Written By Pearl Bacuetes, OLIVIA Professional Solutions, Training and Development Coordinator "Training Olivia Pros may seem straightforward. You teach the tools, explain the process, and prepare them for client work." But after handling multiple training batches, I’ve realized it’s never just about the tasks. It’s about people. Their growth, their confidence, and the small wins along the way. And if you’ve ever been part of our training, you probably know exactly what I mean. You know you’ve had your Olivia training if you’ve experienced funny icebreakers, nerve-wracking assessments, sleepy discussion sessions, mock call practices, and those breakout room moments where you suddenly become close with people you just met. Growth Happens Faster Than You Expect Many trainees start off unsure, especially if it’s their first time working remotely. There’s hesitation, overthinking, and sometimes the fear of saying the wrong thing. But in just two weeks, something shifts. You start to see the quiet ones speak up. The unsure ones begin to trust their decisions. Tasks that once felt overwhelming slowly become manageable. Little by little, confidence builds. At the same time, people start discovering strengths they didn’t realize they had. Someone becomes more detail-oriented. Someone communicates more clearly. Someone who was once hesitant starts handling tasks with confidence. And along the way, teamwork naturally builds. Whether it’s helping clarify instructions, sharing tips, or simply saying “you got this” during a tough activity, those small interactions create a supportive environment. Even in a virtual setup, no one really goes through the process alone. The Funniest Moments Are Part of the Learning Training comes with nervous moments, especially during mock calls. I still remember one trainee who meant to say “the client has a dog” but instead said, “the client is a dog.” There was a short pause, and then everyone tried their best to stay professional Moments like this matter more than you think. They break the tension, remind everyone that it’s okay to make mistakes, and help trainees feel a little less pressure to be perfect. Because learning doesn’t come from getting everything right the first time. It comes from trying, adjusting, and sometimes laughing through the awkward parts. It’s More Than Just Training At its core, training isn’t just about tools or processes. It’s about helping people become more confident, more capable, and more prepared for real opportunities. From the first introductions to the final assessments, those two weeks become a full journey filled with growth, challenges, and meaningful progress. And if there’s one thing training has taught me, it’s this: Growth doesn’t always happen loudly, but it always shows. About the Author Hi, I’m Pearl, one of the trainers here at Olivia. Teaching has never really been my passion. Helping is. And somehow, this role has allowed me to do both. To everyone who’s been part of my training batches, upskilling sessions, and everything in between, thank you for making this work feel meaningful and something I truly look forward to. Ready to Become an Olivia Pro? If this story feels like something you want to be part of, this is your sign. At OLIVIA, we don’t just train virtual assistants. We develop confident, capable professionals who are ready to support real businesses. You don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need the willingness to learn, grow, and show up.

Written by Melchie Bahjin , Office Manager & Senior Executive Assistant at Olivia Professional Solutions At Olivia Professional Solutions , we often talk about going the extra mile—but what does that really mean in practice? For us, it’s not just about completing tasks or meeting deadlines. It’s about showing up  fully and showing out  with energy, dedication, and care—because the impact goes far beyond just “doing your job.” When you show up, you bring more than your skills to the table—you bring presence. You bring attentiveness to your client’s needs, a willingness to step in when challenges arise, and a mindset that says, “I am here, and I am committed.”  Whether it’s a carefully crafted email, a well-organized schedule, or a thoughtful check-in, your presence matters. But showing up is just the beginning. Showing out  is about how you leverage that presence to create meaningful outcomes. It’s about going above and beyond expectations—not for recognition, but because you genuinely care about the people you serve and the business you contribute to. It’s staying proactive, anticipating needs before they become problems, and delivering with a level of excellence that inspires trust and confidence. The ripple effect of this mindset is profound: For your client:  They feel valued, understood, and supported. They notice the difference between a task completed and a task executed with thoughtfulness and care. That trust and confidence in you translates into stronger, longer-lasting relationships. For your team and business:  Your energy and commitment inspire those around you. It cultivates a culture where excellence is contagious, where everyone wants to give their best because they see what’s possible when someone truly shows up. At Olivia Professional Solutions, we believe every interaction is an opportunity to show up and show out. It’s not about perfection—it’s about authenticity, presence, and consistency. Small gestures, consistent follow-through, and a proactive attitude compound into extraordinary results. So today, take a moment to reflect: Are you just showing up, or are you truly showing out? The difference may seem subtle, but the impact is anything but. When you bring your full self to work, your client, your team, and the entire business feel the effect—and that’s how small acts of commitment turn into lasting change. Because here at Olivia Professional Solutions, we know this truth: your presence, effort, and dedication matter. More than you think, more than you see, and more than you realize. Ready to Build a Career Where Excellence Matters? If you believe in showing up fully and showing out with purpose, we want to meet you. At Olivia Professional Solutions, we partner with dedicated Filipino virtual assistants who are ready to grow professionally, serve with excellence, and make real impact for U.S. home care businesses. 👉 Apply today at: www.oliviapros.ph Your next level starts with how you show up.

