From Side Hustle to Speaking on Stage – My Journey as a Virtual Assistant

If you had told me five years ago that I would be standing on stage in front of members of the AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) giving a presentation about Virtual Assistants, I would have laughed. Loudly.

Back then, I was sitting at my kitchen table with a laptop, a notepad, and a head full of ideas but absolutely no clue where to start. I didn’t have a business plan. I didn’t even know what systems I should be using. I was figuring everything out one spreadsheet, one Google search, and one late-night YouTube video at a time.

I just knew I wanted to build something for myself. Something flexible. Something that fitted around my family, my health, and my life.

From side hustle to full-time business

It started as a side hustle. I’d finish my day job, get the kids to bed, and then work late into the evening on client tasks. It was hard work, but I loved it. Every new client taught me something new – about running a business, about people, and about myself.

Eventually, that little side hustle grew into something bigger. I took the leap and went full-time. Suddenly, I wasn’t just managing my own clients; I was running a business. Over time, I built a team of incredible VAs who helped me keep everything moving, even on the days when life threw curveballs.

It wasn’t always smooth sailing. I’ve lost clients, been undercut, faced imposter syndrome, and questioned if I was good enough. But every challenge was a lesson. Every setback was part of the story.

And that story (my story)  is what led me to create Need A VA and later, Pathway to VA.

Speaking on stage

I had one of those full-circle moments. I stood in front of AAT members delivering my longest presentation yet – talking about what Virtual Assistants really do and why a strong social media presence is vital for small businesses.

It was surreal.

As I looked out at the audience, I remembered those early nights trying to design my first Canva post or figuring out how to price my services. I never imagined I’d be standing there one day teaching others about the very industry that changed my life.

I spoke about the heart of our work – that VAs are not “just admin.” We are strategic partners who help businesses grow. We bring structure, consistency, and calm to the chaos. We’re the people behind the scenes making sure everything runs smoothly so business owners can focus on what they do best.

And when I talked about the importance of visibility – about how showing up online consistently builds trust and opens doors – I could see it clicking for people in the room. That’s the part that gets me every time. Because visibility is what took me from being an unknown freelancer to someone invited to speak on a stage.

The “wow” moment

Standing there, I had a real wow moment. The kind that makes you stop and take it all in. I thought about that version of me who started with no plan, no idea where it would lead, just determination and a laptop.

That one decision to start changed everything.

And that’s why I created Pathway to VA.

Why Pathway to VA matters – https://needava.co.uk/product/pathway-to-va

When I started, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed by all the advice out there. Everyone seemed to have a different opinion, and I didn’t know which steps actually mattered. I spent hours trying to piece it all together, contracts, pricing, marketing, systems, you name it.

Pathway to VA was built to take away that confusion. It’s for the people who are standing where I once stood – ready to begin but unsure where to start. It’s a clear, step-by-step resource that gives you the practical tools to launch your VA business with confidence.

Because this journey isn’t just about building a business. It’s about building a life that works for you.

The next chapter

From side hustle to team leader, from imposter syndrome to keynote speaker, it’s been a journey full of lessons, late nights, and proud moments. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to take that first step.

So whether you’re still in the dreaming stage or ready to turn your VA side hustle into a full-time business, I promise it’s possible. If I can stand on that stage, so can you,  in your own way, in your own time.

You never know where your path will take you. But it all starts with saying yes to yourself.

👉 Ready to start your own VA journey? Pathway to VA gives you the practical steps, tools, and confidence to launch your business the right way.

Start today and see where it leads. https://needava.co.uk/product/pathway-to-va