Today we’d like to introduce you to Ingrid Lathan.
Ingrid, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started my journey in the life insurance industry nearly 20 years ago, working closely with families during some of life’s most vulnerable moments. Early on, I realized that what people truly needed wasn’t just an insurance policy – it was guidance, clarity, and someone they could trust to help them make important decisions.
Almost two years ago, I experienced that reality personally when I lost my mother. While it was an incredibly difficult time for our family, she had put a solid life insurance plan in place, and it ensured that my father was taken care of for the remainder of his life. In the middle of our grief, that gift of security and peace of mind made all the difference.
That experience became a turning point for me. It deepened my perspective and ultimately led me to launch Rest Assured Life Group. I wanted to create a business that felt different – one centered on education, compassion, and making these conversations feel approachable instead of overwhelming.
Today, I’m proud to serve individuals and families in my community by helping them put simple, meaningful plans in place – whether that’s life insurance coverage or creating a will. My goal is to give others the same sense of peace and protection that my mother gave our family, and to empower people to feel confident about their future and the legacy they leave behind.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road – especially over the past year. In many ways, it’s been one of the most challenging seasons of my life, both personally and professionally.
While I was stepping into entrepreneurship and building my business, my husband was also going through a major transition of his own. He made the difficult decision to close his business after nearly 15 years and is now starting fresh in a completely new career field. Navigating two major life and career shifts at the same time has come with its fair share of uncertainty, pressure, and growing pains.
There have been moments of doubt, stress, and learning how to adapt quickly – but also moments that have been incredibly rewarding. Going through this season together has strengthened us, pushed us to grow, and reminded us why we took these leaps in the first place.
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—especially over the past year. In many ways, it’s been one of the most challenging seasons of my life, both personally and professionally.
While I was stepping into entrepreneurship and building my business, my husband was also going through a major transition of his own. He made the difficult decision to close his business after nearly 15 years and is now starting fresh in a completely new career field. Navigating two major life and career shifts at the same time has come with its fair share of uncertainty, pressure, and growing pains.
There have been moments of doubt, stress, and learning how to adapt quickly—but also moments that have been incredibly rewarding. Going through this season together has strengthened us, pushed us to grow, and reminded us why we took these leaps in the first place. Our four year old daughter, Ellison is the main reason we decided to change our path in life and we are so grateful.
Entrepreneurship isn’t always a straight path – it’s full of pivots, resilience, and faith. And while the road has been bumpy, it’s also been meaningful. Every challenge has helped shape not only my business, but who I am as a business owner and as a person.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am the owner and founder of Rest Assured Life Group, where I help individuals and families create thoughtful, personalized plans to protect what matters most. My work spans a wide range of life insurance solutions – from coverage for young families to more specialized planning like final expense protection for seniors. I also offer guidance with will creation and estate planning to help ensure my clients’ wishes are clearly documented and honored.
At the core of what I do is education. These are important decisions, and I believe people deserve to understand their options in a way that feels simple and not overwhelming. Whether someone is just starting a family, planning for retirement, or somewhere in between, my goal is to meet them where they are and help them feel confident in their choices.
I’m known for taking a very personal, hands-on approach. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions – every family’s situation is different, and their plan should reflect that. I take the time to listen, understand their goals, and walk alongside them through the process.
What I’m most proud of is the peace of mind I’m able to provide. Knowing that I’ve helped a family avoid financial stress or uncertainty during difficult times is incredibly meaningful to me.
What sets me apart is not just what I do, but how I do it. I lead with compassion, not pressure. I’m not here to just sell a policy: I’m here to serve as a trusted resource, offering guidance, clarity, and support so my clients can make informed decisions about their future.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
One of the things I love most about the Clemson/Pendleton area is the sense of community. It truly feels like a place where people show up for one another—whether it’s supporting local businesses, attending events, or simply checking in on a neighbor. There’s a genuine warmth here that you don’t find everywhere, and it’s something I’m really proud to be a part of both personally and professionally.
I also love the blend of small-town charm with the energy that Pendleton brings. You get the best of both worlds: close-knit relationships and a strong local identity, along with growth, opportunity, and vibrancy from the university and surrounding areas.
If I had to point to a challenge, it would be the pace of growth. With more people moving into the area, there’s always the concern of maintaining that small-town feel while keeping up with development and change. But at the same time, that growth also brings new opportunities, so it’s really about finding the right balance.
Overall, it’s a special place to live and work, and I feel fortunate to serve a community that values connection, support, and local businesses as much as this one does.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.restassuredlifegroup.com
- Instagram: @restassuredlifegroup
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IngridSwansonInsurance
