From Layoff to CEO: The Story Behind Excelsior Virtual Assistant

5 days ago

2 min read

Hi, and welcome to The EVAS Edge™.

If you're new here, I thought the best place to start was with the story behind Excelsior Virtual Assistant Solutions™.

For more than 20 years, I built my career supporting executives and leadership teams. Much of that time was spent supporting a Senior Vice President in the healthcare industry. I loved what I did. I enjoyed helping leaders stay organized, manage priorities, and create structure in fast-paced environments.

I thought that chapter of my career would continue for many years.

Then one day, it didn't.

I was laid off.

Modern executive office with a spacious desk and laptop, representing a professional workspace for starting a virtual assistant business

The Career Change I Never Expected

Like many people who experience an unexpected career change, I found myself asking, "Now what?"

At first, I was hurt. Then I was scared. Then I started thinking about all the skills I had developed over the years and how they might help others.

In 2019, I started researching the Virtual Assistant industry.

To be completely honest, I had no idea what I was doing.

I knew I had the experience.

I had the work ethic.

I had the desire.

What I didn't have was a single client.

Taking a Leap of Faith

I spent countless hours watching YouTube videos, listening to podcasts, reading articles, and trying to understand how people were building successful Virtual Assistant businesses.

I remember praying and asking God for direction.

I felt called to take a leap of faith.

Instead of waiting until I felt ready, I started showing up.

I introduced myself in Facebook groups.

I applied for opportunities.

I followed up.

I got on discovery calls even when I was nervous.

And eventually, someone said yes.

That first client changed everything.

Building Excelsior Virtual Assistant Solutions™

In January 2020, I officially launched Excelsior Virtual Assistant Solutions™.

And then COVID happened.

While COVID was one of the most difficult times many of us have ever experienced, it unexpectedly became a turning point for my business.

Organizations were forced to operate differently. Entrepreneurs needed support. Businesses needed systems and structure to function remotely.

The demand for virtual support increased, and EVAS™ began to grow.

Looking back, I can see that what felt like a setback was actually a setup for something greater.

Organized workspace with a laptop, notebook, and office supplies for starting a virtual assistant business.

Why Support Is a Strategy

Today, EVAS™ proudly supports entrepreneurs, executives, coaches, consultants, and small business owners by helping them create clarity, structure, and breathing room so they can focus on growth.

One of the things I have learned along the way is that support is not a luxury.

It is a strategy.

Many business owners are carrying more than they should alone.

The right support creates capacity.

The right support creates consistency.

The right support creates peace of mind.

That is why I created The EVAS Edge™.

This blog will be a place where I share business lessons, operational strategies, organization tips, delegation insights, and honest conversations about entrepreneurship.

Most importantly, it will be a place that reminds business owners they do not have to carry everything alone.

Thank you for being here.

I look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Warmly,

Eugenta BarclayFounder & CEOExcelsior Virtual Assistant Solutions™

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