We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Portia Ishmon a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Portia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Folks often look at a successful business and imagine it was an overnight success, but from what we’ve seen this is often far from the truth. We’d love to hear your scaling up story – walk us through how you grew over time – what were some of the big things you had to do to grow and what was that scaling up journey like?
Scaling my business from its early stages to where it is today has definitely been a journey of grit, strategy, and overcoming obstacles. The outside world often looks at a business that has reached a certain level of success and assumes it happened overnight, but what they don’t see are the years of hard work, sacrifice, and resilience that went into building that foundation.
When I first entered the financial industry, I was starting from scratch. I had the passion and the drive, but I was navigating uncharted waters. At first, it was all about learning as much as I could and applying that knowledge. One of my key strategies was setting clear, measurable goals. I wanted to be licensed across multiple states, and so I made it happen. But that was only the beginning. I didn’t just want to serve people in my local area; I wanted to expand my reach to empower communities across the country. And that required a level of hustle and dedication that was truly exhausting at times.
But scaling a business isn’t just about putting in the hours and pushing hard. It’s about strategy and adaptation. As I started growing, I realized the importance of strategic partnerships—finding people who could fill in the gaps where I wasn’t as strong. Working with industry leaders helped me to sharpen my approach and expand my offerings. It also gave me access to resources I couldn’t have provided on my own.
A huge turning point in my journey came in 2023, when a personal family event made me realize just how critical it was to not only secure my own financial future but also to be in a position to help my loved ones. This renewed my commitment to my mission, and it sparked a shift in how I thought about my business. It was no longer just about building wealth for myself—it was about creating lasting security and opportunities for others. That shift informed my approach to scaling even further. I became more focused on offering solutions that were personalized and that genuinely made a difference.
There have definitely been moments of doubt and frustration along the way. For example, convincing people to consider financial planning options—especially when they are used to the traditional methods and don’t understand how my strategies can benefit them—was tough. Overcoming skepticism took a lot of persistence. I had to find ways to break through the noise and demonstrate the value I was offering. Another challenge was balancing my business with the demands of my personal life. The work never stops, but I learned how to structure my time more effectively. That helped me to stay consistent and present in both aspects of my life.
As for mistakes along the way, I’ve definitely made my share. Early on, I underestimated the complexity of client relationships and how long it could take to nurture trust and understanding. There were times I thought I could move faster than the process allowed, but I quickly learned that trust and strong relationships are built over time. In the long run, those lessons made me a better professional and leader, helping me build a more sustainable and successful business.
Looking back, there was no magic formula for scaling. It was a combination of being relentless in pursuit of my goals, forming the right relationships, learning from mistakes, and consistently adapting my approach to meet the evolving needs of my clients. The process has never been linear, and there were plenty of challenges I didn’t expect. But each obstacle has ultimately made me more resilient and more committed to the mission of helping others build and protect their wealth.
For anyone out there thinking of scaling up their own business, my biggest piece of advice is this: embrace the journey. It’s not about quick wins. It’s about long-term commitment, learning from the lows, and celebrating the growth along the way. The scaling process might look like an overnight success from the outside, but the reality is that it’s been years of hard work, mistakes, and persistence. And even now, the work is ongoing—because there’s always more to do, more lives to impact, and more growth to achieve.
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?
My name is Portia Ishmon, and I am the Owner and SHEO (SheEO) of BOLDHer Wealth Management and Consulting, LLC. My journey into the financial industry began in an unexpected way but has evolved into a deep passion for empowering others to achieve financial security. I never envisioned myself in this line of work, but when a Facebook message from a woman named Laura Campbell opened the door to a whole new world, I quickly realized this was my opportunity to make a meaningful difference—not just in my own life, but in the lives of others.
I come from humble beginnings and had always been driven to create a better life for myself and my family. As a young woman, I set clear goals—owning a home by 30 and earning a six-figure income by 35. While my path to the financial industry was untraditional, it was clear to me from the start that the tools I needed to achieve these dreams would come through financial literacy and empowerment. As I immersed myself in the world of life insurance and wealth-building strategies, I was fascinated by how these products could not only protect people’s lives but also help them create wealth while they were still alive. This understanding shaped the foundation of my business.
At BOLDHer Wealth Management and Consulting, we offer a wide range of financial products and services tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients. From retirement planning and life insurance to tax-free wealth accumulation and asset protection, we focus on creating strategies that are not only practical but sustainable over the long term. Our services aim to help people build, preserve, and protect their wealth, empowering them to make informed decisions for their futures. What sets us apart is our commitment to offering holistic, personalized solutions that are adaptable to the unique circumstances of each client.
One of the things I’m most proud of is that I’ve been able to bring financial solutions to communities that often don’t have access to them—particularly to underserved and underrepresented groups. I truly believe that financial literacy is key to breaking generational gaps and creating lasting legacies. Through partnerships with other industry leaders, I am able to offer my clients exclusive, risk-free products that many traditionally haven’t had access to. This not only helps them secure their financial future, but it also positions them to thrive in ways they hadn’t imagined possible.
Another point of pride for me is being the first business owner in my family. That accomplishment was not just about personal success—it was about setting a new example for those in my family and community, showing them that owning a business and building wealth from the ground up is possible. What fuels me every day is the opportunity to uplift others, to help them learn how to manage their money wisely, and to provide financial security that lasts.
