Meet Bianca Watkins | Agency Owner & Emcee

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bianca Watkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bianca, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I always tell people that State Farm was my first “real” job out of college. I was with the company for about 15 years before I got the nudge to open my own agency. I had been around agents my entire career, but my mentor gave me the encouragement I didn’t even know I needed. I love the idea of protecting people’s most valuable assets. I am passionate about how life insurance or the lack thereof can change a family’s entire life. I eventually learned that the only thing keeping me from starting my own business was me. I promised myself that I would pursue this nudge as I call it with all that I had, and if it didn’t come to fruition by my 45th birthday, I would fall back into life as I knew it. I turned 45 in April of 2022, and opened my agency doors on May 1st. I could shout right now! Another cool fact is I actually interviewed for agency ownership on my 20th anniversary with the company.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am so lucky to have the State Farm brand behind me. However, I quickly learned that is not enough. There are so many options when it comes to insurance. Some people want the cheapest price. Some want an adviser, and others want you to tell them what they want. I often tell my team, customers and prospective customers that I am just like them. I’m a mom and wife. I have bills and responsiblities. I have challenges and dreams. And just like most of my community, I want to take care of the people I love and protect the assets I’ve worked so hard for. My desire to educate people on what they’re purchasing and helping them to uncover their insurance needs is what sets our agency apart. And don’t get me wrong. Everyday is a grind. Our mission is to shift people’s perception of insurance, making it less transactional. Insurance is a tool. My responsiblity is to show you how to use it.

When I think of my brand, I think about education. It’s true that many of us don’t know what we don’t know. When my customers are in a financial bind, insurance is often times the first thing they want to shop. Rising costs have been our biggest obstacle. When someone is just trying to make ends meet, they may not be receptive to increasing their liability limits above the state minimum just because I advised them to. I’ve also found that a person’s “No” might also be a “Not right now.” That perspective has changed the game for me and my team.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I LOVE this question. I am a Gwinnetian in every sense of the word. I work, play and reside in Gwinnett County. When I travel to Atlanta, I pack a bag. Just kidding! But, we do make it a big deal. One of my favorite places is the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Depending on the season, that place is just magical. I also love the Georgia Aquarium. My son is 16 years old, and we’ve celebrated him at the aquarium for every birthday of his life. I would take my friend to a “pop up” like the Balloon Museum or Illuminarium. Other favorite hangouts are Atlantic Station and The Battery. My happy place is people watching on the lawn with food and spirits. If my friend is visiting, that means there’s a big concert happening at State Farm Arena. Lastly, for a spectacular view and much needed physical activity, climbing Stone Mountain would be our last hurrah.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to Shoutout all the small business owners out there! I didn’t realize all that was required for sitting in this seat. My job description changes all the time. On any given day, I am the HR rep, the janitor, the maintenance lady, the business woman, the salesperson or the receptionist. You have to be adaptable, patient, ambitious, humble, introspective, proactive and all of the above! A special Shoutout to my circle of family and friends who have never wavered in their support of me…even when I could be found hiding under my desk.

Website: www.bbwatkinsinsurance.biz

Instagram: sfagent_bbwatkins

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bb-watkins-3632bb40/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bbwatkinsinsurance

Image Credits
Headshot – Katlyne Hill Photography