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A few years ago, I was knee-deep in fabric, sewing machines, and launching my own business, Behind the Seams. I was making cotton masks for frontline workers and later turned it into a full-fledged business creating sustainable products. It was a time of learning, hard work, and constant creativity. But, as life would have it, a little bundle of joy arrived (my toddler, of course!), and the world of fabrics and deadlines took a backseat to diapers and nap times.

Fast forward to today, and I find myself reinventing my career once again this time as a Virtual Assistant. Yes, a transformation that feels almost like another leap from one adventure to the next. But here’s the thing: Every job, every project, every late-night hustle has taught me something invaluable.

The skills I developed running Behind the Seams have seamlessly transitioned into this new chapter. Managing a business taught me organization, multitasking, and, most importantly, problem-solving. Together with previous experiences I have learned everything overseeing payrolls, onboarding staff, handling customer inquiries, bookkeeping, creating products, product photography, web design, logo creation, applying for grants and supports, to creating social media content, I quickly realized that these weren’t just small tasks; they were skills that formed the backbone of great administrative work.

And let’s not forget the CV writing. Oh, the resumes! I’ve spent years crafting perfect documents for others, helping people step into their dream roles. I’ve learned that behind every resume, there’s a unique story, and I love being the person who brings that story to life. That, combined with my keen eye for detail and love for getting things organized, has made me the virtual assistant I am today.

Now, I spend my nights learning and expanding my skillset, taking courses in digital marketing, SEO, and e-commerce. All while balancing the beautiful chaos that is motherhood. This journey has made me appreciate the power of learning, evolving, and adapting. And I think that’s what being a virtual assistant is all about being adaptable, reliable, and always ready to support others in reaching their goals.

So, here I am, taking all of these experiences, skills, and a pinch of humor, and turning them into a way to help others. The goal is simple: Make life easier for my clients and bring my passion for organization and problem-solving to every task I take on.

As a stay-at-home mom, you find yourself juggling endless tasks—feeding, cleaning, playing, and more. But as much as I love my family, there was always something stirring inside me—a desire to do more, to create something that not only benefited my family but also allowed me to pursue my passion. So, I decided to take the leap and start my own business, even while managing the chaos of motherhood.

It wasn’t easy, but it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. In this post, I’ll share my journey of balancing everything that comes with being a stay-at-home mom, building a business, dealing with clients, and tackling the behind-the-scenes tasks like setting up my website, social media, and all the paperwork.

The Early Days: Taking the First Step

When you have a little one, your time and energy are limited. For me, this meant setting small, realistic goals every day and carving out time during naps or after bedtime to get some work done. It took a lot of self-discipline, but I was determined to build a business that would not only bring me fulfillment but also allow me the flexibility to be there for my child.

The first step was figuring out what kind of business I wanted to create. I had always been passionate about helping people—whether it was assisting others with their resumes, helping with digital marketing, or providing support in various administrative tasks. My goal was clear: I wanted to provide virtual assistant services to small businesses and entrepreneurs who needed that extra hand but didn’t have the resources for a full-time employee.

Dealing with Clients: The Balancing Act

Building a client base when you’re balancing life as a mom can be tricky. There’s no easy way around it—it’s about trial and error. The first challenge I faced was managing my time between work and family. I didn’t want to feel like I was neglecting either side, so I started by creating a schedule. I would allocate specific times for client calls, emails, and project work, but I also made sure I left time to care for my little one and handle the family’s needs.

When it came to working with clients, it was important to set clear boundaries from the start. Many people understand the importance of family time, but I had to be upfront with clients about my schedule and availability. At first, there were moments when I felt guilty for not being able to respond to emails or take calls immediately. But over time, I realized that being transparent about my limitations actually built stronger relationships with my clients—they respected my honesty and appreciated the work I did when I was available.

Setting Up My Business: The Behind-the-Scenes Struggles

Starting a business isn’t all about serving clients—it’s also about setting up the foundation that supports your work. This is the part that many people don’t see.

The first big hurdle for me was the paperwork. From registering my business to getting my finances in order, there were tons of forms to fill out and things to keep track of. I quickly learned that organization is key. I created spreadsheets to manage my finances, set up a simple invoicing system, and made sure I was keeping track of my hours and payments.

