Client Case Study - Virtual Assistant Support for Vegan Hair Salon
THE CHALLENGE
Burned out, depleted and confidence levels at an all-time low. Buried deeply under multiple heavy responsibilities and big, daunting decisions, all while swimming ferociously against a relentless tide of challenges, both personally and professionally. At a painfully low point, Desiree was encouraged to reach out to Alchemy VA by an organisation she had worked with prior. Seeing and feeling it ALL, and starting to stagnate with the crushing sense of not getting anywhere meaningful fast, Desiree picked up the phone…
A Virtual Assistant was a whole new world to her. There was lots of doubt and uncertainty. But she knew that she needed help…
Gemma McMillan swiftly returned Desiree’s call and understood what was contributing to the overwhelm and, more importantly, what needed to be done. Desiree fondly remembers Gemma’s presence and demeanour during those early conversations – soothing, steady and settled. Desiree quickly felt safe with Gemma and the trust started to build.
Desiree knew they would be a good match...
THE IMPACT
Supporting in so many ways, not exclusively just in the business. Desiree states that the level and depth of understanding Gemma possesses is profound.
It’s never about simply churning through products or customers - getting the job done in a cold, quick or automated way. Gemma understands and is wholeheartedly onboard with Desiree’s vision and mission to reach and positively influence people.
Gemma arrived at the peak of everything falling apart and it could have easily been a disaster. But she didn’t run away. Gemma understood and got on board with the mission. They both made things happen….
In the early days, deep understanding and rapport was built quickly and under incredibly difficult circumstances. Yet, Gemma has always been ahead of Desiree. From carefully and methodically handling day to day communication, bookings and operations to reviving social media and helping with the overwhelming burden of life admin! Gemma is able to analyse and dissect situations well, adapting and thinking on her feet to provide truly meaningful and tailored business support.
“I just love her approach and what she’s doing
– it’s a bit of a mystery to me how Gemma does it all SO WELL!”
Desiree gives one example of her social media channels being ‘dead’. Yet, now, after only a few short months, her TikTok following has doubled. Having spent 5 years getting nowhere Gemma, with little input from Desiree, has created a growing audience who are actively engaged and enthusiastically buying!
Gemma has also been involved with:
• Driving and supporting a new business website build
• Supporting recruitment for an in-person PA: writing the job description, crafting interview questions and attending interviews
• Helping Desiree navigate the Access to Work scheme, adapting to its frequent changes
• Liaising with collaborators and suppliers, to positively move projects forward
• Creating systems, planners and trackers to organise projects
• Switching the business to Google Workspace and organising the space in a way that works for Desiree
Gemma has compassionately, and without judgment or resistance, taken many tasks off Desiree’s plate that simply drain her. This got her energised and back to the brain, heart and soul of her work.
As the months progressed, Gemma hasn’t forced anything; she’s taken the time to broaden and deepen her understanding of both Desiree and her business, before setting up systems that allow Desiree to flow and respond to the ever-changing needs of her business, clients and family.
Having an Alchemy Virtual Assistant has ultimately given Desiree structure, accountability and a valuable sounding board. The tasks undertaken and the questions asked all contribute to keeping Desiree on track and the end result of this is more time, headspace, happiness, impact and revenue.
Gemma remembers things and only needs to be asked once. How she has integrated herself into the business and Desiree’s world completely, whilst being fractional yet still available and open, is remarkable.
“Gemma is a gift! She is kind, supportive, she’s gracious and she’s understanding.
She has a good soul and spirit.
Her energy is so neutral and she always smooths everything over.”
Desiree jokes that she is sharing her experiences with you reluctantly as she doesn’t want Gemma to get too busy for her!
THE RECOMMENDATION
“To anyone looking to work with a Virtual Assistant, speak to Alchemy VA because they truly care.
It’s a simple as that!”
Desiree recognises that, with Alchemy Virtual Assistance, there is SO MUCH work going on behind the scenes and how encouraging, empowering and mutually beneficial that is.
When her feedback was sought, she wasn’t simply sent a survey or form to complete. The Founder of the business actively reached out and took the time to have an honest and open conversation about Desiree’s experiences.
The essence of Alchemy Virtual Assistance is supportive, nurturing, impactful and very much heart led.
Desiree cannot state strongly enough what being supported by an Alchemy Virtual Assistant has done for her personally and she doesn’t underestimate the positive impact that has rippled out onto her clients.
We’re here, ready and willing to help you connect to clarity, confidence & more clients.
Just like we've done for the remarkable Desiree.
THE CAUSE
Desiree Djanie MSC is an Educator, International Speaker & Advanced Hair, Scalp & Skin Specialist at Vegan Hair Salon UK. Based in Leicestershire but reaching worldwide, Desiree empowers people to be co-creators of their own health and lives.
Not just any hair, scalp and skin practitioner – Desiree proudly & compassionately undertakes advanced and holistic work on scalp concerns, hair disorders and problematic skin conditions. The support and care she provides is deeply rooted in the clear and shared outcome for the individual to feel and look good.
From preventative ways in the salon, to sympathetic consultations, heart led coaching & tailored guidance around nutrition, Desiree’s deeply holistic & evocative approach to her work is notably different. When she’s not in her salon and clinic with patients clients, she is often found teaching or speaking or simply spending precious time with her two spirited daughters.
WHAT NEXT?
2. Not sure if you're 'ready' for a Virtual Assistant? Why not take our FREE Virtual Assistant ‘readiness’ evaluation?
3. For any support or advice about how to best leverage the support of an Alchemy Virtual Assistant, you can connect with Gemma McMillan here.
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