We recently connected with Sarah Schaitel and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Sarah, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I get my work ethic from my parents and grandparents. My family immigrated here from Italy and Sicily when my mom and dad were each 12 years old. They did not know the language or the culture but came here to achieve the “American Dream”. Growing up I saw them face adversity and work hard everyday to allow my brother and I to live a rewarding life. My grandfather, Vittorio, is now 90 years old and the patriarch of my family. He worked in construction until he was about 65 years old. He currently goes to the gym everyday at 5AM and then comes home to either work in his garden or tend to his numerous rental properties he has around town. He has never allowed his age or a language barrier stop him from working hard and making sure his work was done properly. I see the same work ethic in my parents, aunts and uncle as they all went on to have successful careers, which then was taught to myself, my brother and cousins. All who own successful businesses or lead in successful careers.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I started Sarah Nicole Virtual Services in January 2023 and went full time in July of ’23. I wanted to have a career where I was able to make my own decisions, be a part of my community and spend more time with my family. I have over 10+ years of administrative experience in a range of industries. When the idea of being a virtual assistant came up, it was a no brainer for me. Sarah Nicole Virtual specializes in back end administrative tasks. Tasks include but not limited to; data entry, Google Workspace organization, email management, scheduling, and social media management.
My mission is to help other small business owners free up their time allowing them to spend time on their business and with their family. As well, I strive to be a contributing member to my community. I try to support my fellow business owners and be a cheerleader. I am an Ambassador for the Town of Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce and Co-Sponsor for a monthly networking lunch and learn, Best Year Ever. I co-sponsor with 3 other local small business owners. We bring a local business owner in the 3rd Wednesday of every month to discuss a topic.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
When I started out I believe what impacted my journey was patience, persistence and determination. Starting a business is hard! I was educated early on that you need to be patient and lean on your fellow business owners. It is ok to ask those around you questions! They may have already struggled through what you are dealing with so lean on them and learn from their struggles. I tell everyone early on the business ownership journey 3 things.
1. Be patient, it is going to take time and you need to trust the process.
2. Get involved! We work with those we know, like and trust. In order for your potential client to do that they need to get to know you! Join your local Chamber of Commerce, join a BNI, or visit networking events.
3. Lean on those around you. Talk to other small business owners and ask them questions. They may have struggled with something in the beginning but that does not mean you have to. I call it my business village.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I feel like I keep saying it but the most helpful has been my fellow small business owners. I am very grateful to be a part of a small town with an incredible business community. We lean on each other and show up for each other everyday. I also had the honor of being selected for the 1st co-hort of the Launch Fuquay-Varina program. The Launch program is a 10-week entrepreneurship program designed to educate and support new and existing small business owners. The program selects 11 business to go through the program that is facilitated through a partnership between the town and Wake Tech. This program helped me develop the skills to improve my business and build those relationships with other business owners to add to my “business village”.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarahnicolevirtual.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahnicolevirtualservices/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahNicoleVirtualService
Image Credits
Jebb Graff Photographer
Sandra Costello Photo Studio
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
