The Power of Showing Up

Behind every successful Virtual Assistant is a story of growth, perseverance, and a commitment to making a difference. For Lilac A. Bulauan, her journey into the Virtual Assistant industry began with something simple: a conversation.

Like many professionals, Lilac did not originally plan on becoming a Virtual Assistant. Her career started in the BPO industry, where she spent three years developing customer service and communication skills. She then worked as an online teacher for four years, helping students learn and grow. But it was through the encouragement of friends and colleagues that she discovered a new path.

"What inspired me to become a virtual assistant was a simple conversation with my friend and co-worker, Mae Grace Cabual. She shared how working as a VA allowed her to provide for her family while working from home, and her story really inspired me."

Hearing positive experiences from fellow Summit Virtual Assistants encouraged Lilac to take a closer look at the industry. What she found was more than just a work-from-home opportunity. It was a chance to build a meaningful career while creating a better balance between work and family life.

Learning an Entirely New Industry

Transitioning into the Virtual Assistant world was not without challenges.

Coming from the BPO and online teaching industries, Lilac found herself navigating unfamiliar systems, tools, and processes. Like many new VAs, she faced a steep learning curve during her first few weeks.

"My biggest challenge was becoming familiar with the new tasks assigned to me, as well as learning how to use the different systems and tools."

What helped her succeed was a combination of support, organization, and a willingness to learn.

"With the help of our clients and my co-VAs, who were very supportive and good trainers, I was able to gain confidence and become comfortable using them within a month."

Her experience highlights an important lesson for anyone considering a VA career: growth happens when you remain teachable. Lilac wasn't afraid to ask questions, take notes, and seek guidance whenever needed. Those habits helped her build confidence and develop new skills quickly.

Building Trust Through Consistency

Today, Lilac approaches each workday with a strong sense of responsibility.

She starts her day early, prioritizes urgent tasks, and focuses on helping her team operate efficiently.

"I prioritize urgent tasks and make sure everything is resolved efficiently to help lessen the workload of my managers and colleagues."

This mindset reflects one of the qualities that separates exceptional Virtual Assistants from the rest: reliability.

Clients and business owners depend on their Virtual Assistants to keep operations moving smoothly. Whether it's managing property-related tasks, coordinating with vendors, handling tenant concerns, or organizing daily operations, consistency creates trust.

For Lilac, staying organized and completing tasks on time allows her clients and managers to focus on bigger business goals without worrying about day-to-day details.

Turning Mistakes into Growth Opportunities

No professional journey is free from setbacks.

One of Lilac's toughest moments came when a misunderstanding led to a mistake on a task. Like many professionals, she experienced a temporary loss of confidence.

"The toughest challenge I have faced was when I made a mistake due to a misunderstanding of a certain task, which caused me to lose a bit of confidence."

What happened next made all the difference.

Rather than allowing the situation to define her, she worked closely with her manager to resolve the issue quickly.

"My manager, Haley, was straightforward, understanding, and very helpful. It was easy to communicate with her, and we were able to resolve the issue within the same day."

This experience serves as a reminder that mistakes do not determine success. How we respond to them does.



Open communication, accountability, and a willingness to learn are often what transform challenges into valuable learning experiences.

The Power of Appreciation

When asked about her proudest moment as a Virtual Assistant, Lilac's answer was surprisingly simple.

"It may seem simple to some people, but being appreciated by my clients is something I consider one of my proudest moments."

Recognition may not always come in the form of awards or promotions. Sometimes, the most meaningful reward is knowing that your work has made a positive impact on someone else's day.

For many Virtual Assistants, client appreciation validates the effort, dedication, and care they put into their work every day.

More Than Just Work

One memorable experience that stands out for Lilac was meeting a client who visited the Philippines.

"One of our clients visited the Philippines and we had the chance to share stories outside of work. It was a short but meaningful bonding moment."

Experiences like these remind us that Virtual Assistant relationships often extend beyond tasks and deadlines. Over time, trust and genuine connections are built between clients and VAs, creating partnerships that benefit everyone involved.

Skills That Continue to Grow

Throughout her VA career, Lilac has developed a variety of valuable skills, including:

• Tenant, vendor, and property owner communication
• Maintenance coordination and management
• QuickBooks
• AppFolio
• Utility setup processes
• Organization and task management

These skills not only support her current role but also strengthen her professional growth and future opportunities.

A Better Life Through Virtual Assistance

One of the biggest changes Lilac has experienced since becoming a Virtual Assistant is the ability to create more balance in her life.

"I am able to save money for emergencies and enjoy the freedom to spend more time with my family, especially with my little one."

For many Virtual Assistants, financial stability is important. But equally valuable is the flexibility that allows them to be present for life's most important moments.

Advice for Future Virtual Assistants

For those considering a career as a Virtual Assistant, Lilac offers practical advice.

"Being a VA is not as easy as some may think."

She emphasizes the importance of consistency, reliability, accountability, and ownership.

"It is essential to stay on top of your tasks so clients do not need to worry about the work assigned to you. This allows them to focus on more important responsibilities that help the business grow."

Her message is clear: success as a Virtual Assistant is not about finding shortcuts. It comes from showing up consistently, being dependable, and treating every responsibility with care.

Lilac's story reflects what many successful Virtual Assistants discover throughout their careers. The journey often begins with uncertainty, but through dedication, learning, and support, it becomes a path filled with growth and opportunity.

We are proud to work with Virtual Assistants like Lilac who demonstrate professionalism, resilience, and a genuine commitment to helping clients succeed. Their stories serve as a reminder that behind every task completed and every problem solved is a person making a meaningful impact every day.