1 | Where did you work before you started your VA side hustle?

I am actually still working my corporate job as well as working part time as a VA. I work in corporate insurance for one of the big four banks. I’ve been working in the insurance world for over 10 years but prior to that I was working in various executive administration type roles… snore fest I know!

2 | When did you first hear about Virtual Assistants or became aware they even existed?

Well, Karen Vivarelli is actually my cousin, so I first heard about it when Karen started her own VA journey. I kind of had an idea back then, but it has probably only been in the last year though that I’ve really become aware of VA’s and what it is that they actually do.

3 | What made you want to become a VA?

I’m a natural born organiser, it’s something that comes quite naturally to me and turns out I’m pretty good at it. I also just love to help people. It’s the type of work that makes me feel good. 

I wanted to start this as a side hustle whilst still working my corporate job, it was something to keep me busy whilst in Victorian lockdown during COVID-19.

4 | Did you leave your job or start working as a VA on the side?

Currently still working my corporate job, so doing this on the side. Who knows, one day I might be able to take the plunge and work full time in my business, but not at the moment.

5 | What or who helped you get started as a VA?

Karen obviously. She convinced me to sign up for the VA course and the rest was history. The course was so well structured, it walked me through setting up my business and by the time I finished, I was ready to start working with clients! In fact, I had actually been approached by clients before I even finished the course.

6 | Who was your first client and how did you get them?

Stacey at Champagne and Gumboots was my very first client (and I’m still working with her today!) A friend of mine actually shared with me an instagram post from Stacey who was looking for a VA. Turns out my friend had been following Stacey for a while (she did her wedding dessert bar), but had never even heard about VA’s before. It was only because I had been posting myself about my VA journey that she made the connection. It was just good timing!

7 | What’s the best thing about being a VA?

I enjoy the flexibility that comes with being a VA. I can work when I want, with who I want, on what I want. It really is as simple as that.

8 | What’s the hardest thing about being a VA?

That’s a tricky one, I can’t really think of anything that is ‘hard’. There are always going to be challenges along the way but that’s all just part of running your own small business. I would have to say though, that I find it hard to say no, so it’s really important to set boundaries with clients from day one. 

9 | Are you working full time or part time now?

I’m still working part time as a VA and will continue to do so for the time being. It’s not that I don’t want to grow my business, this just works for me and my lifestyle at the moment.

10 | Do you like working from home as a VA?

Yes, this is definitely one of the highlights (mind you, with lockdown I’m also at home with my corporate job, which I think has made juggling the two a whole lot easier).

11 | What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a VA?

Give it a go! It will be life-changing once you can finally be your own boss and the sense of pride that comes with running your own small business. You really wont regret it.