Launching a virtual assistant business can feel exciting… and a little scary. 

If you’ve ever wondered how “real people” actually do it — while juggling kids, careers, and life — this one’s for you. 

Meet Brianna Fountain, a mom of four who went from overwhelmed to a full client load in about a year! WHOA!!!

In this heart-to-heart, she shares what worked, what didn’t, and the simple mindset shifts that changed everything.

 

Tell us a little about yourself!

I’m a wife, mom of four (two teen bonus daughters and two little boys), and a proud dog mom. 

You’ll usually find us outside — dancing in the rain and splashing in mud puddles. I love crafting and decorative planning, which actually ties into my client work in a fun way.

 

 

What did life look like before you started your VA business?

Before launching in May 2024, life was full: a 9–5, serving as a military officer in the Missouri National Guard, and finishing my master’s degree — all during COVID. 

After I left the military and completed my degree,  I wanted something new to fill my newfound “free time,” I could choose and control — work I enjoyed that fit our family.

 

What was your 9–5 background?

When I started my business, I was working in higher ed at as a post-award project manager, handling grants and lots of administrative tasks. 

That experience transfers beautifully to VA work.

 

How did “virtual assistanting” enter the picture?

I was already doing VA-type work without realizing it – especially supporting my husband’s owner-operator trucking business on the admin side. 

I couldn’t drive or repair a semi, but I could run the back end. 

Once I Googled “work-from-home” admin roles, I discovered virtual assistance and realized, “Oh, that’s what I’ve been doing!”

 

How did you find The Virtual Savvy—and what did you join first?

Google kept showing me Abbey and The Virtual Savvy. Lightbulb moment! 

I joined the SavvySystem virtual assistant course and immediately wished I’d started sooner! 

The step-by-step roadmap saved me so many hours!

By August, I added SavvyVault for skill-building (weekly group coaching calls + 60+ tech/service trainings!).

 

What were your early challenges?

Getting everything set up and then figuring out how to talk about what a VA is and land clients. 

The SavvySystem roadmap made it a checklist: brand, services, packages, marketing, discovery calls — it’s all laid out.

 

Pro Tip: Here’s a free checklist to get you started!!

 

When did you sign your first official client?

August 2024. After joining the programs, things clicked: I signed one client, then a second, smaller one, and momentum grew from there.

 

What actually worked to get clients (especially at the start)?

Relationships. Your first circle — friends, family, and local business owners — is gold! 

Share your new business publicly (hello, Facebook post!) and let people amplify it. One of my first clients found me because a friend shared my post.

I also had a job-op discovery call that didn’t pan out at first (they needed in-person help), but months later, she came back ready to hire me virtually. 

Another client came via referral from someone who’d heard me sharing on coaching calls.

Key Takeaway: Talk about your business often (not salesy — just real life). 

The connection you make today can turn into a client tomorrow.

 

You’re now at a full client load. What does “full” look like for you?

I set my capacity up front. I currently serve four clients: one large, a few smaller, and that’s full for me based on my available weekly hours. 

Next up: scaling through subcontracting and shifting from hourly to service-based packages.

 

 

How do you manage multiple clients without burning out?

Time-block by client. I allocate more time than I think I’ll need (e.g., block 3.5 hours for work I expect to take 2). 

When I’m in Client A time, I’m only doing Client A work. No tab-hopping!

Tools/systems that help: 

• Separate Chrome profiles/folders per client, 
• Clear weekly priorities
• Firm communication norms (how/when to reach me, response times, etc.)

 

Hourly vs. packages: how did you make the switch?

I started hourly to learn true time costs. Over time, you get faster and better, so billing purely by the hour can penalize that growth. 

I mapped what each client actually needs, then created flat-rate packages based on:

• Deliverables
• Mental load/ownership

I told clients in advance; they were excited because packages give clarity, predictable billing, and a focus on outcomes.

 

What are some starter services someone could offer right now?

Start with what you can do today (and could pick up quickly). 

For many new VAs, that looks like:

• Email + calendar management
• Customer service (inbox replies, course access support, simple account questions)
• Client onboarding (contracts, scheduling, access)
• General admin (docs, data, travel booking, light research)

Then follow your curiosity into higher-value ops: executive assistant support, systems/operations, SOPs, CRM setup/maintenance — whatever lights you up! 

You’ll discover your zone of genius through real client work.

 

Where did your clients come from, specifically?

A mix of:

1. Warm network (friends/family shares → first client)
2. Job opps (a “not yet” that turned into a “yes” months later)
3. Referrals from community and coaching calls (people recommend who they know, like, and trust)

 

 

How do you handle time off and communicate availability?

If it’s planned (vacations, school breaks), I tell clients early in meetings and by email. 

For last-minute things (hello, sick kids), we use the agreed-upon fast channel (Google Chat, WhatsApp, Slack).

I don’t micromanage my daily schedule for clients; instead, I set clear response-time expectations (e.g., “You’ll hear from me within 24–72 hours”) and send a weekly recap with hours used, what’s done, and priorities next.

I find that setting my recap meetings on Mondays really makes a huge difference!

 

How has your “why” evolved since you started?

I began to use my skills on my terms, but my “why” has grown into memories and freedom — creating a happy, flexible life for my kids. 

It’s not just money; it’s experiences, time together, and choosing what matters most.

 

What’s your best advice for VAs in the early stages?

Don’t give up!

Carve out real time. 

Learn a little, do a little. 

Expect hurdles — but keep going. 

If you love the work, the effort is worth it.

 

Want more of Brianna’s Story?

Catch the full conversation with Brianna and Rachel right here  👇

 

 

Ready to go all-in?

When you want the full blueprint — from business setup to marketing, discovery calls, contracts, and beyond — jump into the SavvySystem virtual assistant course. It’s our start-to-finish roadmap with community support, monthly Q&A calls, and exclusive job opps. Pair it with SavvyVault to build specialized skills fast.

• Start here: SavvySystem virtual assistant course
• Level up skills: SavvyVault membership

 

Brianna Fountain is a Missouri-based virtual assistant, wife, and mom of four (plus one very loved pup). A former military officer and higher-ed project manager, she launched her VA business in May 2024, reached a full client load within a year, and now supports entrepreneurs with operations, systems, and executive assistance. Off the clock, she’s crafting — or dancing in the rain with her kids.