🌟Spotlight: Claire Watson🌟 

"I got my law degree in 2011 and initially worked as a family law attorney. Before long I took an opportunity in Martinsburg, WV, to become a law clerk for the circuit court. That then opened an opportunity to become the first law clerk for the business court division of West Virginia. I loved that job and got to really dive into complex, novel issues in WV’s business landscape with judges from all over the state. Along the way I had gotten married, had my first child, and started a hobby turned business. My days were clerking during the 9-5, photographing families and weddings on weekends, and editing after making dinner. My husband and I were ships passing in the night and I felt like I was missing out on my daughter’s childhood. I truly enjoyed my legal work and my co-workers, but it was so exciting to see my photography business grow and to have such creative control over, not just the images, but customer experience, pricing, marketing and all the fun that comes along with entrepreneurship. I didn’t want to give it up.
 
After crunching the numbers, my husband and I decided that if I worked as a stay-at-home parent and ran my photography business for growth, we could make it work. And, I’m proud to say, we did. My little basement-ran business was published in magazines, won awards, photographed at prestigious venues in D.C., and charged an amount that allowed me to match my income as a lawyer. More than that, my perspective of couples and their families are still used today to remember feelings of commitment and love. Along the way, Kevin and I welcomed two more beautiful children.
 
So when the opportunity to become a State Farm opened, I initially declined. I never saw myself following in my Mother and Grandfather’s footsteps as an agent. I figured when it was time to return to traditional work, I would go back to the law. Further, I just knew that my husband would not want to move to the small town of Weston. He’d be in downtown D.C. if I’d let him! But when I told him about the call, he surprised me and said, “I think we owe it to ourselves and our families to consider it.” We talked about it for weeks- uprooting our family and both of us leaving jobs we loved was a risk for sure. But taking over my mother’s office when she retired would get us “back home.” I decided being an insurance agent would merge my interests: analysis of business and contracts plus a love of people and a desire to strengthen families.
 
After a year of studying, licensing, business plans, and interviewing, I was granted a State Farm agency. I assembled a team of trusted employees that are smarter than me. They are self-starters, always looking for answers and bend over backwards for our customers. They are the best part of this job.
 
So much of my story is not one of grit, but rather privilege. Yes, I’ve worked hard, but I’ve had calm in which to work. I had access to education. I had a husband who supported my endeavors and was an active parent. My parents helped me set up my office and reintroduced me to my hometown. Even being able to call my parents and ask, “what would you do?” is an unbelievable grace. And maybe, most importantly, when my heart is hurt because a goal isn’t reached and I feel like a failure or an embarrassment, my family corrects and reminds me that my value is not contingent upon achievement. I am a creation of God and that, without anything else, qualifies me for love. This gives me the freedom to try again. I hope to pass down that lesson to my kids too."

Join us in celebrating Claire for our #LadiesthatLaunch campaign!✨