Hey! So nice to speak with you! Can you tell our readers a little bit more about yourself? Where are you originally from and where do you live now?

My name is Tunisia Offray, and I’m originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. I moved to California with my family in 1986 when I was eight years old, and we eventually settled in Pasadena, where I still live today. Pasadena has played a huge role in shaping who I am—both personally and professionally—thanks to its rich community culture and the meaningful relationships I’ve built here. I graduated from John Muir High School, where I was elected Princess on the homecoming court in 1996, and I was honored with induction into the John Muir High School Hall of Fame in 2023. I’ve always been passionate about service, advocacy, and creating safe, empowering spaces for others, which continues to be at the heart of the work I do today.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now?

One thing I love about living in Pasadena is the strong sense of community and culture. There’s a real feeling of connection here, whether it’s through local events, historic landmarks, or neighborhood gatherings. On top of that, the scenery is beautiful—the mountains, the tree-lined streets, the architecture—and we’re lucky to have so many amazing restaurants to enjoy. It’s truly a place that offers both warmth and richness in everyday life.

Tell us a little bit more about what your company does and how it started? How does it help your customers?

Absolutely! Each of my ventures reflects a different part of my passion for service, empowerment, and community impact. Prestige Insurance started with the goal of providing individuals, families, and businesses with the knowledge and protection they need to feel secure. Insurance can often feel overwhelming, so I wanted to create a company that not only delivers reliable coverage but also educates clients so they feel confident about their choices. Women Wealth Warriors was born out of my own journey of reinvention. It began as an annual luncheon celebrating women in business and entertainment, but has since grown into a nonprofit organization focused on helping survivors of domestic violence rebuild their lives through entrepreneurship. We offer workshops, mentorship, and resources that empower women to turn their ideas into thriving businesses, giving them both financial independence and emotional healing. And then there’s Shepherd’s Door, which holds such a special place in my heart. It’s a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. Through education, prevention programs, and supportive services, we help survivors find safety, healing, and a pathway forward. In different ways, all three ventures are about the same thing: helping people feel safe, empowered, and equipped to live fuller lives

What was one feedback from a happy customer/client that you won’t forget about?

One piece of feedback that truly resonates with me came from our collaboration with Big John at Second Call in Los Angeles. Through this partnership, we've been able to provide comprehensive life insurance coverage to over 200 formerly incarcerated individuals, many of whom were previously underinsured or lacked coverage entirely. This initiative has significantly contributed to closing the insurance gap within communities of color. My passion for this work stems from the disparities I've observed in the African American community regarding insurance. According to LIMRA, while 56% of Black Americans own life insurance, 75% believe they should have coverage, indicating a substantial gap between need and ownership. A lack of adequate life insurance contributes significantly to the wealth gap for African American families. Without proper coverage, lost income isn’t replaced, and opportunities to transfer wealth to future generations are missed, perpetuating cycles of financial instability. This gap is driven by several factors, including lower average income and net worth, mistrust of financial institutions, and misconceptions about life insurance being solely for final expenses. When families don’t leverage life insurance as a tool for wealth-building, they miss out on a critical means to provide financial security, fund education, and pass down assets—making it even more difficult to close the generational wealth gap. Access to health insurance also remains a critical issue for African Americans, with disparities in coverage and care continuing to impact health outcomes and economic stability. The lack of health insurance contributes to poorer health outcomes for Black Americans. For instance, Black Americans experience higher mortality rates from conditions like cancer and maternal health complications compared to White Americans. Without adequate health insurance, many Black families face financial strain due to medical expenses, which can lead to debt and reduced economic mobility. This financial burden exacerbates existing economic disparities and hinders efforts to build generational wealth. Offering affordable health insurance through Covered CA is essential to ensuring the health and economic stability in my community. I’ve learned that representation matters and that cultural competency is essential. At Prestige Insurance, our mission is to educate and empower our community by breaking down misconceptions about the complexity and cost of insurance. By providing clear, accessible, and understandable insurance products, we strive to ensure that more individuals are protected, prepared, and equipped to secure their financial future.

If someone wants to start a business, what's advice that will help them?

