We had the good fortune of connecting with L. Nzingha Samuel and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi L. Nzingha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have lived in Atlanta for the past 30 years and I have launched several successful businesses during that time. I also have a background in Community Development and Education. As a Social Entrepreneur, I am always looking for ways I can create a business or community around a situation to assist in its solution. This presented one of those opportunities.
This business began after I witnessed a standoff at Stone Mountain and was enraged by the social, political, and racial unrest that plagues Atlanta. I decided I wanted to facilitate change and reached out to various city leaders. From this, I began working with Dr. Alan Peterson, the Economic Development Director of Stockbridge, GA. Together, we created a sister-city relationship between Stockbridge and the Afigya-Kwabre District in Kumasi, Ghana.
Ghana has been a spiritual and grounding compass for me for 20 years so naturally I focused my development energy there. Because of my connection to Kumasi we decided to create our business base there as well. At the time of the political and racial unrest happening in the US, I was in the process of building a home in Kumasi with my fiancé and business partner, Evans Owusu. Construction was completed just in time as Ghana officials reopened country borders (because of COVID). Our home became an oasis for our inner circle, and before I knew it friend after friend wanted to stay in our home and visit Kumasi, Ghana. The business developed organically from there.
At this time, we have assisted 20+ families in purchasing land and building their homes in our community.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Evans and I have known each other for 20 years, and because of this, I am most proud of our ability to create a family-owned business that serves our people throughout the Diaspora and within Ghana at the same time. E+Z is creating an intentional community that allows all of us to live together and work through the challenges it takes to create a safe space for locals and foreigners without bringing toxic gentrification to the area. We work diligently to create opportunities where we can break down cultural barriers through community development and social engagement.
E+Z is is a lifestyle improvement firm which includes community development, Ghana logistics and travel support, as well as home building and design.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I also want to recognize Evans Owusu for holding down our Ghana office and its operations. He is the Project Manager on the ground in Kumasi, ensuring all of the builds meet our standards. He also serves as our property manager for our rentals, E+Z’s private driver and guide, and he serves as our Ghanaian strategic liaison.
Lawaaba Kennedy J. Dumas is our Community Engagmement Director and social media strategist. She ensures our brand maintains visibility and manages Kumasi operations from the Atlanta office. She is one of the most critical components in our US operations.
Website: www.enjoilife.co
Instagram: EandZ_co
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiasamuel
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/E-Z-Star-Culture-106682115410135
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/EZTV33/videos