Dear Diary, I Built a $10K/Month VA Business From Scratch—Here’s What I Wish I Knew Sooner.

May 2

Before we get started…

I’m thrilled to introduce you to the rebranded "Diary of a VA" Newsletter—a space where I’ll be sharing raw, real, and unfiltered stories from my journey as a virtual assistant and now as a VA coach. It’s a mix of insight, client tea (always upholding confidentiality!), and the behind-the-scenes wins and struggles that shape this journey.

After years of working with high-level entrepreneurs and running my own freelance business, I’ve successfully transitioned into coaching to help others secure high-ticket clients and scale their businesses. I’m sprinkling in everything I’ve learned from my corporate days at companies like Chevron and Silicon Valley tech start-ups—because those lessons translate directly into building a thriving freelance career.

This space isn’t about AI, cookie-cutter advice, or obsessing over follower counts. It’s about genuine connection, practical insights, and making a real impact. In 2022, I built a $10k/month VA business from scratch—facing the wins, the struggles, and everything in between. Now, I’m here to share the strategies and frameworks that set me apart in a saturated market, so you can do the same. Let’s rewrite what it means to thrive as a VA together.

Whether you’re here to learn, grow, or just feel like you’re not alone in your VA journey, welcome to the Diary of a VA.

Let’s glow and grow together.

Dear Diary,

Sometimes being a VA is hard. Not the kind of hard where you’re juggling ten things at once, fielding back-to-back phone calls, or skipping lunch. I mean the kind of hard where your heart sinks, and your mind spirals into panic. The kind where you’re constantly calculating invoices in your head, bracing for chaos, or catastrophizing when a client says, “Let’s talk.” It’s the fear of losing a contract, the anxiety of operating in a defensive state.

But then, there are days when everything just clicks. A potential client books a discovery call, your inbox is miraculously manageable, and the day feels like a cool breeze. It’s a rollercoaster—the good, the bad, and the downright ugly.

Thinking back? I definitely had one of those ugly days...

I had an amazing client—let’s call him Roy. But Roy’s business partners? Let’s just say they’re a mixed bag. One in particular, Mary, is consistently toxic and difficult to work with. Thankfully, it was all virtual because I can’t ever imagine sitting across a table from her and watching certain things unfold IRL cringe...

Roy asked me to send an email on his behalf to schedule a meeting about upcoming acquisitions. Simple enough, right? Except Mary, true to form, turned it into a nightmare. She was rude, double-sending emails, and telling me how to do my job (as if I don’t have 20+ years of experience as a corporate EA + running my own VA business).

Her “REPLY ALL” words felt like daggers, and I was livid. Maybe I misinterpreted her tone, but it felt belittling, and shall I dare say…it pi$$ed me off.

My original thought, how dare she? Demanding I accommodate her schedule, her timeline… the stench of entitlement??

Instead of reacting impulsively, as I might have in the past, I took a step back. I dissected the words she wrote, trying to understand her intentions and passive-aggressiveness. Was she really addressing me, or was she indirectly speaking to Roy?

My first draft response was long-winded and submissive—deleted.

So I poured a glass of wine 🍷 took a breath, and crafted a response that was short, factual, and authoritative. I used her own words against her, mirroring her tone but with professionalism and composure. Reading between the lines? I can match your energy, but with poise and grace. I can put anyone in their place subtly–period!

The takeaway?

Office politics have gone virtual. As a VA supporting CEOs, founders, and executives, you’re not just managing tasks—you’re navigating dynamics, playing devil’s advocate, and representing your client in a way that’s dignified yet firm.

Mary wasn’t just being passive-aggressive with me; she was, in a way, addressing Roy through me. And maybe that’s why Roy texted me his response instead of replying directly—he rarely engages with her himself. Infighting, perhaps?

Being a VA means mastering the art of reading between the lines, staying professional under pressure, and being the calm amidst the storm. It’s not always easy, but it’s what makes us indispensable.

Along the way, this tactic has allowed me to be more powerful with saying less. This is why the transition to a VA Coach was a natural progression of my experience and valor. Because let’s face it, sometimes it feels like you’re in a fight for your life attracting, maintaining and signing new clients.

Now? I coach and mentor new and expert-level VAs. Together we navigate these tough client interactions with strategies that work and enhance your professional and personal communication goals!

Until next time,

Monica ✌🏽❤️