Today we’d like to introduce you to Elmina Michele Ryan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I actually started out in small business and hospitality, running my own craft service company and later managing restaurants. I have 3 children, twice divorced, and really just focused on getting by and raising my family thinking I would be working in food service my entire life. When COVID shut everything down, it became a chance for me to pivot into something more stable and meaningful, which led me into health insurance.
I am now in my 5th year as a licensed broker specializing in plans for people under 65 — health, dental, vision, life, and disability. I also work part-time at Sprouts, which keeps me connected with people and learning about nutrition and that ties right into the way I approach my work. Early on I knew that I wanted to be a different kind of broker than my peers and build my book of business organically, genuinely caring for clients, building trust, and helping them feel confident and supported in their choices.
This past year I have focused on healthier living — like riding my bike instead of driving – and building my life around my family, faith and the Rotary Club of Oviedo. “Service above self” is the motto I try to model myself to.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road, but I try to not dredge up the past. I was very fortunate to get help for what was diagnosed as severe PTSD with depression and anxiety from Narcissist Abuse and it has taken years to come to grips and trust myself again. I, also, have a great support system in my children and fiancé, Steve.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Beyond my work as a health insurance broker, I also wear a few other hats that support what I do. I am a Florida Notary, which allows me to help clients with important documents and adds another layer of trust and reliability. I, also do consulting in both healthcare and food, which connects directly to my focus on wellness and lifestyle — it helps me see the bigger picture of how daily choices affect long-term health.
On top of that, I am very active in Rotary and volunteering which reminds me that real service is about relationships and trust. I am club secretary this year, which is an immense honor.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Oddly enough, that I grew up on Key Biscayne, FL which is a small island off of Miami. Back then, living on the Key was very secluded, everybody knew each other, and was much different than it is now. We were a sheltered bunch who all grew up and went to school together until 7th grade, when we had to go to Miami for school. And it was back in the 1900’s (LOL – 1970’s – 90’s), so we were pretty “free range” since we really couldn’t go anywhere off the island. As a matter of fact, I will be going back at the end of October for a reunion of my 6th grade class.
Pricing:
- variable
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eryaninsurance.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/e-michele-ryan-32632b8b/
Image Credits
Hope Helps, Rotary Club of Oviedo
