Today we’d like to introduce you to Chrystal-Lynn El.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Chrystal-Lynn. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I went looking for a job and hired myself! After three years of working part-time for my mother, she had to lay me off. The entire time working for her, I applied for jobs in Bermuda and Atlanta and was unsuccessful. My mother was the driving force behind encouraging me to look into the Virtual Assistant world. I had not heard of it before but was open to exploring. Interestingly enough, it seemed like a perfect job for me, especially because I could foresee myself living the laptop- lifestyle I dreamed about.
Using my last paycheck, I paid a graphic designer to complete my logo, business cards and website – and I was off! Or so I thought… Business did not pick up as much as I expected because in Bermuda (a small island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean), businesses were not very keen on the idea of doing administrative work remotely. It took many consultations, traveling throughout the island, meeting with business owners to land my first client. I looked at my fellow Virtual Assistants online and was quickly reminded: there is a big world out there and the clients are global. I expanded my reach and began networking with business groups, particularly in Atlanta, because that’s where I mostly resided.
At this time, I had only been married a year and we had already separated. My husband left Bermuda and returned to Atlanta before our one-year anniversary. I had to make this work because I had five school-aged children to support. To be honest, I did not view it as a viable full-time job at first and I continued seeking employment elsewhere, while building my business. The following year, my husband and I reconnected and made a solid plan to relocate back to Atlanta together. He came back to Bermuda to work and assist with the transition, while working on our relationship.
The move back to Atlanta was instrumental to my business growth, not only because of the awesome network of which I was a part, but also because of the accessibility to resources. With all our ducks in a row, my children and I transitioned back to Atlanta while my husband stayed in Bermuda to work and take care of the house. He planned to transition back to Atlanta once the tourist season ended (he worked at a hotel). Our plan was completely disrupted, with the permanent dissolution of our marriage, homelessness for my children and me, loss of travel documents and so much more! However, the silver lining was that I still ran my business, no matter what situation we encountered.
For two years, I solely ran my business from my phone and library computers. My clients were unaware of my plight, but I pushed on. I learned to use the resources I had to continue to earn income online as a Virtual Assistant. My network grew stronger and my marketing was word of mouth.
For quite some time, my business was at capacity and I couldn’t take on more clients. I noticed that I was super busy; however, I was still struggling financially to maintain a level of normalcy. That was when I shifted my business model. It had been successful for two years, but I missed doing the actual work.
Last year I chose a word, Impact. I knew that my purpose in life was to impactful, but I didn’t want to seem all over the place with my offerings. This has led me to where I am now. My focus is on helping people create a freedom-based lifestyle by living the life they desire, within their limits. I show people how to earn income online as a Virtual Assistant. My goal is to create a positive impact in my family, my community and my country
Has it been a smooth road?
Smooth? What’s that? Honestly, I’m at the point where I am tired of the struggles, but I am reminded that before your breakthrough it will be a tough road. That makes the victory sweeter. One major struggle I experienced as a business owner was being a single parent. If I didn’t make money, we didn’t eat.
I had a few good friends in Atlanta that where supportive, but many didn’t actually know what was going on behind closed doors. There were many opportunities I wanted to take advantage of but couldn’t, simply because of finances. BUT, like I said, my network was dope and we often bartered services when I was really pressed to get something.
Being homeless in a different country with no family was by far the biggest struggle for me. Enrolling my kids in several different schools in different counties because we were constantly moving hurt my heart. I push so hard now because I still want to see some of our family goals come to fruition. We are getting there. We are still on the journey but can navigate better because of the past. So many lessons have been learned.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the The Curvy Executive story. Tell us more about the business.
The Curvy Executive has evolved from a one-woman run business, offering solely Virtual Assistant Services, to a growing multifaceted Limitless Lifestyle brand. The Curvy Executive strategically maps out pathways for those who are serious about living a freedom- based lifestyle by utilizing their skills to generate revenue online. We specialize in Virtual Assistant Training and Virtual Assistant Services.
We also offer: Compliance Administration, Middle Office Management and Online Business Management.
I literally, love what I do! I am most proud of the fact that, no matter the odds, The Curvy Executive is now a household name in the Virtual Assistant and business community. What sets us apart from others is, no fluff. I’m very transparent, in a very professional way. We aren’t here to take people’s money just for the sake of a sale – we literally want to see you win! For the past seven years, I’ve navigated this business world with limited resources, to the best of the best. I have a lot to share.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Before COVID-19, many corporations where increasing their number of remote workers. Since February 2020, many employees have been left without work, or if working remotely, have found it hard to navigate working from home, especially when raising a family or taking care of an elderly parent.
This was the big shift – COVID-19. That being said, the industry will boom because people are now looking for ways to continue to earn income without having to leave the house. Although, a remote worker and VA/Freelancer/Contractor are two different things, they have one thing in common: working remotely.
Pricing:
- Virtual Assistant Training (30 Day Program) – $397
- Online Resources for Coaches, Consultants, Virtual Assistants – $49
- Systems Training – $47
- One-on-One Strategy Session – $397
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thecurvyexecutive.com
- Email: info@thecurvyexecutive.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecurvyexecutive/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheCurvyExecutive
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theexecutivesclub
Image Credit:
Deanna Williams – dwperception
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