Today we’d like to introduce you to Deja Simpson.
Hi Deja, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am 23 years old; I was raised by a single mother of 3 and by the age of 16 I moved out. I grew up in Memphis, TN. I lived in poverty up until my adult years; I was even homeless at times. Growing up I never had a home to call my own, which caused me to grow up quickly, but I always knew I was destined for great things and that I was different from the people around me. I never wanted to be a victim of my environment and I never fit into any box others tried to put me in. I knew that in order for me to escape the cycle of abuse and poverty. I needed to focus on school and stay out of the streets. I graduated from The University of Memphis with a bachelor’s in Legal Studies and pledged to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. at East Tennessee State University. I faced numerous challenges from those who did not believe in me because I was a young black woman who was deemed unworthy, but I refused to let their doubts and negativity drag me down. I dreamed of becoming a singer, journalist, and lawyer. Now I am the youngest independent contractor with my own Allstate Agency. I started my agency from scratch and jumped head first into a field I had no experience in, but I knew that with my strong heart and mentality, I would not fail.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It most definitely was not a smooth road. All the trauma and emotional stress resulted in me having to take a semester out of college and resulted in me being in therapy for years. I continuously deal with people telling me what I can and cannot do based on the color of my skin or the fact that I am a young woman. I was betrayed by people I respected and trusted the most, and put down by family and friends. It became difficult to express my desire to move to Texas and start my business because of the doubts I was receiving from the people closest to me. I tried my hardest to find a proper mentor in life, but as I got closer and closer to finding one; I realized that they almost always had an ulterior motive in mind. The lack of sincerity in the help being offered caused me to not trust people and strictly rely on myself from past and present experiences.
We’ve been impressed with Ivy Insurer LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The business is an Allstate Insurance Agency, we sell homes, auto, life, business, and many other insurances. What sets my agency apart from others is our dedication to our customers. We have driven to homes to bring documents so that customers can have same-day proof of insurance when there are email complications, we have driven to homes to help customers install Mile wise devices into their car. We have offered free food to the community and are currently in the process of partnering with local businesses to offer children free haircuts and school supplies in preparation for the back-to-school rush.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I strongly believe if you have a dream and goal in mind, then in order to achieve it, there will always be a time to take some sort of risk. I have taken a huge risk in opening this business. I had saved up enough money to either go to law school or open a business. I was watching it slowly trickle out of my account and knew I had to act before it was too late. Life is too short to constantly contemplate what to do so when you see an opportunity, I believe it’s best to take it while you can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://agents.allstate.com/deja-simpson-houston-tx.html
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Deja-Simpson-Allstate-Insurance-104025578992942/