Written by Joshua Walker , Digital Marketing Specialist at Olivia Professional Solutions When I joined OLIVIA as part of the operations team while serving as a digital marketing specialist, I expected to improve my technical skills. What I did not expect was how deeply the experience would shape my mindset, leadership capacity, and understanding of business growth. Working at OLIVIA did not just strengthen my marketing abilities. It transformed how I think about structure, execution, accountability, and long term career development. Seeing Marketing Through an Operations Lens Most marketers focus only on reach, engagement, and conversions but being embedded within the operations team changed everything. I learned that marketing is not just about visibility. It must align with: Team capacity Recruitment and lead targets Client onboarding processes Workflow sustainability Revenue goals This operational exposure elevated my strategic thinking. Every campaign became more intentional because I understood how it affected the entire organization. That level of awareness accelerated my growth beyond surface level marketing. Real Business Responsibility At OLIVIA, marketing is directly connected to real outcomes. Lead generation impacts hiring pipelines and business development. Brand positioning affects trust. Content strategy influences client decisions. Handling these responsibilities required: Precision in messaging Data driven decision making Strong deadline discipline Ownership of results You are not just posting content. You are supporting business growth. That kind of responsibility builds professional maturity quickly. Skill Development That Goes Beyond Theory Working at OLIVIA sharpened my skills in areas that matter in high level digital marketing: SEO optimization and content structuring Conversion focused copywriting Funnel alignment and CTA strategy Performance analytics and reporting Brand consistency across platforms But more importantly, I learned how to connect strategy with execution. The difference between knowing marketing and practicing high level marketing became clear. And that distinction accelerated my development. Accountability Builds Leadership Being part of the operations team means accountability is visible. Deadlines matter. Metrics matter. Communication clarity matters. Feedback is direct and performance expectations are clear. Instead of feeling pressured, I felt sharpened. I became more disciplined. More organized. More proactive. I learned to anticipate needs instead of reacting to problems. That shift from reactive to strategic thinking strengthened my leadership potential. Personal Growth Through High Standards Professional growth at OLIVIA is inseparable from personal growth. Working in a structured, performance driven environment teaches: Emotional resilience during revisions Confidence when presenting ideas Composure under deadlines Adaptability when strategies shift Ownership without excuses You are challenged to improve consistently. And that challenge builds confidence. From Contributor to Strategic Partner One of the most powerful transformations was identity. I no longer saw myself as someone who “handles marketing.” I began thinking like a strategic partner within operations. I understood how my work supported hiring, client satisfaction, and long term scalability. That perspective expanded my professional ceiling. Working at OLIVIA did not just give me tasks. It gave me growth. Final Reflection If you are looking for accelerated development, you will thrive. Working at OLIVIA strengthened my technical marketing expertise, expanded my operational awareness, and built the kind of discipline that shapes long term careers. It sharpened my skills. It elevated my standards. It expanded my confidence. And that growth continues. Ready to Grow With Purpose? If you are looking to develop real skills, gain operational exposure, and work in a performance driven environment that builds leaders, OLIVIA is ready for you. Take the next step in your career today. 👉 Apply now at: https://www.oliviapros.ph Grow strategically. Build confidently. Elevate your future with OLIVIA.

