Are you sitting comfortably? Then I will begin…
In April 2024, I was navigating life with my newborn, surviving on broken sleep, numerous nappy changes, feeding on demand, and stretching out statutory maternity pay, while in the middle of moving from rented accommodation to my first owned home which is a renovation project, that even now, is far from finished. Where is Nick Knowles and DIY SOS when you need them?! We still don’t have a living room or a kitchen among the dust and disarray; therefore most of my work is done while sitting on my bed! My ongoing frustration with my non-functional kitchen is a long-standing joke when I speak to clients… hence the phrase “don’t mention the kitchen!”
Amidst all the chaos, I needed to find a way to increase my income. That’s when I leaned on my 20+ years of administrative experience and discovered the world of Virtual Assistance (VA). What started as a necessity quickly turned into something much bigger than I ever expected.
In just a few months, I built a client base, became a winner of Small Business Sunday (SBS) created by Theo Paphitis, and, most recently, handed in my notice to go fully self-employed. My business is growing, but there’s still plenty to refine. Here’s my journey so far…
The Start of My Hustle: How I Landed My First Client
Starting a business from scratch while caring for a newborn and managing a house move was daunting. I had the skills, but I had no idea how to find clients or market myself effectively.
I focused on networking and building my online presence. I even built my website by myself, having never created a website before using any online tutorials and demonstrations I could find. I put myself out there, learned from others in the VA industry, and kept refining my messaging. Networking and marketing yourself is an ongoing task, although I recently have been quiet on my socials I’m still active in other ways.
In July, after beginning to struggle with imposter syndrome and experiencing a few tears of self-doubt, I finally landed my first client. This was the validation I needed, proving that my services were in demand. From that point on, things began to gain momentum.
Each month, I added a new client to my business. Some contracts were direct, while others were through Associate work with Lead VAs. Every new client brought fresh challenges, new systems to learn, and opportunities to refine my processes. It was exciting, but I knew I still had a long way to go in shaping my business into what I wanted it to be.
Behind the Hustle: Supporting Other Small Businesses
While building my own business, I wanted to support other small business owners whilst increasing my visibility. I have a passion for podcasts and often wear headphones throughout the day, as it helps me focus while I work, preventing me from getting absorbed into another episode of Bluey or Hey Duggee! So, I decided to try creating my own interview series, which is how Behind the Hustle was born.
I created this interview series as a platform to showcase fellow entrepreneurs, share their stories, and highlight the reality of running a business. It was a win-win: they gained exposure, and I was able to expand my network and strengthen my own brand.
Unfortunately, as my client work ramped up, I had to put the interviews on hold. But the videos are still available on my YouTube channel, and I’m incredibly proud of what I created. As someone who loves to hear others stories, one day, I hope to bring it back in some form, particularly since supporting other small businesses is something I’m truly passionate about. As I always say: We Rise By Lifting Others!
Winning SBS: A Defining Moment
By September, my business was still in its early stages, but I took a chance and entered Small Business Sunday (SBS). To my surprise, after my 3rd attempt I was selected as a winner.
Winning SBS was a huge confidence boost. It gave me credibility, introduced me to an incredible network of small business owners, and reassured me that I was on the right path.
Attending the SBS Winners Event in February 2025 was a surreal experience. The event kicked off with an inspiring opening by Kypros Kyprianou, CEO of Theo Paphitis Retail Group, followed by one-to-ones, breakout presentations, and speed advice sessions. It was a fantastic opportunity to network and learn.
Notable moments included hearing from the creator of SBS, Theo Paphitis himself, a Business Builder session with NatWest, focused on unlocking the power of confidence for business acceleration. I also had the chance to hear Google trainers discuss upskilling for the future of your business.
One of the highlights was a panel discussion with Rhea Freeman (Rhea Freeman PR) and Zoe Chapman (Whizzer), sharing their relatable journeys and strategies for business growth. I also got the chance to hear from Imran Hakim, who shared his incredible entrepreneurial journey from his time on Dragons’ Den. Lastly, Richard Harpin, founder of HomeServe, delivered an inspiring fireside chat about his journey and his 8 secrets to building a billion-pound business.
The event culminated in a certificate photo with Theo Paphitis, a truly proud moment. The experience reaffirmed that I’m heading in the right direction, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.
To Theo Paphitis and the SBS team – thank you for the recognition and support but also for putting on such an incredible event. I am looking forward to coming along again next year!
Taking the Leap: Fully Self-Employed
This week, I handed in my notice. My maternity leave has ended, and rather than returning to employment, I’ve made the leap to being fully self-employed.
It’s exciting, but also a little nerve-wracking. My role with each client is expanding, and I’m learning new programs and processes all the time. I’m still figuring out the best ways to structure my services, improve efficiency, and ensure my business is built for long-term success.
And who knows? Maybe this time next year, I’ll have Associates working for me, just as I currently work as an Associate myself.
Building a Business in a House That’s Still a Construction Site
Through all of this, my personal life hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. Our house, one year on, is still very much a work in progress. We don’t have a fully functioning kitchen or a proper living space, and my ‘office’ is currently my bedroom and sitting on my bed with CBeebies all day to entertain my 11mth old who along with our dog occasionally intrude on a Teams call… luckily I have very understanding clients who love to say hello to whichever of my two naughty boys have climbed on my lap for a cuddle!
It’s not the ideal setup, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you don’t need perfect conditions to make progress. You just need determination, adaptability, and a willingness to put yourself out there.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for EBVAAS?
The best part of running my business? It allows me to support my family while working on my own terms. No more rushing out the door to make it to an office by 8:30 AM, I can stay in my pyjamas until lunch if I want to! (Top tip: Keep a hoodie or jumper handy for unexpected Zoom calls, and no one will ever know.)
I don’t have to request time off for personal appointments, and as long as I have WiFi, I can work from anywhere. When I considered whether to stick with self-employment or return to work, I realised my wages would barely cover the childcare costs. That made the decision to take the leap an easy one.
While I’m proud of how far I’ve come, there’s still plenty to refine. I want to develop my processes, enhance client experiences, and improve the way I work. I’m also keen to grow my network, explore new opportunities, and maybe even bring Associates on board in the future.
One thing’s for sure: I’m just getting started.
And to anyone thinking about starting a business: stop thinking about it and do it!
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Emma Bridge | Virtual Assistant 