Hey hey hey! I have a novel for you to read today! I tried to keep it short but sometimes that just isn’t in the cards. 🤣
I always knew since a young age that I wanted to be my own boss. In the 6th grade, I decided that I wanted to be an author. I loved to write but I knew I needed to do something more in life to be a successful business owner or manager. My wish to own my own business came true in 2008 after years of researching just what kind of business I wanted to open.
Shortly after getting married in 2008, May 15, 2008, more specifically – was the day that I registered my business and became Ultimate Virtual Assistants, LLC.
I quit my job and started my adventure. With a bachelor’s degree in Management and lots of business and customer service experience, I knew I was capable of creating a successful small business.
My ultimate goal was to be at home raising children while contributing to this world in my small business. (easier said than done! 😳)
Through the years of having a business I gave birth 2 times, moved houses 2 times, changed my niche a couple of times, and rebranded twice!
I started off offering basic secretarial and notary tasks and advertising via flyers in my local area to working as an apprentice with an Online Business manager who introduced me to the world of professional coaching. This woman taught me tons of stuff and introduced me to lots of clients who needed my help. I am forever grateful for this special woman who will always have a special place in my heart. ❤️
I quickly went from doing basic admin and charging clients a low hourly rate to doing technical tasks and then eventually working as an Online Business Manager myself. Although not certified, I created processes, strategies, sales funnels, marketing, and project management, hired, trained, and managed team members…the list goes on… I did everything that was needed to run a well-oiled business day to day as a manager would.
During my 16 years in business, I built my business up from solopreneur to a multiple VA agency to working full-time for an online education company while also running my VA business. After around 10 years in business, I no longer wanted to be called a virtual assistant. Those two words were getting the reputation of ‘cheap labor’ or a ‘computerized assistant’, and I was SO much more than that.
I had co-authored two books, (my 6th-grade dream come true) and offered complex business solutions to online entrepreneurs.
This is when I decided to rebrand and become Ultimate Virtual Solutions.
I hoped this rebrand would show that my team and I were so much more than virtual assistants. I created a new website, branding, colors, headshots, etc. Only, I didn’t change my legal name, just my doing business as (dba) name.
Fast forward to July 2023 when I decided to throw in the towel on my Ultimate Virtual Solutions business. It was at this time that I burned myself out for the 3rd time since being in business.
If you have been on my list for a while you have heard me talk about my experience with burnout. After 6 months of a semi-sabbatical from my business, I decided I wanted to make a change. A big change. I wanted to help people live a more a life full of Wellness, Love, Harmony, Happiness, & Laughter.
And so Jeanette Ortega Consulting was born.
So here I am 16 years after creating my business. There have been many ups and downs – trials and tribulations. There have been many successes – enjoyment and enlightenment and lots of growth…both personally and professionally.
Thanks to my business I have met many wonderful people (virtually and some in person) from around the world. Working with people from so many different cultures and countries. I helped hundreds of entrepreneurs optimize their operations, focus on growth opportunities, maintain a more balanced and productive work environment, and most of all, I cheered them on when the tough got going and they wanted to throw in the towel.
I stood by their side when their tech wasn’t working, their launch didn’t make any sales, and when they had so much on their plates they were so overwhelmed and didn’t know where to start.
And most of all, I cheered them on when their life as an entrepreneur was lonely.
I did all of this while reaching my ultimate goal, being home with my kids (who are now homeschooled teenagers) as my number one priority and running a successful business. I also became an author…but maybe one day, I will write a book all on my own…without a co-author!
I wrote this email to you not to boast about everything that I have accomplished in the last 16 years but to let you know that if this small village girl who grew up in the middle of the mountains in New Mexico with only 36 people in her high school graduating class could start a business and make an impact in this world…then so can you.
It doesn’t matter where you live, your culture, or your age, YOU can make a difference in this world.
And you know what else? Life is made to be lived full of Wellness, Love, Harmony, Happiness, & Laughter.
Whether you want to continue growing your business, want to change your business model (like me), want to quit working to be a stay-at-home mom or grandma, or want to leave your business to work a regular job….remember that this is your life and there is no wrong answer.
You are loved.💜
You matter. 🤗
With love and laughter,
If you’re interested in learning more about how to incorporate self-love into your life and achieve greater fulfillment, here are a few ways I can support you:
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions, thoughts, or experiences you’d like to share—I’d love to hear from you!
