We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Fatemeh Ari MIRABEDI a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Fatemeh Ari, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

There’s never a perfect moment to start a business. The idea that everything will align and the risk will disappear is just not real. When I was working my 9-to-5, I had stability, a steady paycheck, and a routine—but I also felt the pull to build something of my own. The thought of walking away from that security wasn’t easy. I kept asking myself the same questions most people do: What if it doesn’t work? What if I lose that stability? Am I really ready?

At the same time, I realized waiting until I felt 100% certain might mean never starting at all. So instead of waiting for the “perfect time,” I focused on preparing—understanding my market, building relationships, and making sure I had at least a basic financial cushion. Once I reached a point where the risk felt manageable—not gone, but manageable—I made the decision to take the leap and start my insurance brokerage.

The transition wasn’t instant or easy. There were moments of doubt and uncertainty, especially in the beginning when income wasn’t guaranteed. But there was also something incredibly rewarding about being in control of my own path, building something from the ground up, and creating value for my clients on my own terms.

Looking back, that decision to step away from a secure job was one of the most defining risks I’ve taken. It pushed me to grow, to become more disciplined, and to trust myself in ways I hadn’t before. And while the journey is still ongoing, I can say that choosing growth over comfort has been worth it.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

For those who may not know me, I’m Fatemeh Ari Mirabedi, an insurance broker focused on helping individuals and small business owners find the right coverage while keeping costs under control. I got into the insurance industry with a simple goal—to bring more clarity and transparency to a space that often feels confusing and overwhelming. Over time, I saw how many people were either underinsured, overpaying, or didn’t fully understand what they had, and that’s where I found my purpose. I specialize in personal and commercial insurance, including home, umbrella, and business liability, workers compensation and much more, and I work closely with my clients to tailor solutions that actually fit their needs—not just sell a policy. What sets me apart is my consultative approach; I take the time to educate, explain options clearly, and build long-term relationships based on trust. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built and the fact that clients see me as a resource, not just a transaction. At the end of the day, I want people to know that I genuinely care about protecting what matters most to them and helping them make informed, confident decisions about their coverage.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

For me, the most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been building genuine relationships and staying consistent with follow-up. In an industry like insurance, people don’t just buy policies—they buy trust. Most of my growth has come from referrals, networking events, and simply staying top of mind with people I’ve already connected with. Instead of focusing on quick sales, I focus on educating clients, being transparent, and actually solving their problems. That naturally leads to repeat business and introductions to others.

Another big factor has been consistency—checking in, following up, and not letting conversations fade. A lot of opportunities don’t come from the first interaction, but from the second, third, or even fourth touchpoint. Also, being active in the community, like attending chamber events and meeting people face-to-face, has made a huge difference. At the end of the day, it’s been less about “selling” and more about building trust, providing value, and staying present.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

The best source of new clients for me has been referrals and relationships built through networking. Most of my business comes from people who were introduced to me—whether through existing clients, business connections, or local events like chamber meetings. When someone is referred to you, there’s already a level of trust established, which makes the conversation more natural and productive.

Beyond that, staying active and visible in the community has played a big role. Consistently showing up, having genuine conversations, and following up has led to opportunities over time. It’s not always immediate, but those relationships compound. At the end of the day, the strongest growth has come from trust-based connections rather than cold outreach.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://surenestinsuranceservices.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ari-fatemeh-mirabedi-surenest-insurance-services/