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

Hi Nakia, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The toughest part was the learning curve. I knew nothing about financial services or recruiting and management. Learning a whole new skill set was daunting.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a Regional Vice President with Primerica Advisors. Financial Services is a competitive field and I love it. Representation matters, and as a woman of color I am very proud to have to licenses I have and give other women across the board an opportunity to compete in such a male dominated field.

It takes a certain level of “stick- with it ness” to make it in any entrepreneurial endeavor, so I am very proud of my accomplishments. It was not easy, Primerica is a 40 plus year old company, but its advisory business is relatively young. Stepping into a growing company has been very rewarding, however it has not been without challenges.

I have learned that your vision is YOUR vision and you have to understand everyone will not see it. They are not supposed to, because the vision was given to you. Show up for yourself, support yourself, cheer for yourself, and believe in yourself. Make yourself proud and you will inadvertently give other people hope.

Lastly, I have learned that I must be willing to fail- sometimes terribly. It makes winning all the sweeter

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love the Beltline. The midtown and west end side. A good walk on either end would for sure be on the menu. I have friends who travel and live internationally, so I love authentic cuisine spots.

One of my new favorites is Cafe Efendi- the best Turkish food I have had state side in a while.
Definitely Gocha’s Breakfast bar for some good breakfast food.
Varuni Napoli at Krog street Market for Pizza
… I can go on but I will stop there!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Natalie Vuoriaho Jennifer Hrabowski
Kai Anglin
Chasity Melvin
Murriel Page

“The Tribe”

Website: primerica.com/nakiasanford

Instagram: SSNAKIA

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/nakiasanford

Twitter: NS43

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

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.