16 years in: what I’ve learned, love + loath about the VA world
For the VA who’s ready to stop guessing and start owning her expertise
When I first started my VA business back in 2009, I had bigish dreams and zero roadmap.
I’d carved out a niche supporting independent entertainers - handling PR, event support, booking management, and all the behind-the-scenes promo admin that kept things moving.
I loved the artists I worked with and I felt needed. I was a triple-threat; skilled in executive level support admin, qualified in PR and a performer in my own right.
I stayed in that lane for six years. But if I’m honest? It was never the right fit.
Eventually, I had to admit to myself.
The clients weren’t aligned, the energy was draining, and the lifestyle I’d envisioned didn’t match the one I was living.
So I made the hardest call:
I paused the business.
Fired every client.
And gave myself space to regroup.
The turning point no one plans for
During that regrouping period, I picked up a maternity cover contract as an Executive Assistant at a national newspaper.
It gave me breathing space. Time to think. Time to prepare for something new.
But two weeks before that contract was due to end, my mum passed away - suddenly, and without warning.
That moment shifted something in me.
The shock. The grief. The clarity.
It was the kind of sobering wake-up call that reminds you just how precious life is - and how long we sometimes wait to do what we really want.
I’d been planning a rebrand for October 2016. Mumsy passed on the 3rd.
I pushed the launch back - and relaunched as Onit! Comms in January 2017.
From that point forward, I knew I couldn’t keep delaying my vision.
If I was going to do this, it had to be on my terms.
The Evolution
At first, I focused on coaches and consultants - a much better fit than artists. But as I grew, I realised what I was really passionate about was supporting solo service-based business owners who needed smart support, not just admin help.
So I refined again.
At the end of 2019, I made the bold (and terrifying) move to start building an agency.
And in 2020 - mid-pandemic - I rebranded once more, this time as Remotely Onit!
That moment was a major turning point.
It marked the beginning of my work as an online business support professional who doesn’t just get things done - but builds systems, supports strategy, and mentors others to do the same.
What I’ve loved
Supporting powerhouse clients with work that makes their lives easier
Building a life-first business rooted in clarity and capacity
Mentoring VAs into their next level of confidence and credibility
Leading with structure instead of stress - and helping others do the same
What I’ve loathed (and why it matters)
The “quick start” fantasy
No one builds a sustainable business in 30 days. That narrative causes harm, not hope.
The visibility pressure
You don’t need to perform on social media to be booked out. Visibility is great - but visibility with credibility is what gets results.
The downplaying of professionalism
That Gmail.com address? The half-baked client process? It’s costing you trust. You don’t need to be perfect, but you do need to be polished.
The fear of selling
Sales aren’t optional - they’re how you stay in business. I wish I’d learned that much earlier.
The echo chamber effect
Spending all your time around other VAs can feel safe - but it won’t stretch you. You need to be in rooms where potential clients and collaborators live.
Why I’m different (and why that helps you)
This isn’t theory. It’s lived experience.
I’ve made hard decisions.
I’ve paused, pivoted, and rebuilt - more than once.
And everything I teach comes from doing, not guessing.
Here’s what I believe:
Sales = service
Systems = freedom
Structure = sustainability
Boundaries = care
Credibility = confidence
And most importantly?
You don’t have to do it alone.
What it’s like to work with me
I’m not here to hype you up with empty affirmations.
I’m here to challenge you, mentor you, and hold space for the version of your business you haven’t built yet - but absolutely can.
You’ll get frameworks, not fluff.
Real-world advice, not recycled posts.
Strategy, not just support.
Encouragement and accountability.
A mentor who’s walked the road and wants to walk it with you.
Your next move?
If you’ve been building behind the scenes, hoping it’ll all click eventually…
If you’ve outgrown the freebie pile and want real support…
If you’re ready to treat your business like a business -
Welcome.
You’re exactly where you need to be.
Let’s keep this going
There are a few different ways you can work with me; 1:1 mentoring and… something new, coming soon.
