Keri Doan is a full-time Virtual Assistant, military spouse, and mom who started her VA business with one goal: to help her clients achieve work life balance by taking back their time. In this interview, Keri shares how she navigates life as a military spouse, how she turned her values into a thriving VA business, and why supporting others is at the heart of everything she does.
This post is all about How Keri Doan Became A Virtual Assistant and Helps Clients Achieve Work Life Balance
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This post shares How Keri Doan, Military Spouse & VA, Helps Clients Achieve Work Life Balance
As a military spouse and mom, how has your life experience shaped your approach to your work as a Virtual Assistant?
As a mom raising two children, living through deployments, moving multiple times, and facing all the other challenges life throws at us, I am constantly reminded of the value of time. Our time as a family is precious, and while it’s often limited, it’s the most important part of my life. I’ve found this to be true for my clients as well.
Being intentional about how I work has become essential. I prioritize organization and communication because I understand the importance of making the most of limited time. I’m passionate about lightening that load for others so they can focus on what matters most like growing their businesses or spending time with their own families.
Life as a military spouse and mom has taught me valuable lessons in adaptability, resourcefulness, and time management. Skills that are essential as a Virtual Assistant! I’ve had to learn how to pivot quickly, find stability in chaos, and manage my time effectively.
What inspired you to start your VA journey 15 years ago, and how has your business evolved over the years?
After working as an Operational Business Manager (OBM) and Administrator for a local business during a previous military posting, my family was relocated across the country to another military base with our two toddlers in tow. While I was heartbroken to leave my role behind, I continued to support the business remotely as we moved from hotel to hotel during our cross-Canada move. I quickly developed systems to transition my role online, and as a result, a replacement was never hired for my in-person position. This allowed me to stay home with my children, set my schedule, and build a business that moves with me wherever we go!
Over the years, I’ve adapted to changing trends and new technology. I’ve added services like social media management and email marketing (my favorite!) to my offerings. However, my “WHY” has never changed. It’s always been about giving people back their time and helping them focus on what matters.
You describe yourself as a “business bestie” to your clients. Can you share an example of how this approach has made a difference for one of your clients?
So many business owners feel like they’re riding solo, even if they have a team. They often lack a true partner in their business. That’s where I come in! I’m deeply invested in my clients’ businesses and get excited to discuss their goals with them. Often, I find myself researching or jotting down ideas to share next time we connect.
One recent example involved a client who was launching an online course. They were feeling overwhelmed by all the moving parts such as content creation, email sequences, tech setup, you name it!
We worked together in a co-working session to map out a clear timeline, researched the best tools for their needs, and even created templates to streamline their email marketing. My role is not just about completing tasks; I’m there to cheer them on, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate every win along the way.
What are your favorite types of projects to work on, and what keeps you passionate about this type of work?
A few years ago, I would have told you that email management and scheduling were my favorite tasks. Seeing an empty inbox still thrills me! These tasks provide structure and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Lately, though, I’ve gravitated more toward creative projects like email marketing, social media, and website design. Whether it’s crafting an engaging email sequence or building a website that authentically reflects a client’s vision, I love helping business owners tackle these tasks that often feel overwhelming to them.
You mentioned struggling with setting boundaries in the early years of your business. How did you overcome this challenge, and what advice would you give to beginner VAs facing the same issue?
I don’t think I’ll ever be a master at setting boundaries! But I’ve learned a lot along the way. I found that working with clients who align with my values and taking on projects that genuinely excite me has helped me clarify what I don’t want to do and who I don’t want to work with.
If I were to start over again (which I absolutely would!), I’d remind my people-pleasing self that answering a text at midnight isn’t doing anyone any favors. I used to think everything was an emergency, but now I know that my best work is done during working hours. Nearly everything can wait until I’m back at my desk.
Being available 24/7 doesn’t make you a more valuable VA!
Keri Doan
What lessons have you learned as a long-time VA that you believe are crucial for new VAs to understand?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that learning never stops in this role. It’s not a one-and-done situation. I set aside time each month (or week, if I can!) to dive into topics related to my niche as a Virtual Assistant.
Keeping up with technology, solutions, and trends helps keep my clients informed and solidifies my position as a professional in the field. It also builds stronger relationships with clients, who will continue to look to me for advice and updates rather than seeking help elsewhere.
Why is supporting military spouses so important to you? What challenges do military spouses face with finding and maintaining employment? How can becoming a Virtual Assistant help them?
As a military spouse, I understand the challenges of frequent moves, deployments, and work-related separations. Every time we arrive in a new city, it feels like starting over. Military spouses face a significantly higher unemployment rate, nearly five times higher than the civilian rate, and many hold degrees they aren’t able to use.
Frequent relocations and the demands of military life make it difficult to find stable, full-time employment. But becoming a Virtual Assistant offers military spouses an adaptable, customizable career. It allows them to use their education and life experience while balancing family life and the unique challenges of military life.
You mentioned feeling proud of your clients’ small wins, like their joy in updating a website or posting to social media for the first time. Can you share a specific story that highlights one of these moments?
One of my clients, who sells items on Etsy, wanted help getting started on social media. Together, we created accounts, planned a strategy, and designed their first few posts. When they shared their first post, an authentic image of their workspace, they received an overwhelming response. The next day, they messaged me excitedly about all the engagement, including a direct message from someone asking for more details about their products!
It’s not just about metrics; it’s about the confidence they gained and the joy of seeing their efforts pay off.
What has been your proudest accomplishment in your VA career, and why does it stand out?
After my kids started elementary school, I had a moment of clarity. A mom asked me what I do for work, and I froze. For so long, I hadn’t defined my work, I saw it as something small, almost a side gig. But that moment made me realize that I’m my own boss. I’ve created my own career, and I’m incredibly proud of that.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting as a VA, especially moms and military spouses?
The biggest piece of advice I’d give is to embrace flexibility, start small, and give yourself grace. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but taking it one step at a time and finding a pace that works for you is key.
If you feel isolated or unsure where to start, reach out to other Virtual Assistants! We’re usually more than happy to chat and share resources.
What are your goals for Waiting on West, and how do you envision continuing to support your clients?
I’m currently supporting a wonderful group of clients who align with my values. My systems are streamlined, and I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to manage both work and family life.
Looking ahead, I plan to offer a select number of co-working sessions to support more clients without adding to my workload. These calls will allow me to work alongside business owners and military spouses to tackle projects, brainstorm, or start new ventures. I’m excited about the possibilities for 2025 and the opportunity to help more moms and military spouses start and grow businesses!
For readers inspired by your journey, how can they connect with you or learn more about your services?
You can find me online at www.waitingonwest.com or on Instagram @waitingonwest.
If you want to build community or just chat, feel free to send me a message!
If you would like to be featured on the Mommy VA Blog as a Guest Virtual Assistant, feel free to email us at info@mommyvablog.com.
This post was all about How Keri Doan Became A Virtual Assistant and Helps Clients Achieve Work Life Balance
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