Meet Vira Egli | Insurance Agent Advocate

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

Hi Vira, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
I’ve reflected on this question several times over the last few years. I come up with the same answer: a childhood full of unconditional love, safety and nurturing. Most people are surprised when I share this response. They expect me to say “hard work, perseverance, focus… blah blah blah.” Obviously, you need those things, but the truth is, those things come easy to a person that has been allowed to explore; to fall down a few times and have family be there to pick them up.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an insurance professional. I grew up in a family of Mexican and Chinese immigrant entrepreneurs. The insurance industry has always been open to individuals of all backgrounds. It has allowed my family to thrive. It has been an incredible platform for me to share ideas on the need for more diversity in certain areas and I am a huge advocate for the spanish speaking agent community. It’s paved the way for my female colleagues and I to create an insurance agency dedicated to serving Creatives.

There are always challenges, of course. One can say that raising money is a challenge… but it isn’t. Money will always find its way to you if you are doing something that truly fulfills a need. The bigger challenge, in my opinion, is finding the people that truly want to make a difference. There is a lot of bs in the world, and most folks are in it for themselves. There is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking monetary success, but it should not be at any cost.

I used to chase shiny objects. It left me empty and unfulfilled. Do yourself a favor and focus on things that bring you and others joy. Money is a natural consequence of that.

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 showing people around town! I immediately take folks to Grand Central Market. It’s just fun and there are so many flavors to choose from! I also always recommend Hop Woo in Chinatown, run by family. It is a Los Angeles treasure and the first to translate their menu into Spanish, making Chinese food even more accessible to Spanish speaking families in LA.

I would show them Pasadena, because it’s such a beautiful Los Angeles County city. Everyone I take there loves walking up and down Old Town. A hike through Eaton Canyon is never a let down.

We’d then hit the coast: Venice Beach (because you have to tell friends back home that you went, obviously…), then we’d walk up and down Abbot Kinney to check out the boutiques and grab a light meal at Greenleaf Kitchen, take a drive up to Malibu, check out the pier and other spots, then immediately head back East for drinks in Highland Park. I always head back East. The westside is cool, but there’s nothing like East and North East LA, in my opinion.

I would insist on breakfast at Kitchen Mouse on Figueroa. Their vegan chilaquiles are bomb.

Naturally, I’d toss in a visit to the observatory, a hike to the Hollywood sign and the Wisdom Tree. If it’s the season, we’d hit a Dodger game or take in a futbol game.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Natalie Torres-Haddad of Financially Savvy Latina is a true inspiration. Also, a shout out to my favorite book: A Hat Full of Sky. To me, this book is a reminder that recognizing your individual power is important, but joining forces with others makes you and your “village” even stronger.

Website: https://www.confessionsofaninsuranceprofessional.com/

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/vira-egli

Image Credits
IG: @garage_photostudio IG: @oscar.imagines