We were lucky to catch up with Brianna Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brianna, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with talking about how you serve the underserved, because in our view this is one of the most important things the small business community does for society – by serving those who the giant corporations ignore, small business helps create a more inclusive and just world for all of us.

I was born and raised in Chicago, a city known for its resilience, hustle, and creativity. That environment shaped me into a go-getter from an early age. At just 14 years old, I started my journey in fashion and beauty, opening two clothing stores and hair salons by the time I was 22. I always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep desire to create something bigger than myself—something that would empower others and provide financial freedom.

But despite my early success, I realized that financial stability isn’t just about making money. It’s about keeping it, growing it, and protecting it. I saw too many hardworking people around me, especially in my family, dedicate 30+ years to jobs that left them unfulfilled. They worked tirelessly just to retire with less than they deserved, struggling to enjoy the freedom they had earned. That reality never sat well with me.

At 24, I transitioned into the financial services industry, determined to educate my community about building wealth, protecting their legacies, and making smart financial decisions. I founded LGND Life Financial with the mission to help everyday people, including solopreneurs, freelancers, and middle-class families, secure their futures with life insurance that works for them while they’re still living.

Then my journey took an even deeper turn when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That experience changed everything. It forced me to redefine what success really meant. I didn’t just want to make money. I wanted to live a life of purpose, create freedom for myself and others, and make an impact that lasted beyond me. My own Living Benefits policy helped me during one of the toughest times in my life, and that experience reinforced my mission.

Now I dedicate my time to helping people understand life insurance in a way that empowers them, not just as a safety net but as a tool to build wealth, secure their families, and create the life they truly desire. I believe in working smarter, not harder. I believe in breaking generational cycles. And I believe in showing others that they don’t have to settle for just getting by—they can thrive.

Every day, I wake up knowing that I’m living with purpose. I’ve built a business that allows me to work less, make more, travel, and enjoy life on my terms. But more importantly, I’m helping others do the same. That’s what fuels me. That’s what makes my journey worth it.

This isn’t just my story. It’s my legacy in the making. And I’m just getting started.

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 back background and context?

I’m Brianna Johnson, a Chicago native, entrepreneur, and financial educator on a mission to help people build wealth, protect their families, and create financial legacies that last for generations. My journey started in the fashion and beauty industry, where I opened two clothing stores and hair salons by the age of 22. However, after experiencing discrimination in corporate fashion, where I was denied leadership opportunities and ultimately fired from retail for no valid reason, I decided to create my own path rather than wait for a seat at someone else’s table.

At 24, I transitioned into the financial services industry, realizing that many individuals, especially solopreneurs, freelancers, and middle-class families, lacked the knowledge and tools to build real financial security. Even after becoming a top-performing agent, I faced the same barriers in corporate finance that I had in fashion. I was shut out of leadership boards and overlooked for promotions despite my success. That’s when I made the decision to become an independent broker and launch LGND Life Financial, a company designed to educate, empower, and provide real financial solutions to those who need them most.

What We Do at LGND Life Financial
At LGND Life Financial, we offer life insurance with Living Benefits, allowing clients to access their funds in the event of a critical, chronic, or terminal illness—not just after death. Our goal is to ensure that families, business owners, and entrepreneurs have the right coverage at every stage of life so they never have to choose between their health and their financial security.

We don’t just sell insurance. We provide education on all available life insurance options, from term and whole life to Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policies that build wealth over time. We also offer complimentary estate planning, ensuring that families have their wills, trusts, and power of attorney in place to protect their assets.

What sets us apart is our tailored approach. Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all solution, we customize coverage based on each client’s specific needs. Whether someone is an entrepreneur needing business protection, a parent securing their family’s future, or a freelancer looking for financial stability, we help them create an insurance portfolio that evolves with their life.

What Sets Me & My Brand Apart
I’ve Lived It. I know firsthand what it’s like to be left out of financial conversations, to hustle without a safety net, and to face life’s unexpected challenges. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, my own Living Benefits policy allowed me to focus on my health instead of stressing about finances. Now I ensure that my clients have the same protection I did before they ever need it.

