Carla Stewart Virtual Assistant

I have always been a bit of a go-getter, and wanted to become a business owner. It all started when I was a little girl, watching clients’ of my mothers in-home sewing shop arrive for alterations or custom made creations, and leave happy knowing that their clothes now fit properly.  Watching her measure for proper fit, quote pricing, and in the end be named “the miracle worker”, instilled in me a strong sense of pride for a finished product . Later, I tried my hand at photography – a favorite hobby. I love capturing moments through the eye of a lens. I still offer photography as part of my virtual practice.

After working in corporate America for 16 years and experiencing several lay offs, I became frustrated with the revolving door of employment. And I found that working for someone often meant being left unappreciated for my contributions; I was being overlooked and underpaid. As an employee, I always found opportunities to implement new systems that had far-reaching benefits.

I have done it all – within the realm of administrative details. I have worked with attorneys, vice presidents, engineers, architects, and project managers. I have been an office manager, executive and administrative assistant,  and legal secretary. I have been employed by a financial institution, a small architectural firm, a world-wide architectural and planning corporation and even a large developer of retail malls.

After my last lay off from a full-time employer, I searched for a way to continue doing what I love,while implementing processes that work.

That lay off encouraged me to pursue my dream of business ownership in a way I never thought possible. I had earlier heard about AssistU, the industry leader in training and support of Virtual Assistants, through a friend of a friend who had successfully completed the virtual course, and was operating her own successful VA practice. After applying to take the intense 20-week business course with AssistU, I was accepted to become one of their elite students, and 8 months later completed the course and graduated in 2009.

I finally have realized my vision of business ownership. My clients want to hear what I have to say; they invite my input, ideas, and processes. I no longer fear being laid off because I have created my own safety net. I am still assisting others, but doing so without being overlooked and underpaid. Owning my own business also allows me to incorporate my creative side into my practice.

My journey - which includes all the experience, training, and support I have received over the years - is what has led me to become the owner of  The Office Beyond LLC, a Virtual Assistance practice.

Learn more about Carla and The Office Beyond in Abec’s Small Business Review

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