Hey! My name is Courtney Lea Evans Murdock and I’m the VA behind CLEM VA. I first started as a freelancer in June 2022.
I’ve been in office-based roles for over 8 years now, and have worked in many different offices with a lot of inspiring startups and entrepreneurs. I’ve been a Personal Assistant to a tech Founder, an Office Manager for a growing scale-up, an Accelerator Programme Event Manager, and a Community Manager in a coworking space.
My current services include inbox management, content creation, social media management, design, newsletter building, and more.
When I’m not ticking things off to-do lists and creating content for my clients, you’ll find me cooking a curry in the kitchen in my home in Manchester, reading a book or planning a trip away!
I’m super happy to work with fab clients. Taking away the stress of certain tasks so you can focus on growing your biz is what makes me get outta bed in the morning!
Who or what inspired you to become a VA?
I love getting myself stuck in a task, ticking things off a to-do list and helping people and being a VA, I get to do both these things and have the flexibility of working remotely too.
Have you had any support starting up as a VA?
I initially started an online program on how to set up as a VA. My mum has been a beauty salon owner since I was born so she’s been a huge inspiration to take the leap of faith and start my own thing. Entrepreneurship is in my blood!
What has been your highlight since starting your business?
Realising I can do this! The main thing that stops people is confidence and now I’m getting great feedback and I’ve done pretty much everything myself - it’s just knowing I can achieve something when I put my mind to it.
What was your biggest challenge?
Working my full time job simultaneously but I’m ready to be a full time VA in Spring!
What tools/apps/software can’t you live without?
Notion is my go-to productivity tool. I’m super organised (like most VAs) so I can’t live without Trello. Canva is my best friend. Check out my blog here deep diving into the 5 tools I can’t live without.
What advice would you offer other new or aspiring VAs?
Be confident. Really think about the wonderful things you have to offer. Be open to learning.
What three words would you use to describe yourself, and why?
Intuitive. Sometimes when working with clients, it’s not about what they do say - it’s about what they don’t say, Read between the lines and give them a wow factor!
Smiley.
Organised.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love food. Trying new restaurants and bars (especially the little family run ones that you stumble upon). Embracing new cultures through travel. Reading. Yoga (I have a teaching certificate). Cooking (I’m a veggie and love spicy curries).
What’s next for you and your business?
Becoming a full time VA this Spring. Onboarding some more clients and finishing my copywriting diploma so I can offer this as a solid service. I love all things words - so super excited for this one.
What is the ultimate goal for your business?
I’d love to have an agency one day. Housing amazing talent and giving those from under-privileged backgrounds a platform to support small businesses. I’m passionate about social change and there’s so much we can be doing. Amplifying voices and skills would be fab.
You can follow Courtney at:
Website: www.clemva.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/clem.virtual
This blog was prepared or accomplished by Courtney Lea Evans Murdock in their personal capacity. The opinions expressed in this blog are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Kayleigh Johnstone or COZ PR.