Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in content creation but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Andria Singletary, Founder of The Savvy VA Mama, LLC., located in Redlands, CA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Savvy VA Mama is a podcast production and virtual assistant business. As a podcast manager, I provide virtual support to podcast hosts through editing, writing show notes, designing audiograms and social media graphics, and guest management. I also offer podcast launch support to those who want to start a podcast but don't know where to begin. My clients are mompreneurs like myself. As moms and business owners, we often try to do it all without asking for help. I help my clients remember that it's okay to ask for help by outsourcing various business tasks.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Andria, and I'm a wife and a mom of two little two and under. Before having my children, I worked as a preschool director. Although I loved it, I knew I could not continue working a 9-5 after I had my son in 2020. I became a stay-at-home mom, which I loved since I got to be there for all of my son's first moments. After being a mom for a little over a year, I decided to launch a mom blog. I designed my website, wrote blogs, and created social media graphics for promotion. I absolutely loved each of these tasks and started exploring the idea of starting a business providing these types of services. Shortly after finding out I was pregnant with my daughter, I launched The Savvy VA Mama. My reason for establishing a virtual assistant business is my family. I wanted to be there for both of my children's firsts and have the freedom to keep them home part-time if I could. I also wanted to make sure I was readily available to stay home if my son became sick or if we wanted to have a fun day at home. You don't have that kind of freedom when you are an employee. I wanted the freedom to set my business hours and determine when and where I work.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is successfully launching my business while 12 weeks pregnant and caring for a highly active toddler boy. My pregnancy with my daughter was much different from my pregnancy with my son. I had morning sickness for most of my pregnancy, along with fatigue and all the other joys pregnancy brings, so this was far from a walk in the park. I am truly proud of myself for setting my mind to launch my business and executing it. Within the first month, I had two clients and gained two more the next month.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
For me, two things are hard with being a business owner. One is that you often feel alone. Those who don't own a business have difficulty understanding the challenges we face as entrepreneurs. They don't always know why we have to put forth so much time and energy into our businesses, nor do they think like we do. The other challenge can be when you lose a client or not knowing if your income will be a certain amount each month. It's not like working as an employee where you are guaranteed a certain amount each month. That can be stressful, especially if it is a hard month financially. Although these are two challenges business owners face, it is still worth it.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
My top 3 tips are to keep Jesus at the forefront of your business, show yourself grace daily, and don't ever lose hope. These three tips have helped me on the darkest of days as a business owner. There were many times when I contemplated throwing in the towel, but the Lord reminded me that I was called to do this. I also had to learn to show myself grace. Being a business owner comes with a serious learning curve. You aren't going to always get it right. You will make mistakes, but it's okay because you learn and grow.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
For the stay-at-home moms wondering if they can actually launch a business while managing their household, know that you can do it. Take that leap of faith and go for it. It won't be easy, but it will be so worth it in the end.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.thesavvyvamama.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SavvyVAMama/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesavvyvamama/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesavvyvamama/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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