Influential Woman · Culinary Arts and Entertainment
Eugenia Marie Rice
Chef and Actress, Cheff Gigi llc
Nyc, NY 10026
Her Story
About Eugenia
Eugenia Rice is a professional chef and culinary artist whose work sits at the intersection of food, entertainment, and community service. She began her formal culinary training at Hostos Community College in 2017, where she received her certification in culinary arts and quickly built a reputation for creative, high-quality catering. Her early breakthrough came when she was booked for events tied to the reality television world, including productions such as VH1s Black Ink Crew. From there, her career expanded into consistent work within the entertainment industry, catering for clients of the influential franchise Love & Hip Hop thanks to Looksbylunden, & rap artist Chinesekitty by ways of producer Blame Xone. Independently, her work created collaborations connected to recording studios, private celebrity events, and major productions with networks. She credits reality tv star Ceaser Emmanuel’s platform for her exposure. She was featured in the Source Magazine & The Time Square Journal. Received a citiation by the State Assembly & a She means business award from Cohan Law PLLC & Yvonne Lee that recognizes woman in business & their humanitarian efforts in their community. Beyond entertainment catering, Eugenia has built a strong record of service-based culinary work with institutions and community organizations. She has provided meals for government and civic entities including the NYPD, the Board of Education, and the Department of Corrections, while also maintaining relationships with churches and community programs. Her commitment to giving back led her to found SOS (Serving Our Seniors), a ministry dedicated to addressing food insecurity among older adults. Through this initiative, she has donated and delivered thousands of hot meals over the years and collaborates with the NYPD chaplaincy to help distribute weekly meals to seniors in need. Eugenia is also expanding her creative career into acting, having been cast in the upcoming film Plus Size Divas: Revelation, scheduled for release in January 2027. The project reflects her advocacy for body positivity and representation. Her personal journey includes overcoming severe health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when she experienced respiratory failure and underwent a long recovery process before returning to work. Today, she continues to balance culinary arts, acting, ministry work, and life coaching, with a mission centered on service, resilience, and empowering others—especially women—to pursue reinvention at any stage of life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Eugenia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God, which keeps me grounded, guided, and grateful through every stage of my life and career. I know my relationship with God has opened doors and created opportunities that were beyond my own efforts, including unexpected breaks like my opportunity on Black Ink, which began when I confidently offered my services for free and ultimately led to a contract as the show’s chef & future events with artists like Summer Walker & rapper Designer in attendance all thanks to Jeffrey Lewis & his trust in me . In addition to my spirituality, I credit my success to my authenticity, positive mindset, and the genuine way I connect with people. I have always chosen to show up as myself—grateful, transparent, and approachable—which has helped me build strong relationships, earn trust, and grow organically in my industry, even when I entered it later in life.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Well he doesn’t know , but it came from my Pastor , Michael Walrond. During a sermon , he spoke about not looking through the lens of lack & to have a performative faith. What you focus on will expand just keep pushing & moving in confidence.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to reinvent yourself when necessary and continue pursuing your dreams regardless of age or circumstance. Do not allow cultural expectations about age, appearance, or timing to define what is possible for you. Growth often requires adapting, learning, and stepping into new versions of yourself without fear. Stay focused on your goals, remain persistent, and trust that your individuality and lived experience are strengths that can set you apart in meaningful ways.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is ageism and the assumptions made about older professionals, which can limit opportunities regardless of experience. It seems society depreciates your value because of age . At the same time, i’m grateful there are strong opportunities in greater representation of self through projects like Plus Size Divas, a movie by Sylvia Wilson due out in 2027 that focuses on body positivity as well as meaningful community impact through initiatives such as senior meal services and outreach programs that expand visibility and service within the industry. My motto … OVER 50 AINT OVER!
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important value in my life and work is service to others. I am passionate about improving people’s lives and especially about empowering women over 50 to understand that their purpose and dreams do not end with age or life transitions. I believe in the power of reinvention at any stage of life and strive to give others hope through my example, authenticity, and lived experience. Also, I believe in the power of self care & mark a regularly scheduled day&time that’s non negotiable just for me! Keeps me balanced . Guided by faith, gratitude, and a genuine heart, I am committed to making a meaningful difference in every life I touch & spreading love while doing so .
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.