For this weeks blog, I’ve asked one of our good clients, Kristen Lyon, to share her multi-passionate entrepreneurial journey. We found each other through the military and I’m so grateful that not only have we been able to help her grow her business. But working together has blossomed into a beautiful friendship.

My Multi-Passionate Entrepreneurial Journey with Groove VA: The New Way of Life!

What used to be a popular “buzz word” is now a huge no-no. Multitasking! These days, many doctors and psychologists assert that, multitasking may not be ideal. But as mothers, our daily reality often revolves around juggling multiple responsibilities. Whether we are pet moms, mothers of one child, or managing a household with several children, the demands on our attention are ceaseless. Tasks are always piling up endlessly. It can feel as if the work is never done!

Unfortunately, in striving to meet these demands, we often neglect our own well-being. Which can then lead to burnout, over stimulation and exhaustion. Does this sound familiar? We perform tasks ranging from scheduling appointments and chauffeuring our children to various other activities. We can be found helping with homework, meal planning, laundry, cleaning, and more. The to-do list can seem endless. And finally, at the end of each long day, we find ourselves exhausted. Constantly wondering how we’ll muster the energy to do it all over again tomorrow.

If you feel me on this hang in there. As tired as I was, and sometimes still am, I still held goals! Lots of goals! I strive to serve my clients with top notch customer service while serving my country and simultaneously striving to be the most competent, calm mother I can be.

My Turning Point To My Multi-Passionate Entrepreneurial Journey

Let me take you back a few years to my breaking point. It was a brutal time for our family. Full of change, which can always add stress! We had just PCS’d (aka moved) from Germany to the states. After that, we prepared for another international move to Canada all within a short 10- month period.

In that short timeframe I also gave birth to twins! We were busy. Not only with those two bundles of joy, but our K-3 and 1st grader as well. The saying is true “the days are long, and the years fly by.” But it was apparent we needed help, a village, if you will.

Finding Groove VA

When someone kindly suggested we needed a village, it finally dawned on me. I did need help. And I could seek it out and ask for it. It was during this transformative period that I stumbled upon Groove VA through a military spouse group. Kayla and I were both in the group due to us both being military spouses. The serendipitous nature of military life often leads us to cross paths in unexpected ways.

Right from the start, Kayla understood my needs. Kayla was exceptionally friendly and accommodating. She offered invaluable assistance to multitasking moms, like myself, in the realm of time management

Kayla helped me focus more on my business and nurture its growth. Embracing the concept of accepting assistance when needed became crucial, especially after the arrival of twins in our family. Twins inevitably called for a substantial support system, as noted above.

We were going through the upheaval of international moves with 4 young children. I was learning how to balance caring for my twins. Our family was navigating an international military relocation through COVID-19 challenges. We were coping with the persistent Canadian lockdowns during flairs of the COVID-19 pandemic. I found myself in a space of pure chaos at home.

However, even through the toughest periods (like my twins demanding constant attention from me at home) I also assumed the role of a “virtual teacher” for my 5- and 7-year-olds. With my computer monopolized for their online classes, continually managing technical glitches, multiple internet outages and keeping them engaged, I was stretched thin. Living life became a taxing endeavor.

Groove VA’s virtual assistance and planning kept me afloat and beyond. I felt, that even with all my challenges at home, and the stress of it all, I was supported. My business and my kids would thrive, because of the assistance provided by Kayla and her team.

The Start of My Multi-Passionate Entrepreneurial Journey

As a small business owner, I yearned to utilize my time for marketing, but it just wasn’t possible based on our family dynamics. At least not solely by myself. I was dealing with the constraints imposed by online schooling and the strong desire the kids had to let loose outside afterward! Because we lived on acreage, it was critical for me to help them stay safe outdoors. Consequently, I often felt guilty not being fully present with them. I was constantly having to take notes in my phone, or create a post on my own.

And that is when I handed off the daily social content to my virtual assistants. The relief was instant. It was a time in my life that I really needed to have that accountability. I needed to know that my clients were getting the most up to date information. Thank you again, Groove VA, for revolutionizing my social calendar management.

Through the platform we used to collaborate, I could effortlessly record voice memos with reel ideas, queries, content and posts I wanted to share. I was finally able to be fully present with my kids. I could stand by and watch as Groove VA effectively executed my content ideas on my behalf. Again, this assistance allowed me to engage with my children, fulfill my teaching duties with them amidst a pandemic, keep the kids entertained and simultaneously nurture my business. All of this, without compromising valuable time with my family.

Beginning My Newsletter

As the years blossomed, so did my curiosity to branch out. I wanted to go beyond my standard social media presence. I was curious what a newsletter could do to benefit my clients, but I didn’t know where to start.

Groove VA helped me branch into a multi-passionate social influencing position. They started with a monthly newsletter. Which, in turn, helped inform my clients about all the amazing technology, development, clinical studies and results of Rodan + Fields. Rodan+Fields Dermatologically offers developed skin and hair care products and is continually changing their product to be better.

They not only worked with me on this growing project, but they also taught me how to create, distribute and brand my information. They helped it be original and organized. These newsletters for my Rodan + Fields clients enhanced client engagement through bi-monthly updates and sometimes during flash sales. I can honestly say, I would not have been able to create them without Groove VA’s help.

Branching Out To More Projects

In fact, they encouraged me to share more than skincare tips. What started out as ‘tips to effective skin and haircare routines’ blossomed into another passionate project.

The daunting process of starting a blog scared me. But the idea was seeded and rooted because of the virtual assistance mentorship I found with Groove VA. This was a seedling that I had long feared to water. But through their coaching and encouragement my blog, Practical Mindset Life, came to life. I focused on sharing diverse life experiences with readers – from tips on planning a Disney trip to fostering a positive mindset shift.

Since then I have learned so much about running a website, sharing it with others and drawing people to it. I dare say, the most difficult part is often drafting these articles. Sharing my personal lessons I have learned, tips I have learned by doing it wrong first and mindset shifts I have powered through personally proved to be a challenging, yet fulfilling endeavor. My goal, is that with each post it has the potential to resonate with and inspire others.

Throughout my partnership with Groove VA, I witnessed remarkable growth. Not only in my business, but also in my twins. They had transitioned from infants to kindergarteners.

Maintaining a robust social media presence enabled me to excel as a leading sales consultant within my company. This success largely attributed to the collaborative efforts and strategic insights provided by Groove VA. Together, we brainstormed innovative ways to reach new audiences, exploring avenues such as initiating Meta and broadening outreach beyond my usual demographic.

My Multi-Passionate Journey and Beyond

The continuous flow of fresh ideas from Groove catalyzed an expansion in both my audience reach and marketing process. While we may aspire to “have it all,” the reality often necessitates seeking external support. Whether through meal prep services, shopping assistance, or virtual assistants. These resources have been integral in fostering my family’s growth, resilience, and prosperity during our last three relocations.

As always, Groove VA has remained a steadfast partner, ensuring my online accounts remain engaging, responsive, and captivate attention. As a bonus, and is often seen when partnering with military families, we become long-distance friends. We have the privilege of witnessing our families experience travel, growth, community and happiness. And I am so happy that I’ve been able to participate in seeing Kayla’s family and business grow, evolve and thrive over time.

This partnership has fostered a sense of kinship and camaraderie, epitomizing the magic that unfolds when mothers support one another. Together, we not only collaborate professionally but have forged a connection that transcends business, enriching our lives as we navigate the intricate balance of motherhood and multi-passionate entrepreneurship.

Thank you, Kristen! The best way to stay connected with Kristen is through her emails. She sends out the best tips and tricks each month for skin care and for life! Join here.