An Interview With Lauren Pearce.

A woman determined to continue her success helping business owners from her travelling office.

What inspired you to start this business/How did you come up with the idea? 

I wanted a more flexible job. We had planned to travel Australia, and I wanted to work while on the road. My small business gives me the flexibility to do this.

What is your business?

Virtual Assistant/Bookkeeping Services - I help small businesses by assisting with ad hoc tasks and ongoing administration and accounts support so they can focus on their business. 

They outsource their necessary but time-consuming tasks to me, so they can get on with other things - like making money, focusing on business development, bringing in new clients and spending time with family and friends.

What is your brand name, and how did you come up with that name?

Virtual Aspect

Virtual - because I work as a Virtual Assistance; and 

Aspect - because as I travel, my "office" aspect can change from the beach to the countryside or wherever we roam.

What was your vision when you started Virtual Aspect?

To help small businesses succeed while giving myself a better work/life balance.

What's your vision for the future now? 

It's still the same, but I have become more aware of the work I thrive on doing as I help other small businesses. 

What challenges did you overcome when you started Virtual Aspect?

The biggest challenge was finding clients. I joined job lead subscriptions and also put myself out there in Facebook communities.

If you could start Virtual Aspect from scratch, what would you change/do differently?

This one is easy to answer. I would have started sooner!

What's your favourite service offering and why?

I love bookkeeping because I love the feeling I get when everything balances!

What do you believe sets your business apart from others in the same industry?

Honestly, it's my honesty and down-to-earth approach. 

What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your business so far, and why?

I believe I have succeeded at what I wanted to do. 

I love how I get complimented on a job well done and appreciated for what I do. Before starting my bookkeeping and virtual assistant business, I worked for the same company for 24 years. It was exhilarating but scary closing the door on that comfort zone, walking into the unknown, and believing that the skills and services I had to offer were above and beyond good enough.

Describe something that you used to be hopeless at, and then describe what you did to learn/be better at the thing you were hopeless at.

Creativity. 

I was always a numbers person and not very creative. I have since discovered Canva and have become creative with the Facebook and Instagram posts I create now.

Do you have a particularly memorable moment in your business journey that you can share with us?

When I signed up my first client. Best feeling ever.

Can you share a story about how someone made you feel about your business?

I have a client (the first client I got while on a road trip) for who I create social media posts. Every time I do a job for her, she is always so appreciative and full of compliments. It fills me with joy every time I make my clients feel happy with the work I do for them.

I bet this motivates you to keep growing and improving your business?

Yes. The success of my business motivates me because I am deeply happy with myself and my life.

Can you share a story about a customer or a client who has touched your heart somehow?

I employed a Bookkeeper because I got to a stage where I turned back clients. At the end of last year, she invited me to a group she is part of that looks back over the year and makes plans for the year ahead. I felt very honoured that she wanted me to be part of this group session.

What message would you like to share with other women entrepreneurs just starting out?

Take that chance - you might be surprised like I was that it could end up being one of the best decisions you ever make. As they say, "Nothing ventured, nothing gained". It's never too late to achieve your dreams.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps and start a similar business?

Be patient. 

It doesn't happen quickly, but it is worth it when you find the right people you want and enjoy working with that relate to you and fit with you. Also, make sure you set yourself up correctly from the start.

What is the greatest reward of running your own business?

Work/life balance.

Lauren Pearce Owner of Virtual Aspect Website >

Virtual Aspect Reviews:

"Lauren is highly organised and talented when it comes to administration and accounts. She has been helping me with my business for the last 6 years. She operates to high standards of accuracy and professionalism and can be relied on to always act with the utmost discretion to ensure confidentiality in all aspects of the work she undertakes. I would recommend Lauren at Virtual Aspect to any business or individual looking for a reliable, professional Virtual Assistant." - Sean, Boss Mini Excavations

"I found Lauren to be very reliable and capable when it came to doing my accounts and stock control for my beauty business, and now looking after administration in my meditation business. Her attention to detail and her integrity in providing her services in a timely manner ensures cost efficiencies for my business." - Kala, Quiet Soul

"I love your work!! Thank you for your creations and beautiful creative mind!" - Georgie Doherty