But that was just the beginning. I had to create an online presence for my business. I didn’t want to spend a fortune hiring someone, so I took the time to build my own website. The challenge was finding the balance between designing something professional and making it feel like me. I spent hours learning how to design my website on Google Sites, making sure it showcased my services while also being simple enough for potential clients to navigate easily.

Social media was another hurdle. How do you market a business when you’re busy running a household and managing clients? I started small—posting a little bit every day, sharing tips, and gradually building my presence. It was slow at first, but I stayed consistent. Today, I’m proud of the community I’ve built and the relationships I’ve cultivated through my social channels.

The Crazy Idea: Workshops and Courses

Amid all of this, I started having ideas. Big ideas. I wanted to help other moms and women in similar situations. So many people are in the same position I was—juggling motherhood and the desire to start something of their own. I thought about hosting workshops and courses that would provide guidance for women who wanted to work from home, build their own businesses, and create something for themselves while still being there for their families.

But how do you go about that? I found myself reaching out to potential venues, explaining my vision and asking for the opportunity to hold a workshop for other stay-at-home parents who want to start their own business. It was a long road, filled with no’s, but I learned that perseverance is everything. Eventually, I found a facility that was happy to give it a go, and I began planning my first workshop.

While things are still in the early stages, the idea of offering guidance to other moms and parents is something I’m truly passionate about. I know how overwhelming it can be to think about starting a business while raising a family, and I want to create a space where people can come together, learn, and support each other.

Balancing It All: The Ongoing Journey

Starting my own business while being a stay-at-home mom has been a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. I’ve learned a lot about myself, about time management, and about the importance of setting boundaries. There are days when I feel like I’m doing everything and nothing at the same time, but I’ve come to understand that it’s all part of the process.

If you’re in the same position, juggling motherhood and the desire to create something of your own, know that it’s possible. It won’t be easy, but with determination, planning, and a little bit of patience, you can make it happen. Remember to take it one day at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

In today’s competitive job market, a well-crafted resume is more than just a document—it’s your golden ticket to making a strong first impression.

Your resume is often the first interaction a potential employer has with you. In just a few seconds, it needs to grab attention, highlight your value, and convince them you’re worth interviewing.

So how do you write a resume that actually works?

Why Your Resume Matters

Recruiters receive hundreds of applications for a single job post. Studies show they spend an average of 6–8 seconds scanning each resume. That’s not a lot of time to make your mark.

Your resume isn’t just a list of jobs—it’s your personal brand statement. It’s a snapshot of your professionalism, work ethic, and what you bring to the table.

Whether you’re applying for your first role or looking to level up your career, your resume needs to clearly and confidently tell your story.

What Makes a Resume Stand Out

Let’s break down the key elements that take a resume from “meh” to “memorable”:

1. Customization Is Key
Tailor your resume to each job you apply for.

• Use specific keywords from the job ad to pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
• Mirror the language and tone of the employer to show alignment.

2. Layout Matters
Your resume should be easy to scan.

• Use clear headings, bullet points, and plenty of white space.
• Keep formatting consistent across all sections.

3. Focus on Achievements, Not Just Duties
Listing responsibilities is a start—but results seal the deal.

• Use action verbs: “Created,” “Led,” “Optimized,” “Increased”
• Whenever possible, quantify achievements (e.g., “Increased sales by 30%”)

4. Keep It Professional

• Stick to clean, easy-to-read fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica.
• Save creative layouts for creative industries—simplicity wins in most fields.

Should You Hire a Professional Resume Writer?

Writing about yourself is hard. We tend to downplay our achievements or struggle to format things the right way.
That’s why more people are turning to professional resume writers—not to fake their experience, but to present it with clarity, confidence, and strategy.

An expert can help you:

• Structure your resume for clarity
• Highlight your most valuable experience
• Ensure it passes ATS filters
• Make sure every line supports your career goals

It’s not just about landing an interview. It’s about setting yourself up for long-term success—and sometimes, that starts with a single page.

Final Thoughts

Your resume is more than a job-hunting tool—it’s a reflection of your professional journey. By taking the time to craft it well (or getting help from someone who can), you’re investing in your future.

If you’re ready to polish your resume or get expert help, I offer personalized CV writing services designed to help you stand out.

Let’s put your best foot forward.

