18 Aug Employee Story Spotlight: Anna Mika
We love the opportunity to celebrate the lives and the stories of our employees. This month, we’re learning more about, Anna Mika, Customer Service Rep at StoryOne.
Building Legacy Through Service
For Anna Mika, Shawnee, Kansas is more than just her hometown. It is the place where her love for family, faith and community took root. Growing up surrounded by relatives, weekends often meant pool days at her grandparents’ house or Sunday mornings at St. Joseph Catholic Church. That deep sense of belonging still shapes her life today, as her own children now attend the same grade school she once did.
Anna credits much of her work ethic and values to her Grandfather. His legacy in Shawnee is far-reaching, from developing real estate and starting the Catholic Education Foundation to running Zarda Dairy, which grew into the largest in Kansas City at the time. Her father often shared stories about working at the dairy, whether milking cows, delivering milk or serving ice cream at the family’s shops. Those role models instilled in Anna the belief that hard work can create an impact that lasts for generations.
“Seeing how the advisors genuinely cared and connected with their clients solidified my desire to be in this industry.”
During her years at the University of Kansas, Anna’s curiosity about the stock market and economy sparked an interest in financial planning. She began working at Ameriprise in 2013, where she gained experience supporting advisors and learning about the unique stories of each client. “Seeing how the advisors genuinely cared and connected with their clients solidified my desire to be in this industry,” she says. That passion led her to Renaissance Financial, where she earned her Life and Health license, Series 7, and Series 66. Although she initially considered becoming a financial advisor, she discovered her true strength was in the operational side of the business — turning recommendations into action.
Life took a new direction in 2017 when her father passed away, shifting her priorities toward family. The arrival of her first son, Joe, and later her second, Ethan, gave her the opportunity to step away from work and focus on motherhood. “I wanted to be present in those fast paced and impactful moments in their lives,” Anna reflects. That time at home gave her clarity about what mattered most and motivated her to eventually return to the workforce.
“StoryOne acknowledges that each person’s story is unique and achieves goals through heart-led growth."
When the Customer Service Representative position at StoryOne came across her path, she knew it was the right fit. The role aligned with her skills, and the company’s values resonated deeply. “StoryOne acknowledges that each person’s story is unique and achieves goals through heart-led growth,” she says. “That is rare to find and something I knew I wanted to be a part of.”
Working alongside StoryOne’s partners has been especially meaningful. Anna admires John and Cameron’s dedication to building deep client relationships and crafting highly customized plans. Witnessing the firm’s in-depth, holistic approach reinforces the pride she takes in her own role.
With her strong roots in Shawnee, a commitment to family, and a passion for supporting others, Anna embodies the values that make StoryOne unique. Her journey reminds us that legacy is built not only through the big moments but also in the everyday dedication to doing meaningful work.