Want flexible work you can do from home—on your schedule—without another degree or certification? In this episode, Charisse sits down with Laura Nicole, a former college professor turned 6-figure Virtual Assistant (VA) and mentor to 1,000+ women. Laura breaks down exactly how to start as a VA, find clients fast, set your rates, and scale from a few hours a week to a real, reliable income.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom looking for $500–$1,000/month cushion, or aiming to replace (and surpass) your 9–5, this is your step-by-step playbook.
VA 101: What a virtual assistant actually does (and why businesses need you)
Getting clients fast: Personal network, Facebook groups, LinkedIn, and IG stories
Starter services that sell: Inbox + calendar management, community moderation, reporting, basic ops
Real numbers: Typical US starter rates ($25/hr) and how Laura matched, doubled, then tripled her former salary
Skill growth on the job: From simple admin to launches, automations, and funnels
Boundaries & balance: How to work in “pockets of time” and protect family time (Laura’s “phone bricking” trick!)
From VA to mentor: Inside Laura’s path to the Superstar Assistant Academy
00:00 Intro — Why VA work is perfect for mompreneurs
01:10 Meet Laura Nicole: professor → VA → 6-figure work-from-home income
03:45 Landing first clients (personal network, FB groups, LinkedIn, IG)
05:45 Beginner-friendly services you can offer today
07:50 Rates, retainers, and real income milestones
10:40 Learning as you go: tech, launches, automations
12:30 Evergreen courses & coaching (behind Laura’s model)
15:20 Work/life boundaries that actually stick
18:10 Park-bench advice for new moms (grace > perfection)
20:30 How to connect with Laura + resources
Make a simple offer list (email + calendar, community support, reporting).
Write a 1-paragraph bio + create a basic services PDF (Google Doc is fine).
Post “I’m taking 2 VA clients” to your personal network (FB/IG/LinkedIn).
Join 3–5 FB groups for small biz owners; respond to “VA needed” posts daily.
Pitch 10 dream businesses you follow on IG or LinkedIn (warm, value-first DM).
Start at $25/hr US (or package a 10-hour retainer).
Track wins + build a results sheet to raise rates with confidence.
Connect with Laura
IG: @hey.lauranicole
Ask about the Superstar Assistant Academy (self-paced with community support)
Host: @charissewalker1
Podcast: Unbreakable MompreneursBook: Flipping the Iceberg
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