You asked for it, and here it is. Today kicks off the first of 6 interviews I’ve conducted with Muslim sisters operating their own successful businesses – businesses you wanted to learn more about. Each Monday, for the next six weeks, I will post an informative interview that provides valuable insight into the business topic. To me it made sense to go straight to the source to get the information you wanted first had.
Today’s interview is with Malaja Owens of Solace Virtual Service, LLC. Malaja owns and operates a business providing administrative and other support services to other businesses. Malaja shares beneficial information for anyone interested in working at home as a virtual assistant.
1. What were you doing professionally before offering VA services?
Just before starting I was unemployed. It took me a while to get started because I was skeptical and a little scared. Starting as an Arise VSC (Virtual Service Corporation) helped [build] my confidence. Prior to my period of unemployment I was an Interview Partner for the Disney College Program which I did from home. So working remotely was something I was comfortable with.
2. Do you have any special education or training background?
I have completed my Bachelors Program for Business Management and have had a lot of sales training. While I wouldn’t really consider it specialized I would
say that I have been able to apply what I’ve learned.
3. Do you have a specialty (e.g. provide marketing, web design, real estate, etc.)?
My specialty is actually website design and some marketing (Creative; flyer design, social media, etc). I am also considering adding event planning and marketing.
4. What motivated you to pursue working as a VA on your own?
Unemployment! LOL! After many applications placed to no avail, I decided to reinvent myself. I wanted to do what I liked doing and make money while doing it. However, I did want to keep some type of steady income. I also wanted to finish my degree and be able to stay home with my little people. Becoming an VSC for Arise has allowed me to do just that as it has been a source of steady, decent income as I build my clientele. All under the same Corporation. It has also allowed me to learn how to structure my business.
5. How have you developed your skills as a VA?
I have had to really sharpen my organizational and time management skills. See next question: To me a VA business is as much a business as any other self-employed business venture. When you’re employed by someone else, there is structure already in place for you to follow. As an entrepreneur, you have to come up with your own writing schedule and way of getting things accomplished. Has this ever been a challenge for you? Structure and organization is key. ESPECIALLY with little people at home. Trying to have them adhere to a schedule was my biggest challenge. I had to give in and build my schedule around theirs. Which essentially is the way I want to run my business. I am big on Career/Family Balance and wanting to watch my little people grow up. You HAVE to make and KEEP a schedule and be extremely organized. Once I become unorganized I am lost and everything falls off balance. You just HAVE to do it.
6. What resources (websites or books) do you recommend for someone considering starting a VA business?
I think forums such as this are the best, or, just being able to talk to someone that is doing it. May Allah reward you for providing this service for Sisters. Having a mentor is a great option especially when it is fi’Sabillilah. The following websites offer great info as well:
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