My advice for anyone looking to start a business is to first know your ‘why.’ Understand why you’re doing this and what problem you want to solve—that purpose will carry you through the challenges. Next, do your research and plan carefully, but don’t get stuck waiting for the perfect moment—take action and learn as you go. Build a strong support system, whether that’s mentors, peers, or a community of like-minded people, because entrepreneurship can be tough, and having guidance makes all the difference. Lastly, be persistent and adaptable. There will be setbacks, but those are just opportunities to learn and grow. If you stay committed to your vision and flexible in your approach, you can create something truly meaningful.

Where do you see your company in the future?

Looking ahead, I see each of my companies continuing to grow in ways that expand their impact and reach. With Prestige Insurance, I envision becoming a leading resource for underserved communities, providing not only insurance coverage but also financial education that helps bridge the wealth gap. Women Wealth Warriors will continue to empower survivors of domestic violence through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and funding, helping women transform their lives while building generational wealth. And with Shepherd’s Door, I see an even broader network of support for survivors, offering holistic programs that address safety, healing, and self-sufficiency. Ultimately, I see all of my ventures working together to create a cycle of empowerment—where education, protection, and opportunity intersect—to uplift individuals, strengthen families, and build stronger communities.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

One of the biggest misconceptions about the insurance industry is that it’s only about paying for final expenses or that it’s too complicated and expensive for everyday people. In reality, insurance—especially life and health insurance—is a critical tool for building financial security, protecting families, and even creating generational wealth. At Prestige Insurance, I work to break down these myths by educating clients and providing clear, accessible solutions so they can see insurance not as a burden, but as a powerful resource for planning and protection.

What has been one of your biggest struggle building your business and how did you deal with it?

One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced in building Prestige Insurance, Women Wealth Warriors, and Shepherd’s Door has been balancing growth with impact. Each organization serves a different mission, yet they all aim to empower and uplift communities. At times, it’s challenging to allocate resources, time, and energy effectively across all three while maintaining quality and authenticity. I’ve dealt with this by creating strong teams I trust, setting clear priorities, and staying grounded in the core purpose of each organization. By leaning on collaboration, mentorship, and strategic planning, I’ve been able to navigate the challenges while continuing to grow and make a meaningful difference in the communities I serve.

What was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

My favorite music artist is Erykah Badu. I love her—her strong sense of storytelling really resonates with me, and I admire the way she empowers women through her music. As for athletes… I’ll be honest, I’m not much of a sports girl, so I don’t really have a favorite!

Any shoutouts you want to make?

I want to give a huge shoutout to my kiddos! They are my inspiration. My life journey hasn’t been easy—being a teen mother and a single mom of four came with many challenges—but they’ve traveled this road alongside me. My children have motivated me to be more than what society said I could become. Through my actions, I want them to know that anything is possible. You can overcome any obstacle, and life is truly what we make it. No one else has the power to decide your path but you

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

Follow me across all platforms at @tunisiaoffray

Besides being a business owner and entrepreneur of three businesses, you still find time to serve your community. Why is community service and advocacy so important to you?

Community service and advocacy are deeply important to me because they allow me to use my experience and voice to make a meaningful difference. I’ve had the honor of being appointed Vice Chair of the City of Pasadena Human Services Commission and serving as a Community Representative for the Violence Against Women and Girls Committee for Los Angeles County. This work is incredibly personal—my lived experience has given me firsthand insight into the disparities women and girls face in our community, particularly around violence and housing inequities.

Through these roles, I’m able to advocate for policies and programs that address these gaps, ensure survivors have resources and support, and help create safer, more equitable communities. Serving my community is not separate from my work as an entrepreneur; it’s an extension of my mission to empower, protect, and uplift those around me.

I understand the barriers that women—and specifically African American women—face compared to others. From my own experiences, I know how complex and challenging it can be to navigate systems that weren’t designed to support us. That’s why it’s so important for me to use my voice and lived experience to help others. I want to create clear pathways from poverty to stability, so women and girls in our community can access the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. Advocacy and service are not just about policy—they’re about opening doors, breaking cycles, and showing that a different future is possible.