Today we’d like to introduce you to Regina Baker.
Regina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
All by the grace of God. Oh the days of Corporate America and coffee all day! LOL! My background is in Administrative Services and Information Technology. On a regular workday, my Manager walked into my office and asked would I build a website for the Procurement Division. Mind you, I had no clue how to build a website, nor had I ever been on the Internet. And the fact that I have a deep love for computers and technology, my answer was a resounding YES!
In those “days” Google days were non-existent. There was no social media either, the only thing available was the amazing search engine, YAHOO! I dived in and learned how to write coding (html) and birthed our first website for the department. A couple of years later, due to a massive merger, I was laid off. It was a dream come true because I always dreamed of being self-employed but never had the time to pursue it. Around that same time, my late-husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I wanted to stay home with him, therefore, I had to find something that would allow me to create the income we needed.
This allowed me to research the Internet on working from home providing administrative services “virtually.” I found a lot of forums to join as well as invested in a Mastermind group where I met someone who also had a passion for technology. We launched a business together providing a shopping cart software service (eCommerce) for the work at home community. We not only provided a service for them to accept payments via their websites, we also consulted and supported them with other resources we knew could help them.
During the same season, people began to ask for consultations on leveraging their business. However, I always craved to work in the background and that is providing administration services along with consulting as secondary to my primary business. Years later I met an amazing Woman who literally showed me everything about the speaking industry and how to efficiently and effectively serve professional speakers with proven systems and processes (this month, we celebrate 5-years of a successful client, service provider relationship.) My target audience is working with professional speakers as their communications liaison, creating SOPs for their businesses and serving all their administrative needs.
Having been online since the late ’90s. I’ve seen a lot of Virtual Assistants struggle in their businesses because they are unsure of how to take their skills to build a sustainable business, hence, the launch of BlackVirtualAssistants.com. I love teaching! It gives me such joy to help others achieve what I once struggled with.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
By no means has it been a smooth road. I have made numerous mistakes and learned from them. I’ve always said, “it’s how you go through the process that determines the outcome.” It took a while to understand what business really means. Those are the really hard lessons because we have to let go of what we “think” will work and focus on proven principles that “do” work. Learning who my ideal client is and not just working with any business for the sake of making money was also a major ha-ha moment for me. In my opinion, there’s no such thing as balancing, I learned how to create my own schedule and believe me, it has nothing to do with balance but everything to do with what works for me and my family.
Please tell us about Black Virtual Assistants.
Our mission is to intentionally provide leadership, support, collaboration, sincere care, and trust by providing applicable tools, resources, virtual workshops, accountability, certifications, potential jobs, and low-cost services to men and women who desire to start a virtual assistant home-based business. BVA is also launching the 1st Black VA Magazine as well as desiring to provide scholarships for our Mastermind Program.
The BVA Magazine will showcase services, bios, contact information and photos of professional black virtual assistants and sponsors from all over the world. The magazine will also feature tools, resources, tips, and profound advice and experience for those seeking virtual assistant services or a career in virtual assisting. Our publication is distributed quarterly online and via print on demand.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck. Everything I have achieved is a blessing. I am abundantly grateful for this journey. I have met and collaborated with some amazing people. I know this is my assignment on earth. It is a plum, pleasing, pleasure to serve my clients as well as teach virtual assistants.
After 15-years since my ex-husband’s passing, I am now happily re-married to a man who identified with my dreams, goals, and aspirations. We dated for two-years and celebrated our first wedding anniversary this past June. Nah, that’s not luck, it’s an intentional blessing from heaven.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://BlackVirtualAssistants.com
- Phone: 832.786.1907
- Email: info@blackvirtualassistants.com
- Instagram: blackvirtualassistants
- Facebook: blackvirtualassistants
- Twitter: blackassistants
Image Credit:
CJ Martin
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