Written by Ann Fronda , Business Development and Revenue Manager at Olivia Professional Solutions Not too long ago, my life revolved around survival. I was a recruiter for three years, learning how to connect with people, build relationships, and keep going even when things felt heavy. Eventually, that path led me to Olivia , where I joined as a recruiter once again. What I didn’t know then was that within two weeks , everything would change. I was offered the role of Business Development Associate —and from that moment on, my life took a turn I never saw coming. Before Olivia: Working, But Not Living To understand why that opportunity meant so much, you need to know where I came from. I have a degree in Physical Therapy , and during my internship, I was living a life of constant motion and exhaustion. My days were simple but intense: Eight hours of internship Eight hours of night work Sixteen hours a day. Almost every day. I worked young—not because I wanted to, but because I needed to. I had to support my studies and help my father. There was little room for rest, joy, or dreaming. Life felt heavy, and sometimes I wondered, “I have a degree—why does life still feel this hard?” I wasn’t really living. I was just getting through each day. The Moment Everything Shifted When I stepped into my role at Olivia, something changed—not just in my career, but in my life. For the first time, I experienced work-life balance . I could work from anywhere. I could breathe. I could plan my days without feeling like I was constantly racing against time. It was a kind of freedom I had never known before. Then came a moment that still feels surreal to this day. My First Airplane Ride I had never been on an airplane. Not once. So when Olivia asked me to join a job fair in Dumaguete , with everything covered, I was overwhelmed—in the best way possible. That trip became my first-ever airplane ride , and I documented everything: the airport, the flight, the city, every small detail. I wanted to remember it all. What made the experience even more meaningful was meeting people who were genuinely interested in becoming Virtual Assistants. Seeing their curiosity and hope reminded me why this work matters. Being a VA isn’t easy—but the opportunities it creates can truly change lives. That entire week didn’t even feel like work. It felt like growth, discovery, and joy all wrapped into one unforgettable experience. A Dream as Simple as Samgyupsal Here’s something I’ll always remember. During my final interview with our CEO, I was asked about my short-term goal. My answer was honest and simple: I wanted to be able to afford eating at a samgyupsal buffet. At the time, that felt like a big dream. When I was in college, samgyupsal was booming—but I couldn’t afford it. I would have needed to work and save for three months just to eat there once. That was my reality. Today, I can eat whatever I want—and every time I do, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come. Dreams Turning Into Milestones This year alone, I achieved things that once felt impossible: My partner and I bought a car I traveled to Taiwan , my dream destination I explored a country outside the Philippines for the first time I gained confidence, freedom, and joy I never thought I’d experience Even now, it still feels unreal. I’m often on cloud nine , just reflecting on how much has changed. Where I Am Now In a few weeks, it’ll be my birthday—and honestly, I can’t imagine asking for anything more than what I already have. I used to doubt myself.  I used to question why life felt so heavy.  I used to dream of the life I’m living today. Now, I’m proud to say that I’ve been promoted to Manager of the Business Development & Revenue Department —a role I once couldn’t even imagine for myself. If There’s One Thing I Want You to Know Don’t settle. Dream bigger. Believe in yourself—even when it feels hard. I was once a working student pulling sixteen-hour days. I once dreamed of riding an airplane. I once thought samgyupsal was a luxury. Now, I’m dreaming of seeing the world—and this is only the beginning. And if there’s anything my journey has taught me, it’s this: The life you’re dreaming of might be closer than you think.