Interviews can feel intimidating, whether you’re stepping into the corporate world for the first time or making a leap into a new role after years of experience. But with the right mindset and preparation, you can walk in feeling confident—and leave a lasting impression.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical tips to help you prepare thoroughly, present yourself professionally, and follow up with impact. Forget the “fake it till you make it” pressure—we’re here to help you show up as your most authentic and prepared self.

Preparation Is Key

Research the Company
Before you even step into the interview, take time to understand the company—its mission, values, and recent projects or achievements. Visit their website, read their latest blog posts, check their LinkedIn activity. Mentioning specifics in your responses shows genuine interest and preparation.

Understand the Role
Revisit the job description. Make a list of the key responsibilities and think of specific examples from your own experience that align with each one. If the job asks for “strong communication skills,” recall a moment when you led a meeting or resolved a client issue with professionalism.

Practice Common Questions
Prepare your answers to classic questions like:
– “Tell me about yourself.”
– “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”
– “Why do you want to work here?”
Instead of memorizing, practice speaking naturally—you want to sound confident, not rehearsed.

Confidence Isn’t About Pretending—It’s About Presence

You’ve probably heard the phrase “fake it till you make it.” And let’s be honest—it’s gotten a bad rap. Many people misinterpret it as encouraging dishonesty or bravado. But that’s not what it’s really about.

In her powerful TED Talk, social psychologist Amy Cuddy explains that it’s not about faking your skills—it’s about adopting confident posture and presence to help shift how you feel internally.

Her research shows that our body language shapes not only how others see us but also how we see ourselves. By holding a “power pose” before an interview (think standing tall, shoulders back), you can actually boost your confidence and lower stress hormones.

“Don’t fake it till you make it. Fake it till you become it.” – Amy Cuddy

This isn’t about deception—it’s about embodying your potential. So next time you’re feeling unsure, don’t try to bluff your way through. Instead, focus on aligning your posture, breathing, and mindset to feel grounded and capable. Because you are.

How to Look and Feel Confident

Body Language Speaks Louder Than Words
– Sit upright, shoulders back
– Maintain comfortable eye contact
– Use purposeful, relaxed hand gestures
These non-verbal cues signal confidence and engagement.

Dress the Part
Your outfit sets the tone. Aim for clean, professional attire that reflects the company’s environment. When in doubt, slightly overdress rather than underdress—looking polished helps you feel more self-assured.

Breathe, Smile, and Ground Yourself
A few slow, deep breaths before the interview can help settle nerves. And don’t underestimate the power of a warm, genuine smile—it makes you approachable and memorable.

During the Interview: Your Moment to Shine

Listen As Much As You Talk
Engaged listening shows respect and professionalism. Don’t rush to answer—take a moment to process, then respond thoughtfully. Prepare a few questions of your own about the role or team.

Use the STAR Method
When answering behavioral questions (“Tell me about a time…”), structure your responses using STAR:
– Situation – What was going on?
– Task – What needed to be done?
– Action – What did you do?
– Result – What happened in the end?
This method keeps your answers clear and powerful.

End with Purpose
Wrap up the conversation by reinforcing your interest in the role. A short closing like:
“I’m genuinely excited about the possibility of contributing to your team. Thank you for the opportunity.”
…leaves a confident, positive final impression.

After the Interview: Don’t Drop the Ball

Send a Thank-You Note
Follow up with a brief, personalized thank-you email within 24 hours. Mention something specific from the conversation, and express your continued interest. It’s a small effort with a big impact.

Self-Reflect
Whether you land the role or not, reflect on what went well and what could improve. Interviewing is a skill—like any skill, it gets better with time and conscious effort.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to fake anything to succeed in an interview. Be prepared. Be clear about your value. Be yourself.

Interviews are not interrogations—they’re conversations. When you show up informed, composed, and authentic, you don’t just answer questions—you make a connection.

Running a business can feel overwhelming—there are endless tasks to manage, deadlines to meet, and expectations to exceed. Many business owners believe they need to do it all themselves or hire full-time staff to get everything done. But here’s the good news: Virtual Assistants (VAs) offer an affordable, flexible, and effective solution that can transform the way you work.

So, what makes hiring a Virtual Assistant such a smart move? Let’s break it down:

1. Cost-Effective Support That Doesn’t Break the Bank

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a Virtual Assistant is affordability. Unlike full-time employees, VAs work remotely, which means you don’t have to worry about overhead costs like office space, equipment, or employee benefits.

