Name of Business:

MYPA Lifestyle Management

Your Name and Age:

Sarah Vaux – 42

When did you launch?

2007

How did you get started?

I worked freelance as a Lifestyle Management PA and was constantly being asked to do more work, so I started asking other PA’s if they would like to take the work.  Finally I realised that I was doing quite a bit of work emailing and organising meetings and introductions, so I decided to set up the agency.

What research did you do before launching?

I spent quite a few months before, looking at over 100 competitors.  I researched areas, services offered, salaries etc.

How have you funded the business?

I have another business organising weddings, www.sarahvaux.co.uk that has been successful and that funded the business.

How do you promote your business? What has worked best?

I work with a great PR company and also I have some nice flyers and send out emarketing campaigns.

What has worked well about your business?

Overheads are kept to a minimum and the personal touch with me working closely with the other PA’s and the clients.

What has been your biggest challenge so far? How have you dealt with it?

The recession has been the biggest challenge.  By keeping morale high with the PA’s as work has been cut by some clients that were working in the city and made redundant.  Dealt with it by marketing the business as an economic way of employing people without having to take anybody onto the payroll.

How do you fit in work with the family?

I do not have any dependants, so I am lucky I can work unsociable hours (I am writing this at 11pm) and it does not affect anybody else.  But when I have my five nephews to stay, I can work once they are in bed and spend time with them in the day.

What advice would you give to someone else wanting to work in this area?

It can be intermittent as some clients only want four hours a week, or once a month.  So cash flow is not great at the beginning.  It works well with family if you outsource all the work and can be very rewarding as the clients are very grateful for the support.

www.mypalondon.co.uk

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