From the VA Awards to the Hospital Waiting Room… The Day Everything Shifted

Nov. 13 was one of those surreal days where life layers two completely different moments together.

While I waited at the hospital for my mom’s surgery, instead of getting swallowed by my fear, I decided to attend The V’s… the Oscar Awards of the Virtual Assistant Industry… just to distract myself in the meantime.

HOWEVER, it didn’t turn out to be a distraction. It was a MOVEMENT for me.

Even though it was virtual, the energy was INCREDIBLE. Breanna Cain, the founder of Virtual Assistant Leadership Academy (VALA) and agency owner of ICON & Lightning, brought together a lineup of inspirational VAs who started exactly where many of us start… no niche, learning as they go, slowly growing into their signature skills, agencies, and businesses. Hearing their journeys reminded me that everyone’s pace is different.

At one point, the question came up: Why did you become a virtual assistant? I shared a heartfelt moment and said that it’s because of days like this. I get to work from anywhere, support my family when they need me, and still grow as a business owner… because life does not stop. The support that poured in from the VALA community meant everything to me. And then we continued with the panelists…

And then something unexpected happened…

I won a GIVEAWAY during the event… a 30-minute Pinterest Strategy Session with Virtually Kate, the Pinterest expert in the VALA community.

This has been on my radar since I started my blog. Pinterest is a long-term visibility powerhouse, and getting one-on-one strategy support from someone who truly knows the platform felt like divine timing.

Especially because…

I took a huge leap today and bought a ticket to my first in-person VA Fest and mastermind.

Right after the awards ended, VALA announced something big… A live, in-person conference… VA Fest in Minneapolis on June 12-13th.

Panels. Speakers. Community. Workshops. 

A real-life room filled with exactly the kind of people I want to learn from, connect with, and grow with.

For months, I’ve wanted to put myself in spaces like this, but I either didn’t feel ready financially or didn’t feel “there yet.”

But the truth is… if I want to grow, I have to make space for the version of me who does attend these kinds of events.

So I jumped. 

I bought the second-tier ticket… my first real investment in a mastermind-style experience.

It was scary… It was exciting… And it felt exactly right.

Even though I’m not yet at the income level I’m working toward, I know one thing… You don’t wait until you’ve “made it” to start acting like the person you’re becoming.

I’ve already grown so much inside the VALA community… meeting new people, showing up more confidently, expanding my skills, and stepping into leadership. I want to continue that momentum. I want to surround myself with women who are doing big things. I want to be in the room where everything shifts.

I don’t even know all the panelists yet… just a handful… but the names I do know already make me excited. And honestly, part of the magic is not knowing exactly what’s waiting for me there. Just knowing it’s the right environment.

Why This Event Means So Much to Me

Because this is the version of me I’ve been manifesting for months…

→ The woman who invests in herself 

→ The woman who builds community 

→ The woman who says yes to growth 

→ The woman who doesn’t wait for permission 

→ The woman who is building a business with confidence and clarity

Between my mom’s successful surgery and the VA Awards, I felt something shift.

It reminded me that life is always happening, and we get to choose to keep moving forward… even in the pauses… even in the waiting rooms… even when things feel uncertain.

This day reminded me that growth doesn’t always come from perfect timing. 

Sometimes it comes in the middle of real life. 

Sometimes it comes while you’re waiting. 

Sometimes it comes when you choose to step into the room where your future self is already sitting.

And I can’t wait to document this entire journey on my blog.

Your Bilingual Virtual Assistant,

P.S...

As I was writing this blog (2nd day in the hospital), I got an email to move forward with a new client!!!! I reviewed the contract, signed it, and I will be start with them ASAP. This puts me at 2 retainer clients, some abundance coming in for the holiday.

LET’S CELEBRATE!!!

If this inspired you to attend VA Fest, you can use my affiliate link to join… I’m so excited for whoever says yes to this! Once you buy your ticket, let me know, I love to meet you at the VA Fest!

By purchasing through my link, you’re supporting my journey while exploring your own path to abundance. 🤍