Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Lam.
Hi Susan , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
First and foremost, I am profoundly grateful to Jehovah — or the Universe, however you choose to name that divine presence — for guiding me through every step of my journey. Through this connection, I found my purpose and stepped into entrepreneurship with a deeper sense of meaning. My mission is to lead by example and show my daughter that when you dream boldly and walk in faith with God, anything is possible.
I was born in China, the youngest of four siblings. My father passed away when I was just a baby, and my remarkable mother raised us on her own. When she later became ill and could no longer care for us, life took a different turn. At just 8 years old, I moved to Peru with my oldest brother. We lived with our uncles, and it was during those formative years that I was deeply influenced by the warmth and richness of Peruvian culture. I completed high school there before returning to Macau, China.
Then came a dream — bold, and maybe even unrealistic — to move to the United States with nothing but a backpack and faith. I called a childhood friend in the U.S. to ask if I could visit. She said no. I was heartbroken, but I didn’t give up. I prayed. I surrendered. And soon, a new door opened. It was shortly after 9/11 — a time filled with uncertainty — and although my family had their doubts, the Universe cleared the path. After my pastor spoke with them, their hearts softened, and I received their blessing. In my early 20s, I arrived in the U.S. with nothing but hope and trust in what was possible.
I had no clear plan — only faith. One day, I walked past an insurance agency with a “Now Hiring” sign in the window. Something inside me said, “Go in.” So I did. I was shy, uncertain, and completely unfamiliar with the industry, but that single step changed everything. It was the beginning of what would become a 23-year career in insurance.
Over time, I came to love this work. Insurance, to me, isn’t just about paperwork or policies — it’s about helping people protect what matters most: their families, their homes, their businesses, and their futures. I often tell my daughter that if I had to start all over again, I would choose this same path.
After more than two decades working for others, I began to feel a shift inside. As a single mother raising a bright, beautiful daughter, I felt called to take yet another leap of faith — this time, to build something of my own. I wanted to show her what’s possible when we choose courage over comfort and follow our inner guidance.
With God’s direction and encouragement, I made the bold decision to leave the safety of a secure job. Inspired by Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki, I trusted my instincts and launched my own agency. I realized that even with nothing to start, simply taking the first step gave me a 50% chance at success — and to me, that was already a win.
Today, I’m proud to have built my own insurance agency. But more than just a business, it’s a mission rooted in purpose. I hope to empower my daughter — and others — to believe in their dreams, trust their inner voice, and know that with faith — in God, the Universe, and themselves — anything is possible. The right people and mentors continue to show up in my life at just the right time — and if you’re reading this, perhaps you’re one of them.
Creating something aligned with my values has brought me freedom, purpose, and fulfillment. The road hasn’t always been easy, but one thing has remained constant: I’ve never walked it alone. God has been by my side every step of the way. And it’s with you too.
It’s never too late to start over. Listen to your intuition. Trust the timing. Believe in the vision placed in your heart — it’s there for a reason.
If I could do it — with nothing but faith and a backpack — so can you.
Let’s create a brighter, more hopeful world — one bold step at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been easy, but every challenge has helped me grow. From losing my father early in life, moving countries as a child, to starting over in the U.S. with little but faith — each step taught me resilience, trust, and perseverance. Starting my career in insurance and later launching my own agency took courage, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. The road has had its ups and downs, but I see every struggle as part of God’s plan to prepare me for something greater.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Crest Shield Insurance Agency Inc., based in Huntington Beach, is dedicated to protecting what matters most — your family, your assets, and your future. With over 20 years of industry experience, we offer personalized insurance solutions including auto, home, life, and business coverage.
What sets us apart is our personal approach. We take time to understand your needs and provide honest, tailored guidance in both English and Chinese. Our mission is built on trust, faith, and service — values that guide everything we do.
At Crest Shield, we don’t just sell insurance — we build long-term relationships and offer peace of mind. Whether you’re starting out or growing, we’re here to protect your journey.
We offer a full range of services, including:
Auto Insurance
Homeowners & Renters Insurance
Commercial & Business Insurance
Life Insurance
Specialty Coverage tailored to unique needs
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
For me, the most important quality behind my success has been faith and perseverance. Faith keeps me grounded and reminds me that even when things don’t go as planned, God always has a purpose. Perseverance pushes me to keep going when challenges arise — to trust the process, stay positive, and keep working hard toward my goals.
In business and in life, I believe success comes from doing things with integrity, treating people with kindness, and never giving up — even when the road gets tough. Faith gives me the vision, and perseverance gives me the strength to make it happen.
Pricing:
- Free, No-Obligation Quotes – We offer complimentary quotes for all insurance products with no pressure to commit.
- Commercial Insurance – Competitive small business coverage with flexible plans — quotes available upon request.
- Trilingual Service ( English, Spanish,Chinese-Cantonese)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crestshieldinsurance.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crestshieldins/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578666813199
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvyEr543sBY
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/crest-shield-insurance-agency-huntington-beach-2
