Owning Your Journey: How to Grow a Business That Works for You

Making a big change, especially after decades in one industry, can feel like standing on the edge of something completely unknown. Whether you’ve worked in the same job forever, stepped away to raise a family, or are simply craving something more aligned, here’s a reminder you might need to hear.

You’re not too late. You’re not starting from scratch. And you absolutely have something to offer.

This is for you if you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to try something new, if you’ve got what it takes to run a business, or if you’ll ever figure out what truly lights you up. Spoiler alert: it’s not, you do, and you will.

You’re Not Starting from Scratch

It’s easy to downplay your past experience when you move into something new. But here’s the truth. Everything you’ve done counts. Your work ethic, your problem-solving, your ability to communicate clearly, manage timelines, juggle competing demands, all of that comes with you.

It doesn’t matter if you’re moving from a long career in finance, health or admin. Your skills are still yours. They don’t disappear just because your email signature or job title has changed.

The trick is to stop saying “I only…”

You’re not just a VA. You’re not only good at admin. You’re someone who’s built capability, shown up for years, and made things work. That experience is the foundation of your business, even if it looks different now.

The First Version of Your Business Won’t Be the Final One

You don’t need to land on your forever niche on day one. And that’s not a failure. That’s how clarity happens.

Maybe you’ll begin with general admin and end up in creative content. Maybe you’ll move from social media to systems and back again. Business evolves. Your services shift. Your energy and interests will change. Let them.

The clients you work with now might not be the ones you stick with long term. You’ll grow. They’ll grow. Some connections will feel aligned, others won’t. That’s all valuable feedback.

You’re allowed to change your mind. You’re allowed to pivot. And you don’t need to explain your decision to anyone. This is your business.

Boundaries Are a Business Strategy

One of the most powerful things you can do as a service provider is to start how you intend to continue.

Be clear about your availability. Respect your own working hours. Say no when your plate is full. Trust that the right clients will either wait or move on and either way, you’ll be okay.

Boundaries aren’t about being inflexible. They’re about protecting your energy and keeping your business sustainable. Whether you’re setting project timelines, onboarding schedules, or communication preferences, you get to lead those conversations.

You’re not someone’s employee. You’re a business owner. A partner. And that shift in mindset changes everything.

Some Seasons Will Be Busy. That Doesn’t Mean You’re Doing It Wrong

There will be weeks when it all flows and everything feels doable. And there will be times when you realise you’ve taken on too much, said yes too quickly, or underestimated how long something would take.

That doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.

The key is noticing it early. Giving yourself room to breathe. Saying no to new work when you need a pause. And most of all, being kind to yourself when things get messy.

You don’t need to avoid those seasons entirely. You just need to learn from them and make space for what matters most.

Start Before You Feel Ready

You don’t need to have all the answers before you begin. Truly, you don’t.

If you’re still Googling “Can you actually make money as a virtual assistant?” or “What’s a retainer client?”, that doesn’t mean you’re not cut out for this. It means you’re learning.

There’s a lot to figure out when you’re starting out. But with the right support, a bit of curiosity, and a lot of heart, you’ll be amazed by what you can do.

You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to begin.

Looking for a community of like-minded women who truly get it?

The Inner Circle might be just what you’re looking for.

It’s a supportive space for virtual assistants, OBMs, and online service providers who are growing, evolving, and doing business in a way that works for them. Whether you're starting fresh or shifting direction, you'll find practical support, genuine connection, and people who understand the journey.

Come join us. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Learn more about the Inner Circle → here