Many Virtual Assistants, like me, offer flexible pricing models—charging by the hour, project, or retainer. This means you only pay for the services you need when you need them. Whether you require 5 hours of support a week or 20 hours a month, hiring a VA can be tailored to fit your budget.

For small businesses, startups, or solo entrepreneurs, this is a game-changer. It allows you to access professional support without the financial burden of hiring a full-time employee.

2. Versatility at Its Best: A VA for Every Task

Virtual Assistants aren’t just about answering emails or scheduling meetings. The modern VA is a skilled professional capable of handling a wide variety of tasks across different industries. Here’s a glimpse of what a VA can do:

• Administrative Tasks: Inbox management, calendar organization, data entry, customer support, and more.
• Social Media Management: Content creation, scheduling posts, engaging with your audience, and even running ad campaigns.
• E-Commerce Support: Product listing, inventory management, order processing, and customer queries.
• Creative Services: Graphic design, content writing, and editing.
• Research & Data Analysis: Market research, competitor analysis, or compiling reports for decision-making.

This versatility means you can focus on the tasks that drive your business forward, leaving the rest to a capable professional.

3. A Flexible Workforce for Changing Needs

Businesses often face fluctuating workloads. During peak seasons, you may find yourself swamped with tasks, while quieter months might not justify hiring full-time staff.

A Virtual Assistant offers the flexibility to scale up or down based on your needs. For example, during a product launch, a VA can handle additional customer inquiries, social media campaigns, and administrative tasks. Once things settle, you can reduce their hours without the complexities of employment contracts.

This adaptability ensures you always have the right level of support without overspending.

4. Focus on Growth, Not Micromanagement

When you delegate tasks to a Virtual Assistant, you free up valuable time to focus on what truly matters—growing your business. Instead of spending hours sorting through emails or scheduling meetings, you can concentrate on strategy, client relationships, or product development.

VAs are also self-starters. They’re accustomed to working independently, managing their time efficiently, and delivering results without needing constant supervision. This means you can delegate with confidence and trust that the work will be done.

5. Proven Affordability: Success Stories

Many businesses have seen incredible results by hiring Virtual Assistants. From reducing operational costs to increasing productivity, the benefits are clear. For example:

• A small e-commerce business was able to triple its product listings on their website within a month, thanks to the dedicated efforts of a VA.
• A solopreneur saved over 10 hours a week by outsourcing email management and social media scheduling, allowing them to focus on securing new clients.
• A startup reduced administrative costs by 40% by hiring a Virtual Assistant instead of a full-time employee.

These real-world examples show that hiring a VA isn’t just a cost-saving measure—it’s an investment in efficiency and growth.

Ready to Experience the Benefits of a Virtual Assistant?

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or stretched too thin, it might be time to consider hiring a Virtual Assistant. The affordability, versatility, and proven results make it a no-brainer for businesses looking to scale without overextending their resources.

Whether you need help with admin tasks, social media management, or project support, a VA can be the partner you’ve been searching for. Curious to see how I can help? Let’s chat and explore how we can take your business to the next level—affordably and efficiently.

In today’s digital world, emails are the backbone of communication. Whether you’re running a small business, managing a large corporation, or even working as a freelancer, your inbox is likely brimming with messages that demand your attention. Unfortunately, emails can also become overwhelming, disorganized, and time-consuming if left unchecked. That’s where a Virtual Assistant (VA) comes in. VAs can take the burden of email management off your shoulders, allowing you to focus on what matters most—growing your business and achieving your goals.

Let’s explore how Virtual Assistants can help you with email organization, automation, management, and even email marketing to streamline your workflows and maximize productivity.

The Problem with Emails: Why It’s Time to Outsource

An average professional receives 100+ emails daily, ranging from important business inquiries to promotional newsletters. Without a proper system in place, you can easily lose track of high-priority messages, miss deadlines, or fall behind on correspondence. Not to mention, the mental load of a cluttered inbox can sap your energy and lower productivity.

