ALLOW ME TO RE-INTRODUCE MYSELF

Hey Everyone. Most of you know that I had a roller coaster ride the past couple of years. I had a lot of ups and downs with many lifestyle changes. Through it all, once I changed my mindset, I finally found a peaceful place, especially in my career choices. Before, I have always felt a level of uncertainty and doubt. It happens to the best of us.🤷🏼‍♀️ Anywho, let's discuss the reason for this blog post since a lot has changed in a short matter of time, everyone is asking, "what have you been up to lately." 
 
Most individuals who follow me on social media know that I owned a brick and mortar insurance agency. I had a wonderful time and even won an award with Suburban Essex Magazine. You can click here to see the article (not the greatest photo), as the Insurance agent of the year in 2017. But, I was starting to feel worn out, and my health was feeling the brunt of it. You can see in the photo that I was not feeling well that day. At the end of 2018, with deep reflection, I decided to close the agency and believed I would never look back, or even consider insurance again. To me, nothing screamed excitement concerning insurance. 🤦‍♀️ My passion has always been in the health and wellness field. At the very beginning of my journey, I worked as a preschool teacher with different schools in the community, teaching classes in health education and healthy habits curriculum. By far, the most enjoyable experience, and if the opportunity presented itself, I would do it again. IN A HEARTBEAT!
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​From there, I went on a hiatus while going to school, and also recovering from ongoing health issues. Eventually, I decided that I wanted to keep up with my passion and consider a career as a health coach. After I received my degree in psychology, I thought this was the best option to complement my degree. Of course, if you know me, I then went on to earn more certifications in the health & wellness field (what can I say, I LOVE to RESEARCH, READ, and LEARN). And just when I thought I had everything figured out, I got the bright idea to learn insurance and go for not one but ALL the insurance licensing needed to start a brand new career. Why? 🤷🏼‍♀️ When the opportunity presents itself, I like to take risks, think outside the box, and give it a try. Funny though, the goal immediately was to focus on something completely different... employee benefits and combine it with workplace wellness options for companies. Instead, I went into a completely different direction, I opened an agency with a carrier, and took off like a bat out of hell. It was a great ride, but going back to the beginning of this story, I took a step back for my financial and emotional well-being. It was the best choice at the time. Now, looking back, it was also not just the best choice but the right choice too! 😊 
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​Now, let's flash forward...

​What did I do when I closed the agency? Well, if you have been a part of my tribe, you know, I went back to school to earn a degree when another golden opportunity presented itself. During one semester, my professor contacted me to see if I was interested in helping her set up her courses on a virtual platform, grade, and create lesson plans as a teaching assistant. Why wouldn't I say YES! (GOING TO KEEP THIS PART SHORT) This week marks the 4th semester as an Instructional Leader on her team, with the luxury of working from home. So, I had a lot of time to debate other avenues to embark on with my time. AND then the light bulb went off, Why let all the hard work in obtaining my licensure go to waste? I started in insurance for employee benefits and workplace wellness options. Right? WHY NOT just DO IT with my own company? I have the time, knowledge, and resources. I can't take full credit for the light bulb going off. My husband motivated me to stop letting fear get in the way. So, that is when Alison James & Associates along with JAC Wellness Solutions became something more than just names and domains purchased years ago.


Today, I am working as an insurance broker for my own company, while strategizing on merging the two companies to help other companies with their FINANCIAL WELLNESS along with their EMPLOYEES HEALTH and WELLNESS. Employee Benefits with Workplace Wellness Incentives are in the works for later this year. 

Alison James also specializes in personal and commercial insurance solutions. Check ​out our website here ---> alisonjassoc.com​

CLICK HERE---> if you would like more information about workplace wellness options

Check out some photos from my earlier  insurance days... 

Turned my Insurance Agency into a Certified Green office by going paperless, offering clients goodies including sports bottles, non plastic & BPA free & shopping bags to replace plastic and paper bags when grocery shopping.

2017 Readers Choice for Best Insurance Agent in Essex County.

Management Training & Marketing Strategies for Agency Owners

Old office before closing the doors to work from home. Best decision ever!