We recently connected with Keyana Brunner-Stallworth and have shared our conversation below.

Keyana, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Growing up as a survivor of molestation and rape, I felt voiceless, especially amidst the loss of my mother. However, when I assisted my grandmother in her at-home daycare for the neighborhood kids, I found solace and joy in being there for them and seeing their happiness. It was during this time that I realized my calling to make a difference and amplify the voices of the community.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Born in Dorchester, MA, raised in Florida by my grandmother after the passing of my mother at the age of 7; I am a wife, a mother of two, three when you include the dog and the second mother too many. I am a published author (God Granted Me, by Denae), a motivational speaker to whomever God places in my path, an entrepreneur and best of all I just recently joined the nana club with the birth of my first grandson. My place of peace is when at the beach, cooking or listening to some music. Some call me the matriarch of the family, I just say I am here to do whatever the Lord has called upon me to do.

From a young age, I learned how to do hair and used that skill to earn extra money. However, my true goal was always to help others, and I often struggled with the financial aspect of it. Nevertheless, knowing that I made a positive impact on someone else’s life brought me immense joy.

Originally, I had planned to pursue a career as a Computer Engineer or a Paralegal because I had a deep interest in law. However, circumstances led me to attend the Gainesville Job Corps Center, where those fields weren’t available. Instead, I completed a six-month program and obtained a certificate as a Certified Secretary. Later, I moved to South Florida and worked as an Assistant at a mail order catalogue company for a few years. Subsequently, I pursued my passion for childcare and became an assistant teacher at a prestigious daycare while being a personal administrative assistant to two amazing business owners at their home office.

After working in the administrative field for over a decade, I was let go from my job due to severe migraines just months after I graduated with my Associates in Science Degree in Paralegal Studies. This opened up an opportunity for me to start my own Remote Administrative Services business, where I provided support to multiple companies while also running an AAU Youth track club and Vice President for a youth Football & Cheer program in the community. In order to make the track season more affordable for parents, I started my own printing company called Creations by Lovelysista. I would purchase blank uniforms, design and print them, including practice wear.

As I continued to work as a Remote Administrative Assistant to supplement my income, I eventually founded Smart Assist Virtual Assistants. My services enable entrepreneurs and business owners of any size to save money by hiring a Virtual Assistant for their administrative needs, right from their smartphones. Additionally, my goal is to provide work-from-home opportunities for other Virtual Assistants, particularly those with disabilities, allowing them to earn extra income and meet their financial needs.

At Smart Assist, we offer various services, including Payroll Services, Jr. Administrative services for smaller companies, Executive Administrative services, and Social Media Administrative services. Furthermore, we provide business printing services such as business cards and shirts.

I consider my ability to help others as a gift from God, and every time I contemplate stepping away, I am shown even greater opportunities, which fuels my determination to keep going.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

There has been several times I had to pivot from my business, however the biggest one is recently when I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer not long after I went live with my website. Besides myself, my partner is the only other person that knows how to run the business, but I am the tech person. Everything moved so quick I didn’t take anything down, I placed in my mind once I can get a little movement I would schedule myself in the office for a little bit at a time to create some social media post with Canva. Although the plan is not working completely in my favor in regards to timing and healing, I keep going because I know God has a plan and a reason for everything.

With two, possibly three more surgeries left, this is my source of income but I know it is going to take time for the world to catch on to the new age wave of remote assistants and the benefit of hiring one. Pivoting away is not always a bad thing or a failure, but rather God giving you time to reevaluate and see the bigger picture, you just have to have clear vision to see the road ahead for yourself.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Happy clients are repeat clients that doesn’t mind sharing with others of the greatness of your hard work. In my experience with all of my side hustles and business opportunities the best source of gaining new clients has been by word of mouth. There is no greater feeling than someone telling you, you were highly recommended by someone they know.      

Contact Info:

• Website: https://smartassistva.wixsite.com/smartassociates
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartassistva/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smartassistvallc/