We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mrs. Crystan Johnson. Check out our conversation below.
Crystan, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
One of the biggest misconceptions about my business is around two things: PAY and what virtual assistants actually do.
Many people assume that virtual assistants are just low-level task-doers or only handle things like data entry and calendar scheduling. In reality, skilled VAs, especially executive-level ones, are strategic partners. We manage operations, create workflows, handle client communication, streamline systems, and contribute directly to business growth. We’re not just assistants, we’re business support specialists.
Another misunderstanding is about what we charge. Some people expect to pay VAs pennies for premium-level work, especially when hiring offshore. But quality comes at a fair price. If you want someone reliable, experienced, and proactive, you should expect to pay accordingly. It’s not just about hours worked, it’s about the value delivered.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey y’all! I’m Crystan Johnson, military spouse, mom of two, and multi-passionate entrepreneur behind Crystan J PA Services LLC and a few other exciting ventures. I started my journey as a virtual assistant simply trying to create more flexibility for my family, especially with all the moving and unpredictability that comes with military life. What started as a side hustle has grown into a full-service virtual support agency helping overwhelmed business owners reclaim their time and get organized.
But it’s more than just task-checking, I help my clients breathe again. Whether it’s inbox management, systems setup, social media, or executive-level support, I step in so they can focus on the parts of their business they love.
What makes my brand special? It’s heart-led, service-driven, and built on real-life experience. I know what it means to juggle a lot, and I bring that same care and energy to every client I support. Right now, I’m working on a book for military spouses (because we deserve more resources and real talk!).
I truly believe in creating businesses that align with your life, not the other way around. And if I can help others do that too? Even better!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
Honestly? I’d have to say I taught myself the most about work.
My journey hasn’t been traditional, I didn’t have a mentor holding my hand or a clear roadmap laid out for me. I learned through experience, trial and error, long nights, and a lot of Googling. Every client, every challenge, every mistake taught me something new. Being self-taught forced me to be resourceful, resilient, and solution-oriented.
That’s the beauty of being self-made, you don’t just learn how to work; you learn how to figure things out, and that skill has taken me further than anything else.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Absolutely. There was a point when I seriously considered walking away, when clients started trying to run my business instead of respecting the services they hired me for. It became draining when boundaries were crossed, expectations constantly shifted, or they’d bring up issues we had already clearly agreed on.
That kind of back-and-forth, especially when you’ve done your part professionally, brings a different level of anxiety. It made me question if the stress was even worth it.
But I had to remind myself why I started, freedom, flexibility, and helping others in a way that felt aligned. So instead of giving up, I doubled down on stronger boundaries, better onboarding, and only accepting clients who truly value the support I provide. That mindset shift saved both my business and my peace.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the virtual assistant industry tells itself is that “anyone can do this.” Like it’s just answering emails and booking appointments. In reality, being a successful VA, especially at the executive level, requires serious skill, strategy, time management, communication, and emotional intelligence. It’s not just “busy work.” It’s real, results-driven business support.
Another lie? That you have to charge cheap prices to get started or compete. That mindset keeps talented VAs overworked and undervalued. There’s room for premium rates if you position yourself properly and deliver with excellence.
And lastly, this idea that VAs should say yes to everything just to keep a client. That’s a fast track to burnout. Saying no, setting boundaries, and creating clear systems is actually what builds trust and longevity in this business.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Honestly? I’m still figuring that out.
I’ve built businesses I’m proud of, helped amazing clients, and created space for myself and others to grow, but I still find myself asking, “Is this truly what I was born to do?”
I wasn’t really “told” what to do, I just did what needed to be done, especially as a mom, military spouse, and entrepreneur navigating life and responsibilities. Right now, I’m in a season of exploring what truly lights me up versus what just pays the bills. And I think that’s okay. Some answers don’t come all at once. Sometimes, purpose reveals itself while you’re doing the work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://crystanjpa.org
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