MY JOURNEY.
My work-from-home VA business began back in 2013. Since then, I have been so lucky to have the best life, loads of fun with the kids, travelling and fun with friends - all while still generating an income!
You can find out more about me on my personal IG page @Laurag2383
2012
Back in 2012, I was painfully shy with zero self-confidence. Working as a part-time Personal Assistant for a company a few miles away from home, I remember life was a constant rush. My two girls were 3 & 4 years old, and childcare was a juggling act - nurseries / playschools and grandparents for childcare just to cover my working hours. (I actually used three different nurseries to cover the time I needed 🙈).
I had zero time for my children, my husband or for myself.
I'd heard of people working freelance, but there was no way I thought I'd be good enough to make a successful business...
I had no idea about about starting a business. And I certainly didn't think my admin background with a bit of sales and marketing was a sale-able skill. 🤔
That's where I was wrong.
2013
Early February 2013, the office environment I worked in turned toxic. Eventually it became increasingly uncomfortable to walk into the office and I started suffering with anxiety.
But this was exactly what it took for me to finally make the decision to hand in my notice.
I had no idea where to start. No 'business' name, website, potential clients. nothing. I was in touch with a past employer, and she offered to pay me £10/hour to help her with some admin and marketing.
Within a couple of weeks, I'd managed to secure 25 hours per week retained, and my clients were constantly recommending me 🎉
2014 - 2018
Life got a gazillion times better! I manage my own time around the kids. I'd work while they were at nursery / school, and work again later in the evening when they were in bed.
Now I was the parent who got to go to the school assemblies, sports days and nativity plays! I even had time to join a fitness group!
I'd built up a superb client base, some were regular weekly hours, some were a couple of hours per month. I'd be organising huge events for one client, and managing a whole business while another went on holiday!
The freedom is amazing - one summer I was literally running my business from the campervan whilst my husband was driving us around France! Earning money whilst travelling is one of those moments where you have to pinch yourself and ask 'is this really happening?' 😃😁
IT DEFINATELY IS!
But then:
I found myself saying 'yes' to everyone. This meant that some weeks I'd find myself working as much as 50 - 60 hours 😱
I was also still massively undercharging, with no confidence to actually increase my hourly rate 😔
I realised I'd managed to swap the stress of working for someone else, for the stress of working for myself! Overworked, underpaid and over-stepping my own boundaries only to become a slave to whoever was paying my invoices…
I had to have a long hard look at my business and
make some serious changes.
I discovered...
⭐ Confidence is what it takes to believe in yourself.
⭐ Confidence is what you need to make a decision.
⭐ Confidence is what pushes you to take action.
⭐ Confidence is what it takes to raise your prices.
⭐ Confidence is what you need to believe you’re worth more.
⭐ Confidence is what gives you the tools to up your game.
I found my own confidence and self-worth. I increased my prices (a lot) and started earning £2,500 per month, working no more than 20 hours a week!
And now:
I absolutely LOVE inspiring, encouraging and coaching other mums to do the exact same! I love my life, I love the time I have with my girls, my husband, and I believe that everyone should be able to enjoy every day of their lives.
Starting NOW!
I love sharing my knowledge and experience with motivated & super-efficient mums, who have the determination and passion it takes to create this amazing lifestyle for themselves!