Starting Young, Growing Strong: How Shaura Cuyan Built Her VA Career
What started as intrigue at 19 years old has since grown into a career defined by resilience, trust, and the confidence that comes from years of dedication and learning. For Shaura Cuyan, being a Virtual Assistant isn’t just a job, it’s a story of growth, discovery, and finding her own voice in an industry that was still new when she began.
Drawn in by Curiosity
When Shaura first heard about Virtual Assistants, the role was still unfamiliar to many. That sense of mystery actually pulled her in.
“The mystery and the allure of becoming a virtual assistant and what it is exactly was very much prevalent since I started when this industry was new.”
What started as curiosity turned into something much deeper as she learned the value of remote work, the skills she could develop, and the opportunities it created for her future.
Starting Young, Learning Fast
Jumping into the VA world at just 19 years old came with its own set of challenges. Shaura was fresh out of school, full of energy but still learning her way.
“I started in this industry when I was a fresh graduate at 19 years old, so my age and my naivety was a struggle for a long time until I did my best to learn from everyone, seek out trainings to improve myself and my skills.”
Her willingness to learn from others and invest in training helped her grow from that young beginner into a confident professional.
Inside Her Workday
Shaura’s schedule is structured but never boring. Each day blends communication, creativity, and strategy:
- 9–10 AM: Client meetings to align on goals for the day, week, or month
- 10–4 PM: Market research, editing videos, writing scripts, creating graphics and ads, social media posting, engagement, analytics, and sending deliverables
- 4–5 PM: Reports and last-minute client check-ins for urgent tasks
It’s a full day, but one that lets her flex her creative side while keeping everything organized for her clients.
Finding Balance Through Priorities
Like many VAs, Shaura juggles a lot of different projects. Her way of keeping it all together is simple: listen to what matters most to the client and work from there.
“I ask which ones are the priorities, urgent tasks and goals so that I can arrange my day to finish the urgent ones depending on my client’s priority list.”
This approach not only helps her stay on track but also strengthens her relationship with clients.
When Trust Becomes the Reward
One of Shaura’s proudest moments wasn’t about hitting a deadline or finishing a project—it was about being trusted.
“Proudest moment would be when I felt my client trusted me enough to listen and follow my direction for marketing her business. It showed me that there is trust in my ability, skill and wisdom.”
For her, that trust meant she wasn’t just executing tasks—she was becoming a true partner in her client’s business.
Client Moments That Matter
Not all wins are about numbers or big projects. Sometimes, they’re about being recognized for the value you bring.
“A memorable experience would be one particular morning meeting where I shared our stats for a certain project and I was told that the project wouldn’t even be possible without me.”
It’s moments like these that remind Shaura why she chose this career path in the first place.
Learning Through Challenges
Shaura is honest about one of her toughest challenges: not knowing everything. But instead of letting it overwhelm her, she chose to turn it into motivation.
“Not knowing everything! LOL. I started young in this industry when it was just starting so I did my best to keep learning. Mistakes were made but those taught me to keep going, keep learning, upskill and keep things light.”
Her humor and resilience have carried her through, reminding her that growth is always part of the process.
A Life Transformed
Being a VA has given Shaura more than just a paycheck—it’s reshaped how she lives her life.
“Becoming a Virtual Assistant gave me the freedom to work in slippers, the flexibility to own my schedule (and my sanity), and the chance to collaborate with clients across the globe, without ever leaving my house. The real win? Confidence.”
From financial stability to time with loved ones, her career has given her both independence and fulfillment.
The Skills That Matter Most
Among the many tools and skills she’s picked up along the way, Shaura points to one that makes all the difference: people skills.
“Most of all I developed my people skills since you talk to clients in a virtual setting… Being able to connect with them at their level is super important to build trust.”
Her ability to connect on a human level has become one of her strongest assets.
Shaura Cuyan’s story shows that starting young and uncertain can lead to a future full of confidence, freedom, and trust. What began as curiosity has become a thriving career, proof that with persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to learn, you can create a life you’re proud of.
We’re proud to celebrate VAs like Shaura who remind us that this industry is as much about people and trust as it is about skills and tasks.
