Today we’d like to introduce you to Dayana Torres
Hi Dayana, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Venezuela, my family owned businesses there and in the U.S, at the age of 15 we moved to Florida where our lives changed. We went from a big house to a 1 bedroom apartment for a family of 5 in Miami. I learned from my parents to never give up and continue to grow as person every day. I lived in South Florida most of my life but after an ugly divorce moved to Central Florida with my 3 kids and had to once again rebuild as an adult and a single mom. I worked for a call center and on my birthday got laid off. When this happened I went back to school and received a call from a State Farm agent, after working for her for 2 years I was offered the opportunity to enter the pool to try and open agency. Within the next 2 years I worked all the licensing, paid off debt; all while being a single mom coaching all3 kids in little league. I love helping people and having the feeling that I am making a difference in the world! I married an amazing man and opened my business in 2018 with 0 money and a dream! I was my only customer, but with the support of my mentor, my husband, parents, sister, kids and many friends we have built a profitable business that now employs 10 team members, 3 of those are family! I love serving the community, helping people learn what their needs for savings, insurance are and what kind of risks to mitigate. I also love how this business allows me the opportunity to volunteer and serve those in need. I have learned that with all my experiences I am able to succeed as long as I am passionate about what I do and do it with integrity and love! One of the things that I love the most about being a business owner is being able to employe people, mentor others and show the younger generation that they’ve got many opportunities to succeed, I enjoy employing my girls and son-in-law and giving them the opportunity to bring their baby girl to work.
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?
I am not sure if now I wished it to be a smooth role, we have had hard times and easy path as well. During my first year in agency I lost money, I did not hire the right people, some I did not coach enough and money was tight, I did not open with a lot of money in the back, in fact I couldn’t even get the line of credit offered prior to opening because my credit was 649 and I needed a 650. I borrowed from friends and paid back promptly and scaled back spending. My days of work were roughly 60-70 hours a week, working saturday and sunday a like. My 2 oldest girls were teens so I had to also ensure to be present. Thankfully my husband and 4 kids were always understanding and rallied behind me and helped! My husband helped financially and emotionally to ensure that the business made it and I kept my sanity.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am an insurance agent, I represent State Farm Insurance. We have many products like home, auto, life and health insurance. But also offer annuities, car loans, home repair loan, credit cards, bank accounts and pet insurance. We are risk managers, we have reviews with our customers to ensure we get to know them, ask them questions and make recommendations based on their needs. My goal to ensure that no family is left without an income in the event of an accident, sickness or God-Forbid an early death. We put a huge emphasis when we talk to customers in making sure they understand we want to protect them, their valuables and their family
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Leaving a legacy of love and compassion matters the most to me. I want to be remembered by my family, friends and customers for always being a vessel of love and compassion. I want people to know that I genuinely care about them and hopefully make such an impact they carry that same mission for themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dayanatorreslocalagent.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sfagentdayanatorres/profilecard/?igsh=dHczYXdodno5Y2Fs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dayanatorressf1201?mibextid=LQQJ4d&rdid=hMo1MYMaJTwrhb78&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F15TegxUTvg%2F%3Fmibextid%3DLQQJ4d
Image Credits
My personal picture taken by Margie Dotson
