Turn Your Passion Into a Business

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Billie Gardner, Founder of Desire to Done, located in Bradenton, FL, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I teach introverts how to become Virtual Assistants and earn an income from home.

Tell us about yourself

Years ago, I decided that I wanted to quit my job as an office admin and work from home. I tried making and selling jewelry, blogging, and coaching, but none made enough money to justify quitting my job. Frustrated, I reached out to a business coach and offered to help her with anything she needed in exchange for coaching. I had various skills due to running different businesses and figured it could be helpful to this coach. To my surprise, she took me up on my offer immediately. I then fell in love with VA work and pivoted my business to offer VA services. As a result, I was able to quit my job within three months of landing my first paying client. Becoming a Virtual Assistant helped me fulfill my dreams of working from home and having a happier life. Because of this, I’m passionate about helping others do the same, and knowing that I can help someone change their life fuels my day.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

One thing that brings me joy is seeing the VAs in my membership community support each other. There are no feelings of competitiveness even though they are all Virtual Assistants. Instead, they help each other out and have even created lifelong friendships. Knowing I created a magical space for them makes me feel accomplished and happy.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

As an introvert, I’ve always had difficulty putting myself out there, for instance, talking about my business and being on camera. It just doesn’t feel natural to me. Although I’ve found it gets easier with time and practice, I sometimes have to remind myself that being more visible means I can help more people, which motivates me to get out of my comfort zone.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Find a community of people you click with, so you can ask questions and get feedback and support. Even if you’re an introvert, you need to be around like-minded people who are there for you during the good and bad times.
Don’t overthink things. Taking action is the best thing you can do to squash fear and uncertainty.
Don’t compare yourself to others. They may look like an overnight success, but you don’t see the blood, sweat, and tears they experienced. Focus on bettering yourself and your business, not what other people are doing.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://desiretodone.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desiretodone
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desiretodone/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/virtual-assistant-mentor/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.