We recently connected with Dee Ervin and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Dee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?

Absolutely, I do take vacations. It’s essential for me to recharge and maintain my well-being. Taking time off helps me return to my work with fresh energy and a clear mind. As a business owner, I ensure everything runs smoothly during my absence by preparing in advance. This includes setting up automated systems, delegating tasks to trusted team members, and keeping open lines of communication. My advice for entrepreneurs who feel they can’t step away is to prioritize building a reliable team and utilizing technology to manage tasks. It’s also important to plan vacations during less busy periods and inform clients and partners in advance. Remember, taking a break is crucial for your long-term productivity and mental health.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Two years ago, I found myself at a crossroads in my life and career. For 12 years, I had dedicated myself to a corporate career in retail banking, working tirelessly to climb the ranks and achieve professional success. Yet, despite my accomplishments, something was missing. Deep down, I had always seen myself as a servant leader, someone who thrives on helping others and making a meaningful impact.

The demanding nature of my corporate job left little time for my family and personal passions. I yearned for a change, a chance to serve small business owners and support their dreams while also creating a better work-life balance for myself. It was a leap of faith, but I knew it was the right path for me.

With a heart full of determination and a mind filled with ideas, I took the bold step of leaving my corporate career behind and started my journey as a virtual assistant. I was most proud of this decision because it meant I was taking control of my destiny and aligning my work with my values.

Within one month of launching my business, my hard work and perseverance paid off. By putting myself out there and being consistent, I booked my very first client. This initial success validated my decision and fueled my passion to continue growing my business.

Today, I am privileged to help business owners take more vacations and enjoy their lives by assisting them in automating their systems and workflows. By taking over their administrative tasks, I empower them to focus on what truly matters to them – whether it’s their passion projects, personal lives, or simply taking a well-deserved break. My journey from corporate life to virtual assistance is a testament to the power of faith, consistency, and the desire to serve others.

We’d appreciate any insights you can share with us about selling a business.

After operating my event space business for two years, I made the difficult decision to sell it. The venture had become a significant burden, both mentally and financially. As my first brick-and-mortar business, I realized that I was more unprepared than I initially thought. In hindsight, I see the importance of having a comprehensive marketing plan and strategy before committing to such an endeavor. Additionally, the lack of a dedicated team made it challenging for my husband and me to manage the business, especially with our responsibilities as parents and our desire to travel.

I would advise aspiring business owners to prioritize having a substantial marketing budget and a well-defined marketing plan to support business growth. The experience taught me valuable lessons about running a business, and selling the event space was ultimately in the best interests of my family. I was pleased to sell the business to someone who shared the same passion for creating a space where people could celebrate their special moments.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

I initially began my journey with one client while still employed in my corporate career. After leaving my corporate job, I ventured into operating an event space, simultaneously managing clients on an intermittent basis. Upon selling the event space, I transitioned to working full-time on my virtual assistant (VA) business.

Key milestones in the growth of my VA business include becoming a VA coach and mentoring other women on how to establish their own VA businesses. This evolution from side hustle to full-time career has been marked by these significant developments and the fulfillment of helping others achieve their professional goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.deetheva.com
• Instagram: @deetheva
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/dee_theva

Image Credits

K.N.G Photography