Written by Joraine Bunyi , Training & Development Manager  at Olivia Professional Solutions Being recognized as one of the Admins of the Quarter is both an honor and a moment of reflection. This recognition is not just about individual effort—it represents the collective dedication, resilience, and teamwork that drive our training operations forward every single day. Celebrating the Wins This quarter brought meaningful progress. From improving trainee engagement and streamlining training processes to supporting smoother endorsements, our team consistently showed up with a learner-first mindset. Seeing trainees grow in confidence, complete programs successfully, and transition into their roles reminded me why training matters. These wins—big and small—are the result of intentional planning, collaboration, and a shared commitment to quality. Navigating the Challenges Of course, the journey wasn’t without challenges. Schedule disruptions, shifting targets, capacity limitations, and unexpected circumstances tested our adaptability. Managing attrition, balancing workloads, and ensuring consistency across training sessions required constant recalibration. These moments pushed us to communicate more clearly, plan more strategically, and stay grounded in our purpose—supporting both our trainees and the organization. Commitment to Continuous Excellence This recognition fuels my commitment to keep raising the bar. Moving forward, my focus remains on refining training systems, strengthening accountability, and creating learning experiences that are both effective and empowering. Excellence isn’t a destination—it’s a continuous process of learning, adjusting, and improving. I’m grateful for the trust, collaboration, and support from leadership, teammates, facilitators, and trainees. This award belongs to everyone who contributes behind the scenes and on the front lines. As we move into the next quarter, I remain committed to showing up with the same passion, discipline, and heart—continuing to grow, lead, and strive for excellence together. 💼 Ready to Take Control of Your Career? ✨ Apply today at   www.oliviapros.ph   and start your journey toward freedom, fulfillment, and professional success!

Written by Pearl Bacuetes , Training & Development Coordinator at Olivia Professional Solutions Receiving the Admin of the Quarter recognition was humbling, and I feel truly thankful for it. But for me, it’s more than an award- it reflects how I work, supporting growth, noticing effort, and helping others realize their potential. Rather than focus on achievements, I want to share a story about why confidence, encouragement, and believing in potential can mean more than any recognition. The scores already showed they passed. All the boxes were checked. The assessments were complete. On paper, everything said this trainee was ready to move forward. And yet, right before endorsement or graduation, I got a message I’ve seen many times before: “I don’t think I’m good enough yet, Pearl…” I paused. Not because I didn’t know what to say, but because part of me wondered if replying was even necessary. The scores already reflected the result. Maybe this was something they just needed to figure out on their own. But training isn’t just about what shows on a scoresheet. It’s about readiness, and readiness doesn’t always feel neat or complete. Honestly, I couldn’t blame them. I’ve been there too, struggling with low self-esteem. I’d feel the same way if I were in their shoes, wondering if I learned enough, or if what I know so far is really enough for the work ahead. That feeling? Totally normal. Sometimes it’s not about knowledge at all. Some trainees are just shy, or they don’t feel comfortable speaking up during simulations like phone calls. They stutter. They forget what to say. It doesn’t mean they can’t do the work. It just means they need a little reassurance. Even in a short training period, though, potential shines through. And this trainee? They showed up consistently. They were proactive, they worked hard, they reviewed lessons even after sessions ended. They asked questions, applied feedback, and made steady improvements. You can’t always put a score to that, but let me tell you—it matters just as much in real work. So I sent the message. I told them I was confident in what I had seen during training. That they already had the right foundation. Those skills can always be improved over time, but attitude, work ethic, and willingness to learn- those are what truly make someone succeed, both in training and on the job. I reminded them that confidence doesn’t mean knowing everything. It’s about trusting yourself, learning as you go, and asking for help when needed. The reply wasn’t dramatic. No sudden spark of confidence lighting up their screen. But they moved forward. They believed in themselves just enough to take the next step. And sometimes, that’s all it takes. If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a trainer and as a VA- it’s that leadership isn’t always about teaching more. Sometimes it’s about reminding people of what they already have and helping them see what you see in them. The scores said they were ready. I just wanted them to believe it too . And that’s the thing about being a VA, and about being a trainer- you don’t have to know everything or be perfect. You just have to be willing to show up, support others, and believe in potential , even when it’s not immediately obvious. I’m grateful for this recognition, yes, but more than that, I’m thankful for the opportunity to guide others, to witness growth, and to be reminded that small moments of encouragement can make a world of difference. That’s how growth happens. That’s how confidence is built. That’s how we succeed together. 💼 Ready to Take Control of Your Career? ✨ Apply today at   www.oliviapros.ph   and start your journey toward freedom, fulfillment, and professional success!