Here are the key challenges that Virtual Assistants can solve:

1. Inbox Overload: Sorting through hundreds of emails takes valuable time that could be better spent on strategic work.
2. Missed Opportunities: Important client emails or partnership requests can get buried under piles of unread messages.
3. Inefficient Communication: Poorly managed emails lead to delays and miscommunication.
4. Lack of Strategy: Without automation or segmentation, your email marketing efforts may be unfocused and ineffective.

How Virtual Assistants Revolutionize Email Management

A Virtual Assistant skilled in email management can bring order to the chaos, ensuring that your inbox is a productive, streamlined tool rather than a source of stress. Here’s how they can help:

1. Email Organization

• Inbox Decluttering: A VA can clean up your inbox by sorting, archiving, and deleting unnecessary emails, ensuring only relevant messages remain visible.
• Folder and Label System: They can create a logical folder structure and implement color-coded labels for quick reference, categorizing emails by priority, client, or project.
• Unsubscribe Management: Unwanted newsletters and spam can clog your inbox. Your VA can unsubscribe you from unnecessary lists to reduce clutter.
• Search Optimization: By archiving emails with proper tags and keywords, VAs make it easier to locate past correspondence in seconds.

2. Automation Setup

• Filters and Rules: VAs can create filters to automatically direct specific emails (e.g., invoices, client inquiries) to appropriate folders.
• Email Templates: For routine communication, your VA can draft reusable email templates, saving time and ensuring consistent messaging.
• Integration with Tools: They can set up email integration with productivity tools like Slack, Trello, or Asana, so you never miss an important task or message.

3. Daily Inbox Management

• Priority Sorting: Your VA can review incoming emails and flag high-priority messages that need your attention.
• Reply Handling: For routine or non-sensitive matters, VAs can draft replies or even respond on your behalf.
• Follow-Up Reminders: They ensure that no email goes unanswered by setting reminders for follow-ups or scheduling email replies.
• Calendar Coordination: VAs can schedule meetings directly from emails, syncing them with your calendar and avoiding double bookings.

4. Email Marketing Support

Email marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways to engage your audience and grow your business. Here’s how a Virtual Assistant can make your email marketing campaigns a success:

• Audience Segmentation: VAs can segment your email list based on demographics, purchase behavior, or engagement levels, ensuring targeted communication.
• Newsletter Creation: They can design and draft eye-catching newsletters that provide value to your audience while showcasing your brand.
• Campaign Scheduling: Using tools like Mailchimp or Constant Contact, VAs can schedule email campaigns to reach your audience at optimal times.
• Performance Tracking: They monitor metrics like open rates, click-through rates, and conversions, providing insights to refine your strategy.
• List Management: Keeping your email list clean and updated is crucial. VAs can manage subscriber lists, remove inactive contacts, and add new leads.

The Benefits of Delegating Email Management to a Virtual Assistant

1. Time Savings

Delegating email management frees up hours of your time each week. You can redirect that time toward strategic planning, creative tasks, or personal pursuits.

2. Improved Productivity

With a well-organized inbox and streamlined workflows, you’ll spend less time searching for information and more time taking action.

3. Reduced Stress

An overflowing inbox is a major source of stress for many professionals. A VA takes this burden off your plate, giving you peace of mind.

4. Enhanced Customer Experience

Prompt and professional email responses reflect positively on your business, fostering trust and loyalty among clients and customers.

5. Better Email Marketing ROI

With a VA managing your campaigns, you can execute targeted, data-driven email marketing strategies that yield measurable results.

Why Virtual Assistants Are an Affordable Solution

Many people assume that hiring a Virtual Assistant is a luxury reserved for large companies. In reality, VAs are an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Here’s why:

• Flexible Pricing: VAs often charge hourly rates, meaning you only pay for the time you need.
• No Overhead Costs: Unlike full-time employees, VAs work remotely, so there’s no need to provide office space, equipment, or benefits.
• Scalability: As your business grows, you can increase the scope of your VA’s responsibilities without the complexities of hiring additional staff.

Conclusion: Transform Your Inbox, Transform Your Business

Email management might seem like a small part of your daily operations, but its impact on your productivity and professionalism is enormous. A Virtual Assistant can help you take control of your inbox, optimize your email marketing efforts, and free up your time to focus on growth and innovation.

Ready to reclaim your time and transform your business? Let’s connect and discuss how my Virtual Assistant services can support your email management needs. Together, we’ll create a more efficient, stress-free, and productive way of working!