer, and a Master Compliance Administrator and LA Licensed Cosmologist. 

My professional portfolio is very diversified. 

I grew up on E. 13th st. (Reserve Projects) in Reserve, LA. 

Blessed to be a Blessing is a nonprofit that I started 20 years ago to make a difference in my community. We have the Backpack Extravaganza every July.  We gave away 2800 backpacks, school supplies, and a healthy meal to each student. We also have the Turkey, ham and all the trimmings distributed in November. We distributed 1300 last year. I am grateful for all the community partner that help me to make the possible. Together we are making a difference. Giving back is very important to me. When I was a little girl many people and agencies help my mom. I was often in the line with her. I always said that when I grow up that never forget where I came from. God has given me more than I every thought I would have. I believe to whom much is given much is requires.

I was raised by a single parent. Who are some role models you look up to, and why?  

My role model was my high school teacher Mrs. Beverly Harris. I became a teen mom in high school and Mrs. Harris shared some words of wisdom with me that I apply to my life until this day. I got my work ethic from my mother, Margaret Lewis. I watch my mom walk to work at Webers Super Market faithfully five days a week to take care of her family.  

 Why is it important to encourage and be a role model for other young women that want to get into business? 

 It is important to encourage our youth and be a role model because a four year post education at a university is not for many of the youth in our community or elsewhere. Many parents can’t afford college after graduation. However, the young person still need to have a career and be a productive citizen, if they don’t go to a four year college. Often your life at home or decisions you make as a teenager will determine the path that is best for you. 

What advice would you offer? 

 The advice that I would offer, is never be ashamed of who you are or where you come from. Never dim your light for anyone, be your authentic self. Know your worth, know who’s you are, and always remember, that as long as you don’t quit, God will get to your destination in his timing. Faith, hard work, dedication, and preparation will pay off.  I am a living testimony of God’s grace and mercy.