SLIDELL, LA. – Barbara Lagrange, a name synonymous with dedication, resilience, and community spirit, has made a significant impact in the real estate world and beyond. As the broker-owner of Bee Realty, a full-service real estate company based in Slidell, Louisiana, Barbara has carved out a unique space in the industry. But her story extends far beyond her professional accomplishments; it’s a tale of overcoming personal challenges, deep community involvement, and a steadfast commitment to empowering others.

Barbara’s journey to real estate was not straightforward. “It was when I was working for Walgreens,” she recalls. “I didn’t know it then, but the manager used to put me in cosmetics to go sell to the fellas for Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. One day, my friend Tonya, who was a realtor, told me, ‘You’d be so good at helping people buy houses because you always sell stuff.’” Initially skeptical, Barbara was studying business in college when she stumbled upon a real estate class in her textbook. Intrigued, she decided to take the class, thinking it would be a fun side gig. Little did she know, this decision would set her on a path to becoming a full-time entrepreneur. 

The transition from a 9-to-5 job to running her own business was driven by a desire for more control over her time and the need to be there for her family. “The last words of my daughter, who I lost during Hurricane Katrina, were, ‘Mama, you were always at work.’ That stuck with me,” Barbara shares. “I knew I had a black boy to raise, and I couldn’t afford to be always at work. So, I got my real estate license and committed to doing it full-time to spend more time with my son.”

Barbara’s inspiration and guidance came from a broker named Delicia Boyd. “I remember always being on her Facebook page, thinking, ‘Wow, she’s doing so much.’ I reached out to her for pointers, and she was incredibly supportive,” Barbara recalls. “She pushed me to quit working, get my broker’s license, and pursue my dreams.” This mentorship was crucial in Barbara’s development as a successful entrepreneur.

Starting Bee Realty was a significant milestone. The name came to her in a dream, and it represented much more than just a business. “Bee Realty is home for agents who have lived a life like mine. It’s a sisterhood, a place where we help others come out of whatever they’ve been through. It’s our ministry,” she explains. Barbara’s experiences of being molested as a child, beaten by her son’s father, and living on her own since she was 16 fueled her desire to create a supportive and empowering environment for others.

The journey has not been without its challenges. Barbara faced obstacles typical of running a business, such as balancing multiple roles and finding the right people to help her grow the company. “It’s hard being the broker, being in the field, working, being the bookkeeper, being the administrator,” she admits. However, she has found ways to delegate and streamline operations, such as outsourcing accounting tasks. Additionally, having her son join the business has been a significant relief, allowing her to focus more on growth and mentorship.

Barbara’s dedication to her clients goes beyond the transactional aspects of real estate. She is deeply committed to educating first-time homebuyers and ensuring they don’t face the same pitfalls she did. “My very first house purchase was a nightmare. I didn’t understand the importance of a home inspection, and it cost me dearly,” she recalls. This experience led her to push homebuyer seminars and create educational materials to help others make informed decisions.

Her faith and the support of her community play a central role in Barbara’s life. “My confidence comes from the most high God, my circle of family and friends, and the trust of my past clients,” she says. These sources of strength help her navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

A typical day for Barbara starts early, at 4 a.m., with a prayer, a sermon, and a cup of coffee. Her days are long, often stretching until 10:30 or 11 p.m., filled with appointments, showings, and managing the various aspects of her business. Sundays are reserved for rest and family, a practice she strives to maintain despite the demands of her career.

Barbara is not just a businesswoman; she is also deeply involved in her community. She participates in feeding the homeless and is a part of Dominion Life Kingdom Business Leaders. She also serves on the board of the Black Chamber of Commerce for Slidell and Saint Tammany, and she is involved with Wounded Souls, a nonprofit organization. Her ultimate goal is to start her own nonprofit, Grow (God Renewing Our Women), to help young women aged 16 to 26 navigate life’s challenges and build a better future.

Barbara’s next chapter is about service. She has taken a step back from expanding her business into Mississippi to focus on training her son to take over Bee Realty. This transition allows her to concentrate on writing her book and finishing other unfinished projects. “I have a healing book that I need to complete, and it’s time to focus on those things,” she says. Her book will share the steps she has taken to heal and become the woman she is today, offering guidance and inspiration to others.

Barbara Lagrange’s story is one of resilience, faith, and a deep commitment to helping others. From her early struggles to her success as a real estate broker and community leader, she embodies the spirit of perseverance and empowerment. As she continues to serve her agents, clients, and community, she remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, proving that with determination and faith, anything is possible.