88. VA Spotlight Series 2025: Malai Chellios on Bold Moves, In-Person Networking & Building a Thriving VA Agency

In this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I'm so excited to bring you our latest VA Spotlight Series featuring the incredible Malai Chellios! Malai's journey is a powerful story of making bold moves – I'm talking packing up her family and moving from Illinois to Florida, knowing it would mean a pay cut.

Faced with the need to bring in income but wanting to stay home with her three kids (including a newborn!), Malai decided to invest in herself and dive into the virtual assistant world. And you guys, she didn't just dip her toes in – she went all in! By following a step-by-step process, Malai booked out her VA business within just a couple of months.

Here’s what you’ll hear from Malai:

• How a bold family move became the catalyst for starting her own business.

• The step-by-step process she followed to land her first client within days of applying for jobs.

• Her unique and powerful strategy for landing high-value local clients through in-person networking.

• How she transitioned from a booked-out VA to launching her own successful agency, Simply Solved.

• The ripple effect of her success, leading to two more new business ventures with her husband!

• Her core message for anyone thinking of starting: "Just do it!"

Malai's story is proof that when you believe in yourself and take consistent, bold action, anything is possible. If you're looking for a dose of "just do it" energy and a unique perspective on client attraction, you need to hear this!

 

Episode Outline:

• Welcome Malai Chellios & Her Journey as a Virtual Assistant (01:09)

• Making a Bold Move: From Illinois to Florida (01:37)

• The Challenge: Facing a Pay Cut & Needing to Work from Home (02:53)

• Discovering the Virtual Assistant World & The Academy (04:18)

• Taking Action: Booking Out Her VA Business in Under Two Months (06:33)

• The Power of Long-Term Clients and Continued Growth (07:25)

• Leveling Up: The Decision to Launch a Virtual Assistant Agency (08:39)

• The Secret Sauce: Landing Clients Through In-Person Networking (09:51)

• Strategy in Action: Walking Downtown & Joining the Chamber of Commerce (10:13)

• The Power of a Genuine Conversation & Effective Follow-Up (11:12)

• Malai's Core Advice: "Just Do It" and Run for Your Business Idea (13:22)

• The Ripple Effect: How VA Success Led to Two New Business Ventures (13:56)

• Final Tip: Build Your Business Around Your Expertise & What You Know (16:11)

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