From 10 Years in Hospitality Industry to High-Paying Virtual Assistant: Mellika’s Journey
Athika Rahma
SEO Specialist Virtual Assistant at SGBVA
It’s always inspiring to hear the stories of those who took a leap of faith to change their career path and succeeded in doing so. Mellika is a perfect example of this kind of transformation. After spending nearly 10 years in the hospitality industry, she made the bold decision to shift gears and become a Virtual Assistant (VA). Here, she shared her personal story of how she navigated this transition, what motivated her to make the change, and how she’s been thriving in her new career!
A Decade in Hospitality Before Becoming a VA
Before becoming a VA, Mellika was immersed in the hospitality industry for almost 10 years. She worked tirelessly in an environment that demanded both physical presence and hands-on interaction. But despite her love for the industry, she knew deep down that her path was meant to change. “I worked in hospitality until I decided to go full-time as a VA,” Mellika shared.
She was ready for something new, something that would allow her to learn more, grow her skills, and find more flexibility in her career. Little did she know, the pandemic would soon play a major role in this change.
The pivotal moment came during the pandemic. Mellika’s job in the travel sector was affected by widespread layoffs, and the company where she worked in Singapore shut down. “I was lost and frustrated,” she said. The hospitality industry, like so many others, was hit hard by the pandemic, and Mellika wasn’t sure where her next job would come from.
That’s when her husband, who worked in IT, introduced her to the world of remote work and Virtual Assistance. “He told me about platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer,” she explained. Curious, Mellika started exploring what it meant to be a VA and soon realized this could be the perfect way forward for her.
What Motivated Mellika to Become a VA?
Mellika’s passion for learning and growing was a key factor in her decision to become a VA. She had always loved acquiring new skills and was especially drawn to digital marketing. “I love learning new things, like digital marketing. I started learning skills like email marketing, content creation, social media management, and even delved into AI,” Mellika revealed.
For her, being a VA wasn’t just about taking on a new job; it was about applying these newly acquired skills in real-world settings. “I realized that I wanted to help businesses look more attractive online. Being a VA allows me to use these skills and continue growing.” What also excited her was the variety that came with the job. “I love the flexibility and creativity, and the opportunity to work with clients from different niches means my work is never boring,” she said.
Enrolling in SGB VA
After working as a remote worker for 2 years, Mellika knew she needed to invest in herself and her career if she wanted to become a successful VA. That’s when she discovered the SGB VA program. “I wanted to add more value to my work, so I started comparing online courses and joining free webinars,” she recalled. After much research, Mellika decided that SGB VA was the right fit for her.
The program offered everything she was looking for. Practical materials, experienced mentors, and a supportive alumni community. “The course materials, mentors, and community support were exactly what I needed to develop further as a VA,” she said.
Mellika credits much of her success as a VA to the lessons she learned at SGB VA, especially when it came to building a solid portfolio and approaching clients effectively. “The most valuable things I learned were how to prepare a strong portfolio and how to approach clients in a professional and efficient way,” she said. These skills helped her stand out and gain the confidence to communicate more effectively with potential clients.
Today, Mellika offers a variety of services, specializing in email marketing, copywriting, and SEO. “But I’m not stopping here,” she added. “I’m always learning and expanding my skills in digital marketing. Who knows, I might offer even more services in the future!” Her commitment to continual learning is what keeps her at the top of her game.
How Mellika Landed Her First VA Client
Like many starting out in the VA world, Mellika’s journey began with building her profile on several platforms. “The first thing I did was create a profile on platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. I started applying to jobs that matched my skills and experience at that time,” she explained. She landed a data entry position—but it was a stepping stone. From there, she continued to build her experience and grow her client base.
While Mellika admitted her earnings weren’t much higher in the beginning, she acknowledged that her value had grown significantly since then. “My income may not be drastically higher than when I first started, but now my value is higher. I can earn a decent income while working just a few hours a day. The best part is that I have more time to spend with my family,” she shared.
Advice for Aspiring VAs
For anyone considering a career as a VA but feeling unsure, Mellika has some valuable advice: “Do as much research as you can. Make sure being a VA aligns with your values, and think about whether you can manage your time effectively. Are your skills a good fit for the current job market? Once you’re sure, commit to the path and never give up. Keep learning and growing, because the competition is only getting tougher.”
Mellika’s journey from hospitality to becoming a high-paying VA is proof that with the right mindset, determination, and willingness to learn, anyone can pivot their career and find success. It’s all about embracing new opportunities, adapting to change, and taking the first step toward something better.
Change Your Career Like Mellika
Even if you’ve spent years in a particular industry, that doesn’t mean you can’t pivot to your dream career! Mellika has proven that, despite her background in the hospitality industry, she was able to successfully transition to a career as a VA in the digital marketing field—and she is highly valued by her clients!
If you’re interested in starting your virtual assistant career but aren’t sure where to begin, join the SGB VA free webinar to gain essential VA insights from our mentor, Tania Gromenko. Register now to secure your spot!
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