MY Story

Now that you know what a Virtual Assistant is and what kind of possibilities they can help with, I figured I would share how I decided I wanted to become a Virtual Assistant and own my own business in doing so.

I have always enjoyed administrative tasks and being creative. So, throughout college, I attended UCF, (Go Knights!) I took on some leadership roles and was able to have assistantships that led me to utilize those skills, like organizing events, creating email campaigns, and scheduling them, utilizing ideas to create a program to benefit others, proofread a lot, and even editting websites, and creating graphics. I really enjoyed working for others to help make their lives easier and bring people together.

As I graduated and became a teacher, these skills were always useful to have. I really enjoy checking emails and being in the know. Many of the skills I mentioned above transferred right into teaching, but I also gained some things too, just as an art teacher and when I oversaw the yearbook for the many years as I did. I had to coordinate a lot of things, including with students to make sure everything would work out. I always felt like I was just adding to my toolbox of knowledge and learning to do so many different things.

When I was about to end my seventh year of teaching, I was hitting burnout hard. That year was tough and at some point, I could not see myself teaching. I started seeing random videos of people saying how they left their “9-5” for good and now make more and have freedom to do what they want. It was enticing but I again, I needed to be in the know, so I watched more videos from these creators and even listened to their podcasts. I really wanted to see if this was for me, or even an option. I just knew that I could not teach again that next year and that I had all of these skills these creators were talking about. I could do that.

So, after I resigned from teaching, I started my own business. It would be my initials, KAF, and virtual because I am a Virtual Assistant. I knew that this had to work, I had to work hard, I bet on myself, but don’t worry I knew there was a huge risk. There still is. I soon joined a mentorship program that over, maybe 8 weeks/I don’t remember fully how long, but long enough, I would learn the ends and outs of how to get clients, onboard them, communicate, and get paid. I did not realize how much of owning a business is mindset though.

Things did get tricky in the beginning of starting my business, I worried a lot about what other people thought or would think. I figured they were going to talk about me, like how crazy was I to leave teaching and go on the internet to “try” to market a business. Wild. Actually, and I know it happened, but I couldn’t stop because people were staring? Like it is the internet and obviously they would see me, but I know the people that were important to me would be supportive, not judgmental (and if they were that was their business, not mine), and really cheer me on.

Well, I started to get clients, like real ones (lol) and I could not believe it. I was entrusted to work for other businesses and help support them through daily tasks as needed for them. It was slow, but I got one client, then the others followed. At one point last year I was almost booked out. I was so proud of myself for doing the damned thing. Somewhere along the way though, I started to miss teaching. I was still creating art for myself and was able to create things for my clients, but I knew and could see myself back in the classroom. So, I asked around and emailed principals. I got some responses and was hired! I went back through the process with the county and went back into the classroom. It was very exciting for me.

Halfway through the first semester of school, we had some hurricanes (and damage), I was overwhelmed with balancing(or what I thought balancing was) teaching and working for my clients, and it was tough. I was asked about going to a different school, and teaching a new subject and it felt right. I had to plan out an exit and continue to support my clients. Winter break could not come quicker.

As I was leaving my old school and heading to the new one with big changes happening, I still was able to support my clients, my balance or what I thought balance in life was, quickly changed. It must be what you can do each day and it won’t look the same and that is okay.

So, I was able to adjust quickly and become so much happier than I had been. I was able to start enjoying cooking again and seeing the fun in it (not just through my eyes, but also my students) and not as just as a chore. I was able to enjoy my business and creating for clients more. It is crazy how quickly small or big changes can help you with your perspective.

I have made it to the second-year anniversary of my business and now my ninth year of teaching. Time flies, and I do not think I could have imagined it like this, but I am so grateful I am able to have both amazing opportunities and serve the clients I have and the students I teach. I could have never done any of it without the support of my amazing friends, boyfriend, or family. They have watched my journey, and I thank them so much for always cheering me on and being patient with me.

I am just getting started in my business and I am excited to see where and who it will bring me and what new opportunities I will get to try!