205: How to Become a Fashion Virtual Assistant (VA)

If you’re new to the fashion industry or unsure of your skills but want to start as a freelancer, you may consider being a fashion virtual assistant (VA) and earning while you learn.  Find out how you can transform your soft skills into hard cash.

You don’t need to be a super tech genius to work as a virtual assistant in the fashion industry; basic tech skills and a willingness to learn as you go are enough to get started. Tons of business owners are bogged down with tasks they can do, but do not have the time for.  The VA industry isn’t just about ticking off tasks. It *thrives* on soft skills like organization, a knack for creativity, and, oh yes, being a little tech-savvy!

So if you have what it takes, you can thrive as a fashion virtual assistant and start earning while you develop your fashion design skills.

Episode Highlights

Introduction & Background

• Heidi introduces Aubree, a former teacher turned virtual assistant (VA), who shares her journey into freelancing while balancing family responsibilities.

Starting Without a Website

• Aubree explains how she landed her first clients using a simple one-page document instead of a website, and leveraged personal Facebook posts and connections.

Power of Personal Networking

• Personal networking played a crucial role, with Aubree’s first client being a former colleague. She opens up about dealing with discomfort and judgment during her career shift.

Skills That Matter for VAs

• Highlights the importance of soft skills like organization, creativity, and tech proficiency. Aubree recommends mock projects and case studies to build credibility early on.

Using Facebook Groups Strategically

• Aubree shares tips for identifying the right Facebook groups and engaging meaningfully to find VA opportunities.

Personalized Pitches & Client Relationships

• Emphasis on customized pitches when applying for jobs. Aubree also discusses the emotional side of client work—especially ending contracts and navigating hard conversations.

Freelancing Goals & Self-Doubt

• Talks openly about her initial income goal of $1,000/month, and how she worked through imposter syndrome by focusing on her natural strengths.

Remote Work & Family Balance

• Aubree reflects on the post-pandemic rise of remote work and how it helped her create a sustainable balance between freelancing and family life.

Advice for Aspiring VAs

• Key advice includes leveraging your network, showcasing your skills creatively, and staying persistent in your search for opportunities.

Podcast Plug & Final Thoughts

• Heidi gives a shoutout to Aubree’s podcast Freelancer to CEO Fabulous. They wrap up with thoughts on freelancing misconceptions and what people often forget to ask freelancers.

Key Questions and Responses

1. What is the value of offering virtual assistant (VA) services to businesses?

• Aubree highlighted that many business owners are knowledgeable but lack the time to execute essential tasks. Offering VA services allows business owners to offload these tasks. She emphasized the importance of recognizing one’s soft skills, like organization and creativity, and being tech-savvy to meet the varied needs of clients.

2. How did you get your first gigs as a virtual assistant?

• Aubree started by creating a one-page document outlining her skills and service packages, then posted it on her personal Facebook page. This approach relied heavily on personal networking, and a former teacher hired her for 10 hours a week, boosting her confidence in her new venture.

3. What strategies do you suggest for showcasing services without a website?

• Aubree suggested creating a condensed version of what would typically be found on a website into a one-pager, and emphasized the importance of demonstrating how her skills can serve potential clients’ businesses, rather than focusing on past work experience. Creating case studies and gathering testimonials were recommended methods to validate her services.

4. How important is networking in growing a freelancing business?

• Aubree stressed the powerful impact of personal networking and recommended using platforms like Facebook groups to find clients. She emphasized strategic group memberships and thoughtful engagement in conversations to showcase expertise without overt self-promotion.

5. What personal challenges did you face in your freelancing journey, and how did you overcome them?

• Aubree discussed her struggle with self-doubt and imposter syndrome, mentioning the discomfort and judgment she felt from friends and family. She overcame these by focusing on her goal and leveraging her strengths in technology and creativity to offer valuable services to clients.

6. What advice would you give to those starting as virtual assistants?

• Aubree recommended gaining practical experience through mock projects and on-the-job learning. She advised creating a skill showcase document, leveraging personal and social networking, and focusing on the end goal to overcome feelings of discomfort. She also shared her personal goal of making $1,000 a month, emphasizing persistence and continuous improvement in the freelancing journey.

About Aubree:

Connect with Aubree:

Visit their website: aubreemalick.com
Email at: hello@aubreemalick.com
Follow on Instagram 
Listen to Aubree’s Podcast Freelancer to the CEO