I Empower, Not Just Sell. Many insurance agents push a single product, but I take the time to educate clients on every option available so they can make the best decision for their future. Knowledge is power, and my mission is to ensure that everyone I work with has both.

I’m Creating a Legacy, Not Just a Business. My goal isn’t just to sell policies. It’s to break financial cycles, build generational wealth, and equip people with the tools to live life on their own terms. I want my clients to experience freedom, financial security, and peace of mind, knowing they’re prepared for anything life throws their way.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m most proud of the fact that I have built a business that not only creates financial security for my own family but also helps others do the same. I’ve taken adversity and turned it into impact, proving that you don’t have to wait for opportunities—you can create them. Through LGND Life Financial, I’ve helped countless individuals and families protect their income, secure their legacies, and change their financial future for the better.

I want potential clients and followers to know that I’m here to serve, educate, and empower. My work is about more than just insurance. It’s about freedom, preparation, and building a legacy that lasts. If you’re ready to take control of your financial future, I’m here to help.

This is just the beginning. Let’s make you a Living Legend.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Yes, my side hustle turned into my main business. It all started when I was let go from a corporate job and decided to use my severance package to invest in my future. I had always had a passion for entrepreneurship, so I opened my clothing store, but it wasn’t long before I realized that the retail business was far more time-consuming than I had anticipated. To keep the store afloat and make ends meet, I started bartending on the weekends. It was a hustle, but it allowed me to sustain the business and keep things moving forward.

When the clothing store ultimately closed, I had a pivotal moment where I decided to take control of my next move. I knew I wanted more than just running a retail store—I wanted freedom and the ability to make a real impact. While juggling the store and bartending, I began studying for my insurance license. Slowly, I started taking on clients part-time, helping them with life insurance as I learned more about the industry.

As I got deeper into financial services, I saw a huge opportunity. It wasn’t just about working less and earning more—it was about educating my community on financial literacy, something rarely taught in schools. The more I learned, the more I realized life insurance could be a powerful tool for financial freedom and security, something I desperately wished I had known earlier.

Eventually, I made the bold decision to close my stores and go all in on building LGND Life Financial. I transitioned fully into the business when I saw how much impact I could have by educating others on financial protection. Scaling my business allowed me to work smarter, not harder, while still helping others secure their legacies and financial futures.

This journey has been one of resilience and growth. What started as a side hustle has evolved into a full-time, purpose-driven business that empowers people to build wealth, protect their families, and take control of their financial future.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of the most defining moments of my life, and a true test of my resilience, came when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a moment that stopped me in my tracks, but it also became a powerful turning point in my journey. When I first received the news, I was overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty. The reality of what lay ahead was daunting, but there was one thing that made all the difference—my Living Benefits life insurance policy.

Thanks to that policy, I was able to access a lump sum of money that gave me the freedom to get the best care possible, tailored to my needs. I wasn’t limited to the standard care dictated by traditional insurance. The financial relief allowed me to focus on my health without the added stress of paying bills or worrying about lost income. I could take a step back from my business, knowing I was financially secure, which gave me the space I needed to fully heal.

During that time, I discovered a new level of strength and purpose. I wasn’t just focused on surviving—I was determined to come back stronger, with a renewed passion for helping others. My experience showed me how crucial it is to have the right protection in place before disaster strikes. I wanted to ensure that no one else had to face financial strain during a personal crisis the way I did.

When I recovered and returned to my business, I did so with a greater sense of purpose. I was no longer just selling policies—I was sharing my story to help others understand the importance of Living Benefits and proper coverage. My mission became clear: to make sure people are financially prepared for life’s unexpected challenges, so they can focus on healing rather than worrying about finances.

This experience not only shaped who I am today but also transformed the way I run LGND Life Financial. I am more committed than ever to educating my clients and helping them secure the protection they need. Faith and proper coverage saved my life, and now I’m dedicated to helping others find the same peace of mind and security.

Contact Info:

• Website: Lgndlife.com
• Instagram: BriannaKaylaj
• Facebook: Brianna Kayla
• Linkedin: Brianna Johnson
• Youtube: Brianna Kayla