Ever wondered what it takes to ditch the cubicle and become a full-time girl boss? Our Student Spotlight Series interviews our students who have made the transition from 9-5 to remote CEOs! 

From what inspired them to start their own business, their favorite podcasts, go-to morning routine, advice to aspiring girl bosses, and so much more! 

Today, we’re sitting down with our student Chynna Benton, Founder of Byte Bodega! Originally from Ayer, Massachusetts, Chynna gives us a glimpse into her girl boss journey…

Q: What type of online business do you own and what services do you offer?

I am the Certified Online Business Manager and Founder of Byte Bodega, a boutique online business and Pinterest management firm! We are dedicated to helping creative small business owners systemize and grow their companies with expert support. 

Our goal is to help our clients gain back the precious hours of their workday so they can focus on the heart of their business!

Q: What inspired you to enroll in the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy?

When I originally enrolled in the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy, I was looking for something to help me grow and develop my online marketing expertise. I wanted to transfer those skills into what I was doing in my 9-5 job. 

“I enrolled in the courses with no intention of starting an online business at all!”

Q: How have the courses helped you become an online business owner?

When I completed the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy and decided that I was going to start a virtual assistant business on the side, I discovered that the practical step-by-step information provided in the courses was so invaluable!

I was able to implement the procedures and utilize the templates provided by the Bucketlist Bombshells right away, so I didn’t waste any time trying to figure it all out myself!

“The courses helped me feel super confident in my ability to provide an amazing service for my (soon-to-be) clients!”

Q: What type of job were you working in prior to running your own online business?

Previously, I was a Catering Sales Coordinator at a historic wedding venue and hotel!

Q: How long did it take you to ditch your 9-5, and how much time did you dedicate in order to make it happen?

I onboarded my first client in September 2017 and quit my 9-5 job the last day of January 2018. 

“I went from literally no business to full-time in six months!” 

During that six months, I devoted about 20-25 hours a week marketing my new business and maintaining client work on top of my 9-5. It was totally worth it!

Q: How long was it until you landed your first client online?

It took about three weeks from the time I launched my website to getting my first signed contract with a client!

Q: What has been your biggest setback, and how did you overcome it?

For a long time, I really struggled with what I wanted my specialty service to be. I believe that we can offer a high level of support to our clients when we have a few key services that we’re amazing at, but it took me a long time to figure out what mine should be!

So, I purposely worked with clients who needed all different services in the beginning of my business. 

“Once I discovered what I really loved to do, I slowly transitioned into offering just those services!”

Q: What was the final push in your story to get you to ditch that 9-5 job?

My final pushes were that my husband was laid off from his corporate job, and my 9-5 put off my promotion (and raise) for four months!

Q: Tell us what a “day in the life” looks like for you now that you’re running your own online business!

I wake up around 7:30-8am, make coffee, and get ready for the day. Then, I sit with my husband before he leaves for work for 30 minutes or so to enjoy our morning coffee together! 

I generally start working at 9am, take a lunch break whenever I feel like it, and finish up the day around 5:30pm when my husband gets home. 

I aim to match my work schedule to my husband’s so we can spend more time together, but I also do my best to build my workday around my energy levels.

“If I need a break, I take one. If I want to work, I work!”

Q: What’s the most challenging part about running your online business?

You are responsible for EVERYTHING, and that can be super overwhelming! I’m blessed to have grown an amazing team that supports me and my clients, but it’s still a lot of work.

“It’s important to build a community around you (digital or IRL) so that you feel supported when things get crazy!”

Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated to run your online business?

I love knowing that I am the driver behind my business. If I want to grow, I can. If I want to maintain where I’m at, I can. I’ve never had that flexibility and freedom in a 9-5 day job, and that’s always been my biggest motivation!

Q: What is your process for finding and landing clients online? 

My referral promotion is definitely the biggest driver in landing new clients. All of my current clients get a credit towards their invoice when one of their friends books my services. It’s a win-win for both of us!

Q: What do you love most about the work you do and the clients you work with?

Because I work with creative and heart-centered entrepreneurs, I love the messages they create for their audiences. 

“Having the ability to share and promote content that I can personally stand behind feels so awesome and empowering!”

Q: What’s the best part about being your own boss?

Freedom! I love that I don’t have to ask anyone what I can and can’t do, whether it’s when I take lunch or a vacation! For me, it means that I can take my work with me and visit my family in Pennsylvania any time I want!

“Having control over your schedule and lifestyle is invaluable!”

Q: What is your favorite destination to work remotely from?

I love checking out new, local coffee shops! I’m a coffee nerd, so I’m always on the hunt for the shop with the best lattes and wifi!

Q: What is one travel item you can’t live without when you’re working and traveling?

I can’t live without my Sennheiser PXC 550 wireless headphones. They are noise-cancelling which is amazing for the plane! I also use them for client calls all the time, too!

Q: What’s your go-to favorite podcast that you’d recommend to other girl bosses?

I absolutely love Jenna Kutcher’s Goal Digger podcast, The Scalability Show with Haley Burkhead, and Yoga Girl: Conversations from the Heart with Rachel Brathen!

Q: What is your number one piece of advice for aspiring Bucketlist Bombshells?

Be super authentic, work really hard, and aim to offer an amazing experience for your clients! That’s all that matters!