Written by Alaina Dimdam, Client and VA Success Manager at Olivia Professional Solutions Shifting careers is never simple, especially when you’re coming from a fast-paced, high-pressure corporate world. For years, I worked in a recruitment firm where I was immersed in sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, and matching the right people with the right opportunities. It was rewarding, challenging, and nonstop. But eventually, I found myself wondering,” Is there something that aligns more with the life I want to build?” That question opened a door I never imagined— becoming a Virtual Assistant . Why I Decided to Shift Careers Recruitment shaped me in many ways—it honed my interpersonal skills as I regularly spoke with the head of recruitment, directors, country managers, COOs, and even CEOs across all industries that you would think of. It also taught me the resiliency, grit, and mental toughness the role demands. In spite of all these, it also came with long hours and limited flexibility; short of saying, I was burned out. I wanted more control over my time, a better work-life balance, a remote setup, and opportunities to grow beyond a traditional office environment. Becoming a VA offered all of that—and more. It has given me more time with my family (and my fur babies!) and freed me from the stress of daily commuting. My Role Today: Supporting Both Clients and  VAs One of the biggest surprises and joys in this career shift is how far my professional growth has progressed. From being a recruiter, I now support clients to ensure their operations run smoothly, while also guiding and assisting our VAs so they can perform at their best. Who would have thought that being burned out would lead me to something so freeing?  I now feel the liberty and empowerment that a corporate job never gave me. I’ve become the person who ensures clients receive exceptional service, supports VAs when challenges arise, creates solutions, and makes sure both sides feel heard, supported, and valued. It’s a role filled with responsibility—but also so much fulfillment. Seeing both clients and VAs thrive, and knowing I play a part in that success, is incredibly rewarding. The Learning Curve — and Why It’s Worth It I constantly remind myself that staying in one place won’t take me to places. Success isn’t just about the skills you already have, it’s about being open to learning new ones. Switching careers required me to learn new tools, processes, and even about a new industry (Home Care is not something many Filipinos traditionally focus on). It felt like starting from scratch, but every step has been worth it. Along this journey, I’ve gained greater flexibility, a healthier work-life balance, continuous learning, and unexpected growth opportunities. This wasn’t just a career shift; it was a life upgrade. If you’re wondering whether a career shift is possible, it absolutely is! New opportunities are waiting for you, sometimes in places you’d never expect. Don’t be afraid to take the next step. Sometimes the best version of your career is on the other side of a bold decision. 💼 Ready to Take Control of Your Career? ✨ Apply today at www.oliviapros.ph   and start your journey toward freedom, fulfillment, and professional success!

Written by Renvien Cruz, Olivia Professional Solutions Office Coordinator Life as a Virtual Assistant is not always a smooth ride. Some days feel like an uphill climb. Other days feel like flying through open roads with the wind on your face — fast, free, and full of momentum. But if there is one thing I have learned, both on and off the road, it is this: we all have our own pacing. Whether I am on a big bike chasing the horizon, on a jetski gliding through waves (even when the photo is a little blurry), or hiking up a mountain using nothing but my own two feet, the journey always teaches the same lesson: keep moving. Not every ride is easy. Some days, you take detours. Other times, the path gets rough and you are forced to slow down. But that is okay. Being a VA is like that too. You do not have to move at the same speed as everyone else. What matters is that you are moving, learning, and getting stronger with every mile. I have had moments when I did not feel in control, when the water got choppy or the road got slippery. But just like in life, I realized it is not about how fast you go, it is about how you handle the ride. Success does not happen overnight. It is built through every task you complete, every challenge you overcome, and every time you choose to show up, even when it is uncomfortable. So ride your bike. Take that hike. Hop on that jetski. Do what you need to do to keep your spirit alive , but never forget to rest, breathe, and take care of your mental health along the way. Because the truth is, it does not matter whether you move by land, by water, or on foot. As long as you keep going, you will get there. Whatever “there” means for you, you will make it.

