Overcoming financial struggles in her upbringing, Velma M. McMillan has built an accomplished career as an entrepreneur in both the insurance and cosmetology industries, through which she serves as the chief financial officer of Quantum Alliance General Agency and the owner and a partner at a multi-unit franchise, Blo Blow Dry Bar.

At the start of Ms. McMillan’s career, in order to provide for her four children, she entered the insurance field, accruing experience as an executive assistant at Hogan Financial Systems, Inc., a sales counselor agent at Travelers, and an insurance agent at Magnum Insurance Services. She shifted gears and became an underwriter and a customer service specialist at Apollo Managing General Agency for two years before forming Quantum Alliance with her husband, Charles, in 2016. By this point equipped with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Capella University, she excelled in her roles as a marketing representative and the vice president of operations at the company—where she oversees 28 employees and all business operations. She also attains a Master of Business Administration, a claims adjuster license in 12 states, a property and casualty license in 35 states, and a managing general license in the state of Texas.

Motivated to not only leave behind a legacy for her children but show that hard work makes dreams come true, Ms. McMillan is particularly proud of launching her success in the salon franchising industry. She was inspired to start her business as she grew tired of driving an hour and a half to get her hair done and wanted to prevent other women in her area of Rockwall, Texas from having to do the same. In addition, she wanted her clients to always look and feel more beautiful about themselves.  Her love and passion for personal aesthetics and popular hair styling services have been showcased through Blo Blow Dry Bar, which has grown immensely since its inception. In addition, she has bolstered her expertise in the field as an independent beauty consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics since 2016.

As a testament to her unique talent and know-how, Ms. McMillan has been featured in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas regional edition of Vogue Magazine. A dedicated community member, she has long been part of the Chamber of Commerce of Rockwall and is a frequent volunteer and donor for such organizations as Helping Hands, Paws of Rockwell, and Meals on Wheels. Reflecting on her career, she’s proud of the fact that she routinely employs people from varying job situations and helps them adapt to working at the business and working from home, as well as substantial family time.

Looking toward the future, she aspires to have 20 Blo Blow Dry Bar franchises running throughout the United States. She also hopes to continue making a difference in other people’s lives by providing proximity access for women to look and feel good about themselves, as well as give her children an opportunity to choose the legacy they want to continue. In her spare time outside her businesses, Ms. McMillan enjoys crafting, traveling, attending women’s conferences, and being with her two grandchildren.