How did the business originate? I resigned from my corporate job with not knowing what I was going to do. I held many roles in the State Government department for over 17 years. I was tired of banging my head against the brick wall and not getting anywhere. I stumbled across a life coach who suggested I become a Virtual Assistant. I had never heard of the term and after spending most of the day with her, then going home to research, I was excited. She became my very first client and before I know it I’ve been on this amazing journey now for 7 years.

 
How long have you been in this business? PAvirtual was established in July 2012

What do you love about your business?  That I can assist clients from low-level administration through to website development. It can be provided on a casual basis, ongoing basis or whatever the client requires. It’s flexible, I can work from anywhere that there’s an internet connection which allows me to be there for my family whilst living my passion.

Is there anything you dislike?  In my business I dislike micromanaging, I like to be given tasks then left to complete them.

Favourite food: Pasta

Favourite colour:  Purple

Favourite drink: A nice cold beer in Summertime and coffee any other time.

Favourite movie: The Notebook

Favourite time of the day: After dinner where I can relax with my 3 beautiful sons before they go to bed.

Favourite item in your office: My computer because I can be so creative on it, the world is at the tips of my fingers and it’s my life line too!

Favourite app on your phone/tablet/computer: Canva – I can create so many amazing things for business and pleasure, procedures and manuals to invitations/flyers it’s amazing!

What book are you reading right now? Unstoppable by Kerryn Gamble – she was an amazing speaker at our Virtual Assistants conference last year and I’ve finally got time to get around to reading it.

Which 3 people (dead or alive) would you invite to a dinner party? Why? Our baby boy as that would give me a chance to hold him one last time and ask him questions about the afterlife, My Nanna because from what I’ve been told she was an amazing woman (I was only 6 when she passed) and Richard Branson because he is inspirational, he has super business knowledge, he’s an entrepreneur and is very successful. You never know he may return the favour by allowing me to travel, the options are endless.

Name 3 things on your bucket list: To travel around Australia in our campervan, Jump out of an aeroplane, To go to New Zealand

What do you like to do for yourself? I love photography, I’ve always had a passion for taking photos, many of my family and friends ask me to take professional shots, but I also like to capture things around me.

Who do you seek advice from? My husband, he’s always on point and has proved to be right on many occasions.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of starting their own business?  Be prepared for the roller coaster, get out there and network and don’t be afraid to fail.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of working with a OBM/VA? Be prepared to let go, I care for your business as if it was my own.

What is your tip for a work/life balance?  Need to set and be clear about your boundaries, you can’t do it all or you will burn out!

Apple / Android: Apple all the way, phones, iPad, iMacs and MacBook pros in this office.

Beach / Bush: I love both, we often go camping and I love listening to nature but I also love the sand in my feet and listening to the waves (it makes me feel grounded).