Meet Alana Humphrey, a Virtual Assistant based in Trinidad and Tobago. Alana is the founder and CEO of Your Success Matters Professional Services.
In this Caribbean VA Living spotlight, Alana shares her journey into remote work, how her lifestyle has changed, and what being a Caribbean Virtual Assistant means to her today.
Her Journey
What were you doing before becoming a Virtual Assistant?
I worked in senior positions in the education and security industries.
What made you decide to start working online or become a VA?
The need for flexibility in terms of time and the desire for peace of mind
What was the hardest part when you first started?
Getting clients, the pressure on my bank account and articulating my services clearly
What helped you push through those early challenges?
God, Desi-Ann (owner of Caribbean Virtual Assistants), her Caribbean VA network and resources provided. I also found other online resources and networked.
Life as a Caribbean VA Today
What does a typical workday look like for you now?
I work 5-6 hours on an average day, balancing work for various clients.
What do you enjoy most about being a Virtual Assistant?
Variety in the work and clients, not facing traffic, seeing others succeed and seeing projects to the end
How has becoming a VA changed your lifestyle or daily life?
My personal budget is reduced, while my peace of mind has increased.
Has remote work given you more flexibility or balance? If yes, how?
Yes, so I was able to be more present for my family during various trials, and my health has improved. It has allowed me the flexibility to travel, which I love and to entertain visitors as well.
Being a Caribbean Virtual Assistant has allowed me to choose how I spend my time. ~Alana Humphrey
Balance and Well-being
What is one thing you’ve learned about yourself since becoming a VA?
I can do all things through God and with the right connections. I have learnt to trust my gut as well by avoiding clients who do not seem right. This also applies to life in general.
What habits or routines help you stay balanced while working online?
"Calendaring" really helps, and setting daily goals. Scheduling 25-minute intervals (Pomodoro) of work helps, and co-working.
How do you protect your well-being while managing clients and deadlines?
Setting boundaries on my time and what I will or will not do with/ on behalf of clients. It also helps to seek clarity. I aim to be very specific with deliverables and deadlines. I have been negligent with the contracts, but it really helps with accountability when done well.
Advice for Other Caribbean VAs
What advice would you give someone in the Caribbean thinking about becoming a Virtual Assistant?
- Plan for it in terms of income - depending on the services being offered, the funds may be slow in coming.
- Have resilience and build your network of people and resources.
- Set up your financial services - bank account, business registration, and invoicing system early.
What would you tell someone who feels unsure about starting?
Speak to other VAs and see if it is for you. Becoming an entrepreneur is not for the faint-hearted.
Many Caribbean Virtual Assistants find that reflection and intentional routines help them maintain balance while working remotely. You can do like Alana and get a copy of our Creative Writing Workbook, or peruse the shop to choose a resource that is relevant to you at this time.
Connect with Alana on Instagram at @yoursuccessmatterstt
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