By Joraine Bunyi, Training & Development Supervisor , OLIVIA Professional Solutions Picture of Joraine, Training & Development Supervisor at OLIVIA Professional Solutions There’s a funny thing about growth—it’s often terrifying. The unknown, the discomfort, the risk of failure… they all creep in the moment we step outside our comfort zone. It’s why so many of us hesitate to take the leap, whether it’s changing careers, setting boundaries, learning a new skill, or even just saying, “I deserve more.” But while growth is scary, let’s not pretend stagnation is any less frightening. In fact, staying stuck—out of fear, convenience, or complacency—can slowly become its own kind of nightmare. It’s quieter, more subtle. You don’t notice it at first. But over time, you begin to feel it: the dullness, the restlessness, the slow erosion of purpose. It’s the feeling of watching the days blur together while you wait for something to change, even though deep down, you know that “something” has to start with you . The Discomfort of Change vs. the Discomfort of Regret When we grow, we face temporary discomfort. When we stagnate, we invite long-term regret. One is active. The other is passive. One is empowering. The other is depleting. Sure, growth comes with challenges—setbacks, awkward learning curves, maybe even a few failures. But those are signs you’re moving. You’re alive. You’re becoming . Every mistake is a step forward. Every moment of doubt is a doorway to resilience. Staying stagnant, on the other hand, might feel safer in the short term, but it costs us something precious: our potential. Fear Is Part of the Process If you’re scared of taking the next step, congratulations. That means you’re standing on the edge of something that matters. Growth doesn’t require you to be fearless. It just asks you to be brave . To do the thing while your hands are shaking. To try again when it doesn’t work the first time. To stop waiting for perfect conditions—and start where you are, with what you have. You Don’t Have to Leap—But You Do Have to Move Growth doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s a quiet decision to try. Sometimes it’s asking for help. Sometimes it’s saying no when you used to say yes. It’s the sum of small, deliberate steps that move you closer to who you want to be. So, if you’re scared to grow, that’s okay. But be honest with yourself: Are you more scared of growing—or of waking up in five years wishing you had? Because while growth is scary, being stagnant might just be scarier. Inspired to take the next step in your VA journey? Don’t let fear hold you back. Visit our website to apply as a home care virtual assistant today: www.oliviapros.ph

By Michelle Dimen, Manager of Operations & Strategic Alliance, OLIVIA Professional Solutions Disclaimer:  This blog turned out to be a little longer than expected, so it’s now a two-part series. I didn’t plan to write this much, but once I started, the story just flowed. Hopefully, it inspires readers, especially fellow virtual assistants, to reflect on their own journey and growth. Chapter I shared my humble beginnings and the first half of my story alongside our CEO, Ms. Kat. It’s meant to inspire home care virtual assistants to find purpose in their work, no matter how unfamiliar or challenging it may seem in the beginning.  ICYMI:  If you haven’t read   Chapter I  yet, I highly recommend starting there to follow the full story. Chapter II continues with the second half of my journey, how life has shaped me through both challenges and growth, and a glimpse into what’s next as I step into a new season of leadership and purpose.  Chapter II The Birth of OLIVIA Professional Solutions: A New Chapter in VA Leadership In summer 2023, about two years into my journey as a Home Care VA with Nest & Care, Ms. Kat came to me with a dream. She wanted to build a virtual assistant staffing company focused on helping home care owners, people just like her, and skilled and talented Filipinos. She asked me, “ What do you think?” Without hesitation, I said “ Yes, of course!”. She slowly pulled me out of Nest & Care’s operations since the team we had built was already thriving. We didn’t have a blueprint, just a powerful idea and a whole lot of trust. I jumped in and started helping wherever I could. I helped design and build our first US-based website, developed the training program, started training our first small group of VAs, created the sales presentation, met with future clients, and even helped figure out the matching process. We hadn’t even officially launched, but we already had our first batch of trainees and two placed VAs. From building a company from scratch, I started feeling even more inspired by the kind of leader Ms. Kat is: kind, smart, direct, and someone who knows exactly what she wants. She leads with clarity and compassion, and watching her bring OLIVIA to life made me believe in the mission even more.  