Ali The Happy VA

Helping You Create a Happier Biz

  • Ali The Happy VA
  • Home
  • Blog
  • About
    • Media
    • Anti-Racism Small Business Pledge
  • Testimonials
  • Virtual Assistance Services
  • Resources
  • Contact
WHAT BEING A TERRIBLE BIKINI WAXER TAUGHT ME ABOUT VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE

What Being a TERRIBLE Bikini Waxer Taught
Me About Virtual Assistance

Long before I was a VA, I was an esthetician. And I thought it would be my “forever” job. Except for one tragic flaw. I could not do a Brazilian wax to save my life. This was 2005/2006 so that was a big deal.

If I could go back to that time, I’d have a few things to tell my young self that are probably important for any service provider. Things that might have helped prevent me from burning out, getting frustrated (and honestly scared I might get sued), and ultimately giving up completely. If you are feeling that way, here’s the advice I wish I’d received:

Go Into Business For Yourself NOW

If you’ve never worked for yourself before, it can seem intimidating. While educating yourself is always a good thing to do, you know enough to get started already.

As an esthetician, I’d planned to start my own business all along. But I told myself I needed to work in a spa or salon first, observe, and then I could do my own thing in, like, 5 years.

That was just not true.

Other estheticians skipped the traditional spa and salon jobs and went directly into working for themselves, renting out cute rooms in local buildings or even setting up mobile practices. They were able to offer exactly what they wanted to offer and decide on their own pricing.

** I am NOT saying “jump and the net will appear/quit your dayjob now without a plan” because I think that is terrible advice. I’m saying if you know, like I did, that you want to work for yourself eventually, you have what you need to get started and you don’t need to “learn the ropes” for years on end.**

DO Things You Suck At – But Only Up to a Point

Since I did not enjoy providing Brazilians, I sucked at them, and since I sucked at them, I did not enjoy providing them. I had no business providing such a personal service that I sucked at.

RELATED POST  How to Stop Thinking like an Employee in your VA Business

However, I do not think just because you suck at something, you shouldn’t do it. Being willing to be a beginner and be bad at things at first has made me a much better VA. For example, I’ve been working on a graphic design certificate. You know what? I’m not good. I do not have mastery over these tools yet. But I still enjoy learning about it, even when I get annoyed or frustrated by it. Also, I was bad at discovery calls at first, but eventually I improved.

So yes, let yourself begin where you are and be bad at things, but if you suck at something and you’re just not that into it, let it go!

DON’T Do Things You Hate

This might seem like a “no duh” to you, but it really wasn’t to me in the beginning.

I was, and still am, obsessed with skincare, but not particularly passionate about hair removal. There are some estheticians who are and that is fantastic. When I was an esthetician, the Brazillian wax was HUGE. It had been featured on Oprah and other media outlets and was a massive part of the spa industry. So when I went to work in a salon, naturally, this felt like a must-have skill.

But I loved offering relaxing skincare treatments and helping people to feel better about themselves. I was always overjoyed when I saw skin treatment appointments on my schedule and not so stoked to see the waxing appointments. But I wasn’t in charge of our service menu and I felt I HAD to become an expert Brazilian waxer.

What I know now is that even though a particular service might be in demand, if you don’t like doing it, you’ll be better off in the long run leaving it for those who DO love it while you build a clientele who need the kind of help you love to provide. Trends come and go but if you’re seeking ways to be of service in ways that feel good to you, you’ll find your people.

RELATED POST  How To Use Temptation To Get Crazy Productive

These are 3 lessons I learned as an esthetician and they’ve helped me to be a better virtual assistant.

And look, I’m not saying that every.single.task you do will be 100% enjoyable and amazing. But, if you dread doing something and you are consistently not doing a great job, this will be bad for your reputation and your confidence.

Plus, who wants to spend their short time on planet Earth hating life? Not me.

Take Action

Now I want to know, did you learn anything from this post? Are there any of your services that need re-evaluating? Let me know in the comments!

Tweet
Pin
Share
Pocket
0 Shares
«
»

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Search

FOLLOW ME

Popular Posts

  • 11 Ways to Survive Video Calls When You’re Shy
  • 10 Books Every New & Aspiring Virtual Assistant Must Read
  • How to Create a Home Office that Inspires Productivity & Creativity
  • Virtual Assistance 101: How to Get Paid
  • How to Get Started Making Money with Affiliate Marketing

HAPPINESS IN YOUR INBOX

Sign up to my newsletter to get a bi-monthly dose of business love, freebies, and fresh posts right to your inbox!

PINTEREST

Happiness in Your InBox

Join me for a bi-monthly dose of business love!

Instagram

Copyright © 2023 · by Ali The Happy VA

Log in