For me, BOLDHer Wealth Management is not just about numbers and policies—it’s about people. It’s about creating tangible change in the lives of those I serve, educating them on how to make smarter financial decisions, and giving them the tools they need to take control of their financial futures. Every client interaction is an opportunity to impact someone’s life, and that’s what makes this work so fulfilling.
My brand is grounded in the values of empowerment, integrity, literacy and service. I am committed to providing exceptional service and helping clients build a legacy that lasts for generations, educate them on the tools that will help them exceed their goals and make retirement and their dream life a reality. What I want people to know most about me and my work is that I am driven by a genuine desire to help others succeed with their retirement goals and have the peace of mind to feel protected and secure and have a trusted partner in wealth building to lean on. I am here to guide them, to educate them, and to provide solutions that create lasting, meaningful impact in their lives because together we will undergo all the major life changes good and bad and support is key And through BOLDHer Wealth Management and Consulting, I am just getting started.
As I look forward to the future, my mission is clear: No family left behind as I continue educating and empowering individuals, families, and businesses with the financial tools and knowledge they need to achieve long-term success, prosperity and ultimately make that dream life a reality. It’s not just about wealth accumulation—it’s about creating a secure, thriving future for all and protecting what you have to ensure you can utilize every single asset you have to create that life that you want now and in the future.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the outdated belief that the traditional 3-legged stool and the 40/40/40 approach was the only way to retire successfully. As Millennials, we were taught that working for 40 years, saving 40% of our income, and relying on Social Security, pensions, and a 401(k) would set us up for a comfortable retirement. But as I dove deeper into financial planning and wealth-building strategies, I realized that the game had changed—and it’s time for us to rethink how we approach our future.
The truth is, we now have the power to be both the lender and the borrower, taking control of our own financial futures in ways that earlier generations didn’t have access to. By investing in life protection products like Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance and Fixed Indexed Annuities (FIA), we can create a better, more secure future for ourselves without relying on outdated methods. These products not only offer protection for our families, but they also provide a way to grow wealth in a tax-advantaged way, giving us a more robust and flexible solution for retirement.
I’m passionate about educating others, especially here in Arizona, to break free from the old-school thinking that baby boomers still hold onto regarding retirement. I vow to show people that there’s a better way to build wealth—one that doesn’t require blindly following a 40-year work cycle with limited returns. Through workshops, one-on-one conversations, and educational sessions, I aim to teach individuals how to leverage the financial strategies that are available to us now, strategies that allow us to build wealth for free.
The path to a successful retirement doesn’t have to be a slow grind using methods that may not even be viable 30 years from now. We have the ability to make smarter, more informed decisions today. And I’m committed to helping as many people as possible learn how to take control of their financial future and overcome the outdated lessons we’ve been taught. It’s time to change the conversation around retirement and embrace new, innovative ways to ensure long-term success.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been shifting from overthinking and trying to force connections to simply having authentic, easy conversations with anyone—whether I’m in a store, out with friends, or talking to family. It’s all about making the process natural and not overcomplicating it. I’ve realized that building relationships, even in casual settings, can lead to meaningful conversations about what I do and how I can help others.
Reaching out through social media and making personal phone calls has also been a game-changer. I use these platforms to share the message about the free educational workshops I offer, which is a key entry point to opening up those deeper conversations. People are more willing to engage when they understand that they can learn something valuable at no cost to them. These workshops lead directly into discovery calls, where I can take the time to listen and explain how my business and the services I offer can truly help them.
In addition to those personal connections, I’ve leveraged AI technology to do the heavy lifting behind the scenes. From sourcing potential leads and sending automated texts to nurturing ongoing conversations and even handling the hard “no’s,” the technology I use ensures that I’m staying in touch with people at all times. It takes care of the logistical work, so I can focus on building relationships and providing the value my clients are looking for. By streamlining this process, I’m able to efficiently and effectively nurture potential clients, providing them with the information they need to make informed decisions without feeling pressured.
But perhaps the most important part of growing my clientele has been the genuine, exceptional service I offer to each client. By consistently going above and beyond to meet their needs, I’ve built trust and strong relationships that often lead to referrals. When clients feel cared for and supported, they naturally want to share that positive experience with their own family and friends. Word of mouth has been one of the most effective ways to expand my reach, as satisfied clients become my ambassadors, sharing the message of the free workshops and services I provide with their networks.
This blend of personal outreach, technology, a focus on education, and outstanding service has been instrumental in growing my clientele. It’s all about making connections, simplifying the process, offering value, and building trust—so that my clients feel confident enough to share their experiences and help others benefit from the same tools and strategies that will secure their financial future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://agents.worldfinancialgroup.com/Portia-Ishmon-99FSD
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boldhermmc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/boldher-management-marketing-consulting/posts/?feedView=all
- Other: Schedule a free educational session with me – https://calendly.com/portia_ishmon/empoweryourfinances
Image Credits
Photo credit to my wife also a fellow entrepreneur – Tosha Ishmon of Ishmon productions | the lab network https://www.youtube.com/@TheLabNetwork-xl6u