At VALUE Virtual Assistants, we're excited to showcase the inspiring journey of VA Karina. Her dedication and expertise have not only transformed her role but also brought remarkable results to Hartmann Industries. Discover how Karina's commitment and skills are making a difference.
A Career Built on Experience
Karina, known as Ayen, brings over 15 years of executive assistant experience across diverse industries, including petroleum, tankering, real estate, and mining. Her extensive background started at Shell, where she honed her skills in operations and administration. Her career journey led her to real estate and project management roles, where she further developed her expertise.
"During the pandemic, I saw a trend in online jobs and decided to explore it as a side hustle," Karina shares. "Although I had no prior virtual assistant experience, my 10 years as an executive assistant and five years as a project manager prepared me well for this role."
"Before, Jacob was handling admin tasks himself. When I fixed his calendar and streamlined his schedule, it allowed him to focus on bigger projects and acquiring more clients," she explains. "This has freed up his time and has had a major impact on his ability to grow his business."
Karina’s initiative in managing Jacob’s admin tasks and improving his schedule exemplifies her dedication. “I always initiate. I always tell him, ‘You just teach me how to do this, and I’ll do it for you,'” she says. “Seeing Jacob with more personal time to think about big projects and getting more clients has been incredibly rewarding.”
Growth and Learning
"During my time at Hartmann Industries, I gained valuable experience in project management tools and apps," she notes. "My perspective now is that while we are still young and have opportunities available, we should seize them to learn and grow."
Karina has faced challenges, especially with new tools and technologies. “At first, learning how to use project management tools like Trello, ClickUp, WordPress, HubSpot, Slack and other emailing platforms was a challenge. It took me a while, but with dedication and training, I overcame it,” she recalls. “Now, I can confidently use these tools and apply them effectively in my role.”
Appreciating the Work-from-Home Flexibility
Karina values the flexibility of working from home. “The work-from-home setup is perfect for me as a mother,” she says. “I don’t have to travel, and I can manage my responsibilities at home while working. The flexibility of time and the ability to connect with clients globally is something I really appreciate.”
A Supportive Experience with VALUE VA
Karina has found her experience with VALUE Virtual Assistants to be incredibly supportive and beneficial.
"What I really appreciate about VALUE VA is the flexibility of time and the work-from-home setup, especially as a mother," Karina shared. "I don't need to spend time traveling, and I can manage my responsibilities at home while working. The flexibility allows me to connect with clients globally, which is something I truly value.""What I really appreciate about VALUE VA is the flexibility of time and the work-from-home setup, especially as a mother," Karina shared. "I don't need to spend time traveling, and I can manage my responsibilities at home while working. The flexibility allows me to connect with clients globally, which is something I truly value."
Karina also highlighted the understanding and open communication she has with VALUE VA. “Sometimes, when I explain things or make requests, VALUE VA meets me halfway. They understand my situation, and that makes a big difference,” she said. “I’m really thankful for the opportunity to work with Jacob as a client, and I’m open to more opportunities in the future.”
The continuous check-ins and support from VALUE VA have been instrumental in Karina’s success.
"The system where VALUE VA continuously checks on the client and me as a VA is great. It ensures that everything is running smoothly and that any issues are quickly addressed," Karina noted.
Karina’s story is a testament to the supportive and flexible environment that VALUE Virtual Assistants provides, helping VAs like her balance work and personal life while delivering exceptional service to clients.
Looking Ahead
Karina’s future aspirations include continuing her growth as a virtual assistant and exploring full-time opportunities in the field. “I’m considering transitioning to a full-time VA role” she shares. “I see myself evolving with more upskilling and providing greater value to clients.”
A Call to Join VALUE Virtual Assistants
Karina’s journey exemplifies the dedication and passion that VALUE Virtual Assistants strives to support. If you’re inspired by Karina’s story and interested in joining our team or exploring how a VALUE VA can support your business, we invite you to get in touch.
