It’s V.A. | Tay is a Virtual Assistant company that helps Wedding Professionals find their social identity & use ad-free marketing strategies to drive traffic in 30 days. The company was founded in 2016 and the CEO, Tay, recently taught at the WED Midwest Conference. Check them out at www.itsvatay.com

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I grew up in a small town in Kansas with less than 1000 people, I immediately left for college at 18 and studied psychology & pre-law at Washburn University, where I later dropped out. Then I moved to the next big city (Kansas City) and was a waitress for 5 years. Fast forward, a few years later, I up and quit my full-time job with no clients, no experience, and no money to start “a business”. After leaving an abusive marriage, going through a divorce, having no money in my account, and raising a baby, I  am now a booked out service that is more than just a passion.

What inspired you to start your business?

What inspired me to start my business was being pregnant and knowing I did not want to go back to my 9-5 job and have to leave my daughter with a stranger. So there I was 7 months pregnant, no college degree, and just up and started my own business.

Where is your business based?

I am based in Kansas City, MO but I work with clients all over the world.

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

When I first started my company I had a Toshiba laptop that was some years old and had no clue about anything business-related, where to even find a website host, let alone how to build one. I started on Time Etc. to get experience and find clients and was lucky enough to find two clients that I worked with for a good while before buying my first Mac and having a real office. I built my own website .. honestly can't even remember what it looked like, but I can say it was FAR from professional.

 What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

The number one way I have raised awareness for my company is building relationships and showing up for clients. This alone has taken me to not only sustain my family and be a full career but has brought me so many opportunities like teaching at the Wed Midwest Conference in 2019.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

Whew, where do I begin? My biggest challenges in business have been myself. I was a roadblock in my own success for so long and had the WORST mindset when it came to what to offer, who to serve, how to price myself, thinking nobody will buy from me, I am a nobody. I was not confident enough and overthinking everything, not to mention being a perfectionist.

I then went through a NASTY divorce and left an abusive relationship with not enough money to put food on my table and taking care of a 1-year-old when I realized that if I wanted a better life then I needed to fix my mindset and I was the only person that could change that. In short, I changed my mindset and my life and business have just taken off since then. 

How do you stay focused?

Fortunately, I love what I do, it’s almost like an addiction. It’s a place I can be myself, I can be creative, and I get to change people’s lives, for the better. I set monthly projections that I work towards, and I will push myself to hit those goals and then some, and that drive alone keeps me focused… that and my daily 4 shots of espresso!

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

My company is different from my competitors for many reasons, one being client experience. I genuinely care about my clients. I want them to be the best they can be and hit projection they never thought they could. I keep my text line open to clients 24/7, and yes it may take me a few hours to reply but nights, weekends, & holidays I am there. I get to know my clients on a personal level to understand their life, their family, why they are the way they are so I can show up and serve them in a way that fits them.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

My marketing strategy is the same as my awareness strategy. I create genuine relationships with people and if I am not a good fit to work with them, I could be a good fit for someone they know. Most of my clients have been word of mouth & referrals. Do what you say you’ll do, make your people feel loved, heard, and understood.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

My number one piece of advice to anyone aspiring to be an entrepreneur is JUST START, DO IT. If you wait for the “right moment” you won’t start. Don’t let the what-ifs and your own mindset keep you from doing whatever it is that you love.

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

My favorite book is “You are a Badass at Making Money” by Jen Sincero because it is about mindset and mindset is everything. It will set the tone for all aspects of your life.

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

I do have a few business tools that make my life so much easier, but I would have to say Instagram because it’s free, it is easy to use, it has brought me so many relationships with people all over the world, and it’s a marketing tool.

Who is your business role model? Why?

I have a few business role models who have inspired me in so many ways, the number one being my dad who taught me work ethic & morals.

Haley Burkhead who is so energetic in her company, she’s an entrepreneurial genius, and is very real with her audience.

How do you balance work and life?

This is one of my biggest struggles honestly. I have been raising my daughter essentially alone since she was born and have run my company at the same time but it is hard for me to shut off work mode especially when I am on a roll or in a super creative mindset. My fiance literally has to be like okay, please come hangout you have been in your office all day and night, but I try to make sure that every evening we all sit at the table for dinner together and after my daughter goes to bed we spend time talking or watching shows together. 

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

My favorite way to decompress is either shopping, a bubble bath, or awful reality tv & a glass of wine

What do you have planned for the next six months?

Work wise, in the next 6 months I will be offering a membership where people can network, get 1:1 assistance with their business pain points, and monthly learning content! I will also be building a full team!

Personal wise, I am planning my wedding & a couple of vacations with my family. 

How can our readers connect with you?

You can connect with me on Instagram @itsvatay or send me an email at tay@itsvatay.com