Today we’d like to introduce you to Edith Bullard White.
Hi Edith, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I am the author of a book called “Things They Didn’t Tell You About Life”. This book was published in 2018. I began writing this book because young people need to learn about life skills and life lessons. My son on graduation day was driving his car and all you could see was black and gray smoke. I knew that meant a new engine. He said no one told him to change the oil every 3000 miles. I started this journey years ago, just taking notes and writing down things young people need to know about life. After my family and friends read my notes, they encouraged me to publish.
I am originally from West Palm Beach, Florida; I moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1975 to study fashion design. As life would have it, my career path changed. I attended college; taking courses in accounting and worked in Corporate America until 1993. After getting a better understanding about how business works, I decided to step out on faith to become an entrepreneur.
I have successfully owned and managed a construction company, restaurant, catering, and event planning businesses. Cooking is my passion. Most of the recipes I create. People may forget my name, but they always remember the food. I often say, “They love me because of my food.”
My real estate career began in 1997 as a mortgage loan originator. Since then, I became an investor, rehabbing homes to a General Contractor building over 100 homes in Atlanta and surrounding areas. I became a real estate agent in 2001. I am the Broker-Owner for TreBloc Realty, Inc. that was established in 2005. TreBloc is Colbert spelled backwards, which is her mother’s maiden name.1. I have been servicing the Metropolitan Atlanta area for many years.
“Things They Didn’t Tell You About Life” is the first book of a series of books that the I plan to write about life. Development and growth are achieved throughout life at different ages. Book II will cover the next phase.
It has been several years since I published my first book. Well, one might think that I had writer’s block. Oh no, quite the contrary. Travelling for my job, family, friends, catering, snow day, COVID-19, threat of tsunami in California and any excuse not to write is why it took so long.
Now it is time to continue this journey with you. The game plan is to finish the series of books. Besides at the rate I was going, I will be 139 years old before the books are published.
I would like to thank you for your patience in allowing these words to unfold into something remarkable and memorable. GOD has blessed me with a gift to write. The words were embedded by GOD because he knew I was talented enough to deliver the message. Many lives will be touched through my vision.
This book “Things We Told You About Life (But you didn’t Listen)” and “Things, Life, Seriously” was published in 2025 while I was in Atlanta, Georgia. The series of books exploring things about life are forthcoming. Until then let us be grateful for the knowledge, strength, and perseverance needed to get through this thing called life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Life is not a smooth road. Oh Lord the struggles. My first husband was killed in 1981, a few days shy of our one year of marriage. I conceived my second son on the honeymoon. I had to raise a three-month-old and nine-year-old on my own. God is so good. With the insurance from his death, I purchased my first home at age 25.
I went to college and worked in the corporate world until 1993. After losing my job, I worked temporary assignments which had its share of challenges. It was hard to keep steady work. I would go on interviews and employer would say I was overqualified. One employer told me I was too professional. It was because I asked a lot of questions about the position they felt as though I was interviewing them.
I started cooking and selling food out of my car. I was able to save enough money to purchase a van. I decided to cater and open a restaurant. It was going well first and it was open for three years. I got behind on the power bill. It was one month behind, but I always paid it. Well Georgia Power has the power to put you out of business. They kept three months payments and used it as an additional security deposit. Which means I was three months past due. I had to close the restaurant.
I told one of my friends that I was thinking about becoming a loan originator or I needed a rich husband. He took me under his wing and taught me the business. I was hired immediately at a mortgage company, and the rest is history.
When the market crashed, I lost my construction company. With over two million dollars in debt, I had to file bankruptcy. It took years to get things back on track. This was the second time I had to file bankruptcy after a failed marriage.
I was able to get a government job in 2017. I applied on a Wednesday and received a call on a Saturday to start the onboarding process. I told Human Resources that my credit was not the best and she asked if I wanted to continue to move forward. Of course, I said yes. I told her that I was blessed and highly favored. I felt because of my construction background, they would make an exception, and they did. I praise God for my journey. It made me the person I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As I mentioned within the previous pages, I am a published author, real estate broker, caterer, chef, event planner, former general contractor, loan originator, and investor. I also draw floor plans and do home interior designs.
My job with the government as a construction analyst, allowed me to travel and see the country. I am proud of the book covers, especially from my second book. The photo of the sunset was taken in Maui.
I am known best for my cooking. My customers still reach out to me for cupcakes, pasta salad, homemade bar b cue sauce etc. They call at last minute for Thanksgiving sides and desserts. I cook with love, and you can taste it in the food.
In the real estate arena, my clients like the fact that I am knowledgeable about both mortgages and real estate. It makes them feel comfortable asking questions and getting clarification on their purchase process.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
Spending time with my grandmother. We had the best time, and she was my partner in crime.
Pricing:
- Things They Didn’t Tell You About Life $15
- Teachers Edition $20
- Things We Told You About Life $25
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.artsoflifeinc.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEdithBullard
- Other: Amazon.com Edith Claudette Bullard
Image Credits
Photo shoot for book. School book event.