In June 2023, OLIVIA Professional Solutions  was officially launched into the world with just three of us in the team: Ms. Kat, myself, and Melchie, our now Chief Executive Assistant and Office & Admin Coordinator. From a team of three to now twenty one people and one vision, we built something that is now changing lives every single day. Life Paused, But the Mission Continued In late 2023, I had to step away and go on medical leave. It was a challenging season, filled with both physical and emotional struggles. But throughout that time, Ms. Kat never stopped reaching out. She stayed connected, checked in, and gave me the space to heal at my own pace. When I was finally ready, I returned in mid-2024 on a part-time basis. I started helping with marketing content and worked on designing our second PH-based website. A few months later, just before the holidays, Ms. Kat offered me the role of Manager of Operations. I gladly accepted with a full heart. By February 2025, what was supposed to start as part-time hours to support my recovery quickly became full-time. I was so involved and excited to connect with everyone, old and new, that I wanted to learn all the new processes and meet every member of the team. By our second anniversary, what began with just the three of us had grown into a strong and passionate team of twenty. I couldn’t be prouder of how far we’ve come. The Colors Behind the Journey and All the Lessons I’ve Learned On paper, I’ve held many roles: virtual assistant, scheduler, intake coordinator, digital marketer, virtual team lead, client success manager, and now, operations manager. But behind all of those titles is the real story. I grew up in a broken family and an abusive household. Life wasn’t always kind. We were forced to live with our relatives since the 3rd grade, and we got out of that unhealthy space by junior year of high school. My mom was a strong woman who had to leave for the United States so that we, her twin daughters, could survive. Our relationship wasn’t perfect, and for a long time, I didn’t fully understand her choices. But now, with more awareness and healing, I recognize she was doing the best she could while carrying everything on her own. Getting to that point took time, acceptance, and a lot of inner work. Through all of that, I learned how to be resilient. I learned how to be brave. I learned how to survive, and eventually, how to thrive. Sharing a few bits of me: I’m a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter, and part of a band called Southern Lights. We’ve been on hiatus lately due to life’s curveballs — we lost our beloved drummer, who was also my future brother-in-law, and I’m still recovering, physically unable to play live shows. Some members have started their own businesses, but we still have a full album to release and hope to return to the studio and stage soon. I am personally inspired by a mix of very different artists like Paramore, Foo Fighters, Sara Bareilles, Lizzy McAlpine, Coldplay, Mayonnaise, Hale, Kamikazee, Urbandub, and many more. Their sound has shaped how I write, feel, and express myself. What I learned? Life will throw you into grief, pause your plans, and test your strength. But creativity, hope, and purpose can still live in the waiting. Resilience means finding meaning even when things are on hold. I have an identical twin sister, and yes, we look and sound exactly alike. The fun twist? My fiancé also has an identical twin brother, and I’m in a band with them. What are the odds? Life can be oddly magical, and relationships rooted in deep connection teach you how to listen, support, and laugh through the unexpected. My twin sister and fiance are the strongest people I know and they keep me grounded. I was a CAT Commander in high school. I was strong-willed, and absolutely loved drills and strategy. Leadership is not about being the loudest in the room, but about standing firm, taking charge, and staying disciplined when others need direction. I played volleyball and learned early on what it means to be part of a team, lead a team, and be strategic. Teamwork and hustle have stuck with me ever since. It’s a skill for life. You learn to win together, lose