Ellington

Every time I'm in the presence of Cecilia Reese Bullock, a construction-company owner and real-estate mogul, some guy tries to pick her up. At least one. Usually more.

When I think about my choice for Chick o' the Year, I recall being an Official Wannabe alongside her cute little self every year in the St. Paddy's Parade, and how I had no idea the first time I met her—parade 2003—that she was one of the most powerful businesswomen in the state. (Mississippi Business Journal put her in the top 12 for 2005.) And I smile when I remember how she made us official ones purchase little white-and-pink sashes from Bridgette's to differentiate ourselves from the green-sequined masses. Always scheming, this one.

Cecilia is a 1969 graduate of my alma mater, Mississippi State University, where she got a degree in education. She taught for only about a year before giving birth to two children. While her children were young, she began building custom homes with a historic look, first in Atlanta and later back home in Mississippi. She told the Mississippi Business Journal that she often had to use the name "C.R. Bullock" in the beginning to be taken seriously in the industry. "That's how Itricked 'em,"she says with a giggle.

But she earned her stripes, and eventually everyone knew that a woman owned and ran Historical Replications Inc. and Riverpointe Construction Company—a very savvy and powerful woman.

Twenty-five years after she got her B.A., she returned to MSU to get her master's in English there. The next year, in 1995, she was named the MSU Alumni Fellow of the Year for the College of Arts & Sciences.

Cecilia is very active in the Jackson community—serving on all sorts of boards including the prestigious, and far-thinking, Fondren Renaissance Foundation, which has catapulted a sleepy old neighborhood into the city's hippest 'hood—and a model for other developing areas around town.

Last year, she got her real estate license, and was quickly named "Rookie of the Year"for Charlotte Smith Real Estate, as a multi-million-dollar producer.

So about that sexual allure. Cecilia's bubbly personality and gleaming eyes don't hurt anything. But all the inline skating—and hip-hop dancing—she does to keep in shape can't hurt, either. At a Gaming Commission reception recently, she hit the dance floor moving to Beyonce. "They thought I was a crazy woman," she says.

This weekend, watch for the Sweet Potato Queen float. I'll be the Wannabe trying to huff and puff to keep up with one of Jackson's coolest chicks.

Previous Comments

ID

82455

Comment

Kudos to C R Bullock. This is a great addition to the progress of Women in Business in Mississippi. From reading this article it shows how determination (and good looks) can only lead to sucess. I hope that other women with aspirations to succeed will follow suit so that they can be featured in the JFP.

Author

lance

Date

2006-03-16T22:12:22-06:00

ID

82456

Comment

I loved this piece. It makes me want to meet this woman. Wish Ic ould see y'all "Wannabes" in the parade.

Author

Heather

Date

2006-03-17T16:54:14-06:00

ID

82457

Comment

Oh the fun we had at MSU at the famous "pasture parties" at Cecelia's farm outside Starkville. We were all big time "deer camp" at those late 60's days with all the Pikes and Cecelia was a legend then as well as now. The lady is a champ.

Author

Ben Allen

Date

2006-03-17T21:22:23-06:00

ID

82458

Comment

Also noteworthy.... Cecilia was state chairman of the "Mississippi Women for John Kerry" during the last election. One FUN evening my wife and I had with Cee was when she and David Bowen met us at the Mayflower for dinner during the election. She shoed me that she is also blessed with the talent of being able to have serious political discussions with people she completely disagrees with, but at the end of the evening, you all like each other more than you did when the evening started. I want her on the Council one day.

Author

Ben Allen

Date

2006-03-19T15:39:29-06:00

ID

82459

Comment

She shoed me that she is also blessed with the talent of being able to have serious political discussions with people she completely disagrees with, Yeah, but Ben, it's possible to do that with you. Give yourself credit. While not taking any away from dear Cecilia, of course. Councilwoman Bullock does sound pretty cool. Of course, so does Gov. Bullock. ;-D

Author

DonnaLadd

Date

2006-03-19T15:49:41-06:00

ID

82460

Comment

SHOED= SHOWED.....damn (blush)

Author

Ben Allen

Date

2006-03-19T15:53:25-06:00

ID

82461

Comment

Ceclia lives her life like no other I know. She taught me how to be single again after 28 years and enjoy it and live with grace after experiencing some really bad laws in MS- on very low child support and domestic violence. She pactices what she preaches. Cecelia has been active in women's organziatons fighting to improve women and childrens lives in our state and has made a permananet impact. Sounds like she can teach us all even more. Ceceila- wanna go dancin' ??? Donna

Author

dyowell

Date

2006-03-21T11:06:03-06:00