It all started with a little curiosity.

While Amber Rose was working as an insurance agent’s assistant in her early 20s, she wanted to learn more about the business.

“I had no idea what my own insurance policy meant, and when I started learning I became fascinated,” says the long-time Orcas resident. “To this day my favorite part of the job is that I get to help educate and protect people, identify the needs of my clients, provide the right kind of coverage and be an advocate when clients need guidance.”

Rose, who has been an insurance agent since 2006, has just teamed up with Simmons and Associates – a company she used to work for in Portland, Ore. – to open a satellite office in Eastsound. She is offering insurance for home, auto, boat, business, bond, vacation rental and more. She can be reached at 360-632-6122.

Islanders may know Rose from her five years at San Juan Insurance. She calls her departure “bittersweet.”

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and the idea of being free to get out from behind my desk and out in to the community is very exciting to me,” Rose said. “I’m passionate about what I do, so the ability to set my own pace as well as create my own processes and procedures will be very rewarding.”

In her spare time, Rose hangs out with her two children, volunteers as a stage hand for Orcas Center and writes and paints.

“I am so excited for this new adventure in my life,” Rose said.