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

Hi Amanda, how does your business help the community?
At its core, my work is about giving people peace of mind and helping them protect what matters most — their health, their family, and their financial future. Insurance can feel overwhelming and intimidating, but when someone truly understands their options, they can make decisions that bring real security and confidence. That changes lives in very real ways, especially during life’s toughest moments.

Beyond that, I’m passionate about education and prevention. I host educational workshops designed to help seniors and other community members stay safe and informed. I see this as an extension of my mission: protecting people not only through the plans they choose, but by giving them the knowledge and tools to protect themselves every day.

To me, making a social impact doesn’t always mean grand gestures — sometimes it’s about being that trusted person people can call when they’re scared, confused, or just need honest advice. Over time, those small moments of support, combined with working alongside other local organizations, add up to something bigger: a community that feels more empowered, protected, and cared for.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My business is built around a very simple idea: insurance solutions should start with listening, not selling. I’m an independent agent specializing in health, Medicare, life insurance, and supplemental coverage for individuals, families, and small businesses. What I really do, though, is guide people through decisions that can feel overwhelming and deeply personal — and help them feel genuinely informed and confident in the choices they make.

What I’m most proud of is the trust my clients place in me. Many come to me feeling anxious or confused, and by the end of our conversation, they’re often relieved and empowered. That moment — when someone feels “I understand this now, and I know what to do” — is why I do what I do.

Getting here wasn’t necessarily easy. Shifting from a secure role in HR and operations to starting my own agency meant facing a lot of uncertainty. I had to learn to market myself, to build systems from scratch, and to trust in my approach even when it didn’t look like the typical “sales-first” model. At times, it felt scary to show up fully as myself in an industry that can feel very transactional.

What helped me overcome those challenges was remembering why I started: because I truly care about helping people protect what matters most, and I believe there’s a better way to do it — through education, empathy, and honesty.

Along the way, I’ve learned that people don’t just want someone to sell them a policy — they want someone who listens, explains, and cares enough to stick around long after the paperwork is signed.

If there’s one thing I’d want the world to know about me and my brand, it’s that insurance can be personal, human, and even empowering. My goal is to be that trusted resource you can call anytime — not just when you need a policy, but whenever you have questions, concerns, or life changes that affect your coverage.

At the end of the day, I’m here to serve people, protect families, and help make complicated things a little bit simpler.

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.
If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d love to give them a mix of local charm, great food, and a bit of city adventure!

We’d kick things off with a morning at Blockhouse Coffee & Kitchen in Richmond — the coffee is fantastic, and the vibe is cozy and local. Then we’d stroll through Historic Downtown Richmond, check out the small shops, and pop into the Fort Bend Museum to get a sense of the area’s history.

Food would be a highlight every day: we’d definitely have to try Pier 36 for fresh seafood, Ramirez Tamales for authentic local flavor, and Japaneiro’s in Sugar Land for sushi and fusion dishes in a lively spot.

A day at Sugar Land Town Square would be a must — shopping, relaxing, and dinner at places like Perry’s Steakhouse or Jupiter Pizza & Waffle Co., with live music or people-watching at the plaza to wrap up the evening.

For a taste of Houston, we’d spend a day in the Museum District — exploring the Museum of Fine Arts, the Children’s Museum if kids are along, or even the Houston Zoo. Then dinner in Montrose or the Heights, where there’s always something new and interesting.

I’d also love to show them my favorite local small businesses, farmers markets, and cozy spots where the community really shines.

And honestly, some of the best memories would probably come from the quieter moments: chatting on the patio over coffee or wine, catching up and enjoying the evenings together — because those simple times often end up being the highlight of the whole trip.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely — I truly believe none of us gets anywhere meaningful entirely on our own. First, I’d have to shout out my family: my husband and two boys, who are my grounding force and my motivation for everything I do. Their love and support make it possible for me to pour so much of myself into my clients and my community.

I’d also like to recognize the incredible mentors and fellow members I’ve met through the Central Fort Bend Chamber, where I serve as an Ambassador. Being surrounded by other business owners who genuinely care about giving back, lifting each other up, and building community has been inspiring and humbling.

And finally, a quiet but important shoutout to every client who has trusted me to help them navigate something as personal and sometimes intimidating as insurance. Their stories and openness remind me every day why this work matters, and I’m deeply grateful for that.

Website: https://www.amandajohnseninsurance.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandajohnsen/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amandajohnseninsurance

Other: https://linktr.ee/amandajohnseninsurance

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.