together, and grow stronger when you communicate, trust, and hustle with others. I was a Dean’s Lister in college, but the journey wasn’t perfect. I failed my second-year physics class once, and that moment humbled me. I promised myself I would do better, and I meant it. Then guess what, I almost failed again. But I kept going. I studied harder, asked for help, and pushed myself beyond what I thought I could handle. And eventually, I made it through. By the time I reached my junior and senior years, I became one of the top students in some of the most challenging majors in our nursing course. That experience taught me that failure doesn’t define you, your determination does. Failure is never final. What defines you is how hard you get back up, how much you're willing to learn, and how far you're willing to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. I’m a gamer at heart. I grew up playing PC, console, and mobile games. It’s one of my favorite ways to disconnect and decompress. Even play has a purpose. Gaming taught me patience, strategic thinking, and the importance of stepping away when my mind needs rest and recovery. As creative as I am, I won’t pretend I’m good at everything. I have two left feet when it comes to dancing, and I fully own that now. Funny enough, I’ve always led my high school class through multiple cheering and dance competitions. I honestly don’t know how I pulled it off, maybe it was sheer confidence or having the chance to lead and inspire. Looking back, it makes me laugh, but it's also something I’ve come to embrace. Not everything has to be perfect to be meaningful. You don’t have to be perfect to lead. Confidence, passion and empathy often matter more than skill, and there’s power in embracing your imperfections with humor and grace. Inspiring others has always been a part of  me. My fiance and I own and operate a small business, we began in August 2024, and now we’re opening a 2nd branch soon. In addition to our band, this has taught me how to be more effective with my time and how to manage personal things outside of work. I learned to be more patient and think about the people who rely on us in terms of their livelihood. I’m a huge fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and I genuinely love a wide range of shows. From time period dramas to sitcoms to k-dramas to musicals and theater-based series. There is beauty in diversity. Openness to different stories, cultures, periods, and perspectives makes you more compassionate, creative, connected to others, and worldly. Last but definitely not the least, I have two lovable puppies who bring joy to my everyday life. I don’t have kids yet, but my twin sister and I feel complete because of them. They have taught me to be more patient. Patience, presence, and unconditional love can be taught by the smallest companions. Caring for others teaches you how to slow down and lead with heart. These aren’t just stories or fun facts. They are the pieces that built the person I am today. I’ve come to realize that I no longer need to hide the parts of myself that feel too complicated or too personal. Sharing who I am, the highs, the losses, the healing, and the humor, is part of what allows me to lead with empathy, creativity, and strength. The mental space I’m in now is what fuels me. It allows me to care for others while still showing up as a leader. It gives me the capacity to guide others with kindness and directness. It’s a balance I’ve learned to hold, and one I’ve admired in someone I deeply respect… Ms. Kat. What’s Next for Michelle I look forward to growing OLIVIA alongside Ms. Kat and our incredible leadership team. In just about two years, we’ve grown from three people to over 20, with more than 170 working virtual assistants and 100+ home care clients. To all new VAs or anyone still finding their purpose, it’s okay to be scared. What matters is showing up. You carry a little fear with you and let it shape you into something stronger. There are no shortcuts, but when you stick with it, this work is incredibly fulfilling. If you’re looking for a job that brings meaning, purpose, and growth, we’d love to talk to you. At OLIVIA, we don’t just hire. We nurture. We guide. And we help people rise… Together. Again, I am Michelle, your Manager of Operations & Strategic Alliance. If you ever need someone to chat with, I’m just a message away. 👉 Are you inspired by Michelle’s story? Take the next step in your own VA journey! Visit our website to apply as a home care virtual assistant today: www.oliviapros.ph