diff --git a/lib/aasm/persistence/sequel_persistence.rb b/lib/aasm/persistence/sequel_persistence.rb
index 69c78e8..aa64752 100644
--- a/lib/aasm/persistence/sequel_persistence.rb
+++ b/lib/aasm/persistence/sequel_persistence.rb
@@ -72,6 +72,7 @@ module AASM
         #
         def aasm_ensure_initial_state
           aasm.enter_initial_state if
+            (new? || values.key?(self.class.aasm.attribute_name)) &&
             send(self.class.aasm.attribute_name).to_s.strip.empty?
         end
 
diff --git a/spec/unit/persistence/sequel_persistence_spec.rb b/spec/unit/persistence/sequel_persistence_spec.rb
index 7b7285c..8c4f01b 100644
--- a/spec/unit/persistence/sequel_persistence_spec.rb
+++ b/spec/unit/persistence/sequel_persistence_spec.rb
@@ -44,6 +44,11 @@ describe 'sequel' do
         expect(model.aasm.current_state).to eq(:alpha)
       end
 
+      it "should save the initial state" do
+        model.save
+        expect(model.status).to eq("alpha")
+      end
+
       it "should return the aasm column when new and the aasm field is not nil" do
         model.status = "beta"
         expect(model.aasm.current_state).to eq(:beta)
@@ -61,6 +66,14 @@ describe 'sequel' do
         expect(model.aasm.current_state).to be_nil
       end
 
+      it "should not change the state if state is not loaded" do
+        model.release
+        model.save
+        model.class.select(:id).first.save
+        model.reload
+        expect(model.aasm.current_state).to eq(:beta)
+      end
+
       it "should call aasm_ensure_initial_state on validation before create" do
         expect(model).to receive(:aasm_ensure_initial_state).and_return(true)
         model.valid?