From Freelancer to Agency Owner: Building a Team of Over 50 Virtual Assistants

In my previous blog, I shared how I transitioned from my years in the call center industry to starting my freelancing career. What began as a leap of faith soon turned into something much bigger than I ever imagined.

Today, that freelancing journey has grown into an agency of more than 50 dedicated virtual assistants, a team I am both proud of and grateful for. This didn’t happen overnight. It took time, trust, and a vision that went beyond just working with clients.

From Outsourcing to Agency Building

When I first started freelancing, I handled tasks directly for clients. As my network expanded, the workload also grew. One client referral led to another, and before long, I reached a point where I couldn’t do it all on my own.

At first, I began outsourcing some tasks. I worked with other VAs who were just starting out, guiding them and sharing what I had learned. Slowly, it shifted from me outsourcing tasks to me building a team. Eventually, that team evolved into an agency, one that now partners with businesses across different industries.

Collaboration at the Core

What makes our agency stand out is the way we collaborate with businesses. We don’t just assign virtual assistants to tasks. Instead, we strive to understand the unique needs of each client. Whether it’s real estate investors, business coaches, or CRM owners, we create a system that ensures our VAs are not just assistants, but true partners in helping businesses grow.

Through this approach, our agency has become known not only for the services we provide, but for the relationships we build.

Creating a Toxic-Free Environment

Building an agency is not just about numbers. For me, it was important to create a toxic-free environment where VAs feel supported, respected, and valued. I’ve seen firsthand how negativity can drain motivation and productivity, so I’ve worked hard to ensure that our agency is a place where collaboration thrives and everyone feels like they belong.

We focus on creating a culture of respect and encouragement. We celebrate wins, big or small, and remind each other that growth is not just about professional success, but also about personal well-being.

Engagement Activities and Staying Connected

With more than 50 VAs, staying connected is both a priority and a joy for me. I believe that people work better when they feel seen and valued. That’s why we hold engagement activities every three months. These activities give us the chance to strengthen our bond, share stories, and build trust beyond the usual day-to-day tasks.

I also make it a point to personally meet with new VAs. It’s important to me that every member of the team feels welcomed and knows they are part of something bigger. These regular touchpoints remind everyone that while we are a growing agency, we remain close-knit and connected.

A Strong Foundation for Growth

The growth of our agency is not just about numbers, it’s about building a strong foundation that can last. From clear communication systems, to providing training and guidance, to fostering collaboration, every step has been intentional.

I know that as the agency grows, challenges will come. But I also know that with the culture we’ve built, the systems we’ve developed, and the passion we share, we are prepared to face them.

Looking Ahead

When I look back, I see how far we’ve come. From a solo freelancer working late nights, to now leading a team of over 50 VAs, it has been a journey of growth, challenges, and breakthroughs.

But when I look ahead, I see even more possibilities. I see more businesses we can collaborate with, more opportunities for our VAs to grow, and more lives that can be impacted through the work we do together.

At the heart of it all, my mission remains the same. To build not just an agency, but a community where people grow, businesses thrive, and everyone feels supported.

✨ Growth is not just about expanding in size. True growth is about building a foundation that lasts, creating an environment where people flourish, and staying connected to the values that started it all.