From Uncertain to Empowered: My Takeaways from the VAAEN 5 Day Challenge

When I stepped into the VAAEN 5 Day Kickoff Challenge, I didn’t fully know what to expect. I just knew I needed a new season of growth, confidence, and clarity in my journey as a virtual assistant and administrative professional.

Over five transformative days, I didn’t just learn skills. I uncovered parts of myself that had been buried under doubt, fear, and uncertainty. This wasn’t about selling or promoting services. It was about building a foundation I could stand on.

If you’re on the fence about joining, let me share my personal experience and what I learned.

Day 1: Discovering My Why & Vision

We started with the most important question: Why am I doing this?

Coach Teekwa’s questions made me reflect deeply. I realized my reason wasn’t just about making income. I’ve always been passionate about admin work, and I want to grow my skills with confidence, free from fear or self-doubt. I enjoy working behind the scenes, solving problems for clients, and making a meaningful impact in a professional setting.

For the first time, I was able to clearly see my vision of what my VA business could look like, not just the type of clients I want to serve, but the lifestyle, the hours, and the kind of impact I want to make.

Day 2: Defining My Skills & Zone of Genius

On Day 2, I shifted from vision to identifying my strengths.

I discovered that my natural abilities lie in email management, data entry, and community management. These are the areas where I feel confident, energized, and valuable.

Instead of trying to do everything for everyone, I started narrowing down to the services that I actually enjoy and can deliver well. That clarity gave me confidence to move forward.

Day 3: Identifying My Ideal Client

Day 3 was a breakthrough moment for me. I had been thinking too broadly, but I realized I don’t need to serve everyone.

I defined my ideal clients as business coaches and community-based nonprofits who struggle with client follow-up and onboarding. These are people I know I can support by bringing structure, organization, and relief to their busy schedules.

This shift helped me see that I don’t have to chase everyone. I can align with the right people who truly value my skills.

Day 4: Creating My First Starter Package

By Day 4, I was ready to turn my clarity into a service package.

I created an Admin Support Starter Package that includes:

• Welcoming new members and posting community updates

• Using pre-designed Canva templates for reminders, events, and announcements

• Moderating posts, removing spam, and enforcing community rules

• Following up with members to keep engagement strong

This package made me feel proud, because it highlighted what I do best and gave me something concrete to offer.

Day 5: Research Without Pitching

On the final day, I put everything into perspective by doing research. Instead of promoting myself, I joined several admin and VA community groups to observe and take notes.

I noticed recurring struggles like client follow-up, organization, and onboarding, and I started writing them down. This research gave me validation that the package I created wasn’t just a guess. It was a real solution to real problems.

My Final Takeaways

By the end of the 5 Day Kickoff Challenge, I didn’t just have worksheets. I had clarity, confidence, and direction.

• I understood why.

• I owned my strengths.

• I defined my ideal clients.

• I created an offer that felt authentic.

• And I proved that my services are needed.

This challenge helped me move from hesitation to action, and that’s exactly what I needed.

Real Growth, Real Impact

The biggest win wasn’t just what I created; it was the impact it had on others. It was who I became.

I’m no longer questioning whether I belong in this space. I’ve learned to trust my skills, value my journey, and stand firm in my calling.

As I continue building my VA career, I’ll keep returning to these lessons. And I’ll carry the community, confidence, and clarity that VAAEN gave me every step of the way.

If you’re ready to keep building your confidence and connect with women who are on the same journey, we’d love to welcome you. Join the VAAEN community today at vaaen.org/membership or explore more about us at vaaen.org

And if this recap inspired you, share it with someone ready to take the first step toward their VA career. Together, we rise by lifting others.