We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Victoria Avant. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Victoria below.

Hi Victoria, thanks for joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

I believe that in order to become successful, one must first accept the fact that they have a ton of control of their own destiny.

There are two quotes that I live by and that have helped me along my own journey. The first, by motivational speaker and writer Zig Zigler, is “Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation.” This quote has reminded me of my own responsibility to pave the way for my success by using my idle time to prepare for the things that aren’t yet mine, so that when the opportunities do come, I have already made space for them.

The second quote is, “Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can,” by legendary tennis player Arthur Ashe. Sometimes it’s hard to know how to prepare, or it feels as if you don’t have everything you need to get started. This quote is a great reminder that even the greatest successes can be birthed from scarcity and simplicity. It helps me remember not to overthink things or make excuses. If I want something badly enough, I can tap into my innovative mindset and at least get started.

As individuals with dreams and ambitions, we carry a lot of power in our ability to manifest our own success.

Victoria, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I started my business during the COVID-19 pandemic as a means to take control of my time, my effort, and my career trajectory. I have always battled with living a split-lifestyle. On one hand, I’m very corporate-minded and structured. On the other, I’m creative and free-flowing. Because of this, I have never truly felt settled with one career path or job. In each of my jobs after college, I worked alongside small business owners, helping them with various tasks but also learning a lot about what it takes to run a business. The biggest lesson I learned though? If they can do it, I can too.

At first, I aimed to write blogs for small businesses. Since then, my services have evolved to include bookkeeping, website creation, copywriting, brand photography, creative consulting, and more. Essentially, I want to help other small business owners elevate their brand by eliminating whatever it is that has them feeling “stuck” at any given time.

I believe what makes me unique is the same thing that led me into entrepreneurship: my structure coupled with my creativity, along with my wide range of hobbies, skills, and interests. I can relate to the dynamic artist while helping them navigate the mundane tasks of running a business. I can empathize with the overwhelmed corporate CEO while ensuring their brand continues to give an air of ease and innovation.

My goal is to empower business owners of all backgrounds by helping them get out of their own way in order to elevate to that next level – closer to their idea of true success!

Have you ever had to pivot?

Becoming a mother required me to pivot my business (and life) in ways that I couldn’t have imagined. On one hand, I’m wildly motivated and inspired. Bringing a child into the world ignites the fierce spirit of my own inner child. I want to create, to learn, to travel, to question, to explore! I want it all! The problem is, I simply do NOT have the time, energy, nor control of my day-to-day life like I used to.

There’s a word that describes the identity shift one must make when becoming a mother: matrescence. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, the adjustment is jarring. With that being said, I had to accept the fact that the way I run my business is no exception to the change. Some of the ways I’ve pivoted include outsourcing writers and other staff for the tasks I find tedious or overwhelming. I am also in the process of refining the services I offer, understanding that just because I am good at something, that doesn’t mean I have the capacity to offer it to clients at this time.

What this transition is teaching me is that my time is valuable. Most of it is spent catering to my family. What free time I have now is spent doing the smallest, least energy-exerting acts of self-care I can think of. So, when it comes to work, I know that I don’t want to spend that time doing anything that doesn’t FULLY excite me. I am forcing myself to be honest about what I am passionate about, and what I look forward to doing, work-wise. While this pivot has not been easy, I am grateful for it, as I believe it is only helping to fine-tune my efforts so that I can be more and more aligned with my true purpose.

I once read somewhere that our anger is not a bad thing. It is a road map, showing us who we are and what we don’t like. If you are struggling with a pivot in your life, use that concept for your frustration, confusion, exhaustion. Don’t let it overtake you. Instead, listen to it. Lean into it. See where your road map takes you next.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Staying involved in your craft and industry, whether in-person or online, has its benefits. For me, online communities have been the best source for new clients. One of my favorite clients was my classmate in an online course for entrepreneurs. She contacted me directly after we all introduced ourselves and our businesses. Not only has she become a repeat client, she has also referred me to two other new clients!

Of course, there are times when you have to search for clients and even cold pitch to them. However, I truly believe that when you are walking in your own path and doing what you’re supposed to do, what’s for you will come to you naturally. Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation, remember?

Contact Info:

• Website: veehelene.com
• Instagram: veehelene

Image Credits
@shotxvee