We had the good fortune of connecting with Amber Payan-Inclán and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amber, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think of risk as a necessity. A non-negotiable in my life. Sometimes the idea of risk is uncomfortable and scary, but the idea of staying stagnant, not growing, being the same person in the same place year after year is much scarier to me. I realized a long time ago that there will always be fear, but I refuse to let it control me. Taking calculated risks has played a big role in my life and business. It has pushed me and challenged me to evolve into the person and leader I was meant to be. I still have a long way to go, but looking back it amazes me how far I’ve come. Without risk I would of never started my insurance agency from scratch. I started with zero clients…none…zilch. I’m proud to say we recently celebrated 5 years in business. In those five years there has been lots of risks, but also lots of lessons learned. The risks you take don’t always pan out, but the lessons you learn are invaluable. You gain strength, courage and confidence. I’ve risked the security of a traditional 9 to 5 to create the life I desire on my terms. Without risk that wouldn’t be possible.

What should our readers know about your business?

At Inclan Insurance Services, Inc. our mission is to empower business owners through insurance, helping them to ignite their passion and inspire them to dream big. We are committed to work alongside our clients and fully understand the current state of their business vs. what their vision of the future is for their business. With a full understanding of our clients we are able to educate our clients on how insurance can be used as a tool to help their vision come to life.

We truly believe that small businesses are the heart and soul of our commUNITY(s)! Together we can conquer and achieve so much more. In this belief we walk along side our clients advocating for them, encouraging them and supporting them. We are a team and not a transaction. This is what sets us apart from others and what we are most proud of!

I have to say looking back on the last five years it definitely hasn’t been easy. In fact it has been some of the hardest years of my life (and that’s saying a lot), but with that being said, they have undoubtedly been the most rewarding and happiest years of my life. I’ve had to dig deep to become better, to push myself and to keep going when I felt like I had nothing left. Being a business owner isn’t for the faint of heart. But with all the hard days, tough lessons and struggles comes growth, change, and joy. That’s where the real reward is. What people don’t tell you is it’s not just about being a business owner. It’s about so much more. It’s about being an advocate, a mentor, a leader, a friend and community partner.

I’m here to make a difference in people’s lives, no matter how big or small. People are my purpose.

If you should ever need some inspiration….a quote by me:

“Go out and throat punch the day like you would any motha f&*%@ who ever doubted how f&*%@ badass YOU are!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is tough because there is so many great places to eat, drink and be merry in LA. But if I have to choose it would go something like this…

Day 1: Because I’m a craft beer lover we would first stop at Highland Park Brewery for an IPA or 2 or 3 then head on over to the Dankness Dojo to grab another hoppy beverage. Once we were feeling pretty good we would grab a Lyft to Grand Central Market….ohhhh the choices of delicious food are endless. And to top the night off at LA Live for some entertainment

Day 2: Union Station to people watch while sitting in the big brown leather oversized chairs. There’s something special about that place. I love it their for so many reasons. You will meet the most interesting people from all walks of life. We’d then grab lunch at Phillipe’s. Can you say yum and not to mention historic. After our bellies are full a walk around Olvera Street and a quick stop in China Town…hey why not.

Day 3: Attend a game at Dodger Stadium and of course ordering a Dodger Dog is mandatory.

Day 4: Venice Beach it’s an all day event and talk about some more real deal people watching.

Day 5: Grab some flowers at the Flower Market early morning….they have beautiful flowers for the best price. After a walk around the Fashion District and Santee Alley. Bring a suitcase because I guarantee your buying more than you need.

Day 6: Concert at The Greek Theatre or Hollywood Bowl,

Day 7: Dinner and drinks at The Perch

There’s so many great places to visit, eat and drink in this city. LA is a melting pot of people.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Where do I start? They say it takes a village to raise a child. I believe the same is true in business and in this case my child is my business. It truly takes a village to build and grow a company. There is no doubt that without the support, love and encouragement of my husband, family and select friends I would of likely not made it as far as I have today. To add to that the mentorship and guidance that I’ve received from other business owners, especially other insurance agency owners unreal. All of these people have pushed me, motivated me, routed me on, loved me, but more importantly believed in me. For that they are the real MVP’s, and the ones that deserve more than a little credit, they deserve the world. For them I’ll continue to this entrepreneurial journey in hopes to give them just that…the world!

Website: https://inclaninsurance.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberinclan/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberinclan/

Image Credits
Sonia Tapia Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA 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.