Eldorana Pust, the owner of Villa Vino Lucia and Helen’s Wine Cellar, has built a career defined by service—first in the military, then in healthcare, and now as an entrepreneur in the hospitality industry.
Her journey, spanning multiple disciplines, reflects resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to people.
Born and raised in Saint Lucia, Pust left the island at a young age for the United States, where she joined the military before pursuing a career in nursing. She specialised in emergency and prison healthcare, experiences that shaped her approach to leadership and business.
“My military career taught me how to be strong…it made me a little bit selfless,” she said.
Nursing, on the other hand, reinforced the importance of compassion and sacrifice.
“In order for you to work in this field, you have to be able to sacrifice yourself every day to take care of others,” she said.
Both fields, she says, instilled in her a deep understanding of people and the power of listening—skills that have proven invaluable in business.
Transitioning from healthcare to hospitality was not without its challenges.
“Starting a business is not an easy task at all, especially if you want to do things the right way,” she said. However, she found that her background in caregiving made the shift feel natural. In her view, hospitality is simply another form of service—an extension of what she had been doing all along.
Returning to Saint Lucia had always been part of the plan. She and her husband dreamed of contributing to the island’s economy.
“[We wanted] to show people what we see in Saint Lucia, what we love about Saint Lucia, and let them enjoy that as well,” Pust said.
Building a business, however, required discipline, particularly in balancing entrepreneurship with family life.
Pust believes this time management has been crucial to her success, helping her prioritise effectively while handling the demands of business ownership.
Reflecting on her journey, she encourages young women—especially those entering male-dominated industries—not to hesitate in seeking guidance.
“Do not be afraid to ask for the right help. You’re not the first person…. There are business owners around who are established, ask advice,” Pust says, adding that confidence is also key. “You have to assert your position…. You have to be able to stand up and show that you know what you’re doing.”
Beyond running a successful business, Pust is committed to giving back. She takes pride in employing local talent and sourcing from Saint Lucian farmers, contractors, and artists. Even the artwork displayed on her property comes from local photographers, reinforcing her dedication to supporting the community.
For her, the most rewarding part of this journey has been the feedback from those who experience what she has created. “When people enjoy what I presented to them… that is satisfying to me.”
Through her work in hospitality, much like in her previous careers, Pust continues to make a meaningful impact—one guest, one employee, and one initiative at a time.
