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 Shayah Muller, Founder of Virtuwell Balance! Originally from St. Thomas, Ontario, Shayah 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’m a Holistic Health Coach turned Virtual Assistant and the Founder of Virtuwell Balance! I help wellness entrepreneurs with website design, email marketing, and social media management.
Q: What inspired you to enroll in the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy?
Previously, I worked in Hospital Administration. Although this is a great career for many, I knew I wouldn’t be fulfilled spending my entire life working there.
“I longed for the freedom to travel while working online.”
So, in my spare time, I followed my passions of holistic wellness and became certified as a Yoga Teacher and registered as a Holistic Nutritionist. After these programs, I quickly realized my education lacked how to actually be my own boss. I had no idea how to run my own business and had very little tech skills to take my business online.
Then, I discovered the Bucketlist Bombshells! They were advertising a lifestyle that I desperately wanted to experience. I already had a taste of travel and my own wellness business, but I just didn’t know how to make it virtual. The Bucketlist Bombshells courses offered everything that I was missing, so I decided to jump in!
Q: How have the courses helped you to become an online business owner?
The Tech Skills Course and the Work Online and Travel the World Course have helped me immensely! Everything was perfectly laid out, broken down into step-by-step tutorials, and included everything I needed to successfully get my business online.
On top of that, the Bucketlist Bombshells private student Facebook communities full of like-minded aspiring boss babes were super motivational and encouraged me as I moved through the courses!
Q: How long did it take you to ditch your 9-5?
Before taking the Tech Skills Course and the Work Online and Travel the World Course, I dreamt about leaving my full-time job. So, I already had some important steps in place and had started my wellness side business.
After my wellness coaching business became successful, I decided to take it full-time. I finally quit my job at the hospital and took the leap down to Central America.
After some time running my own business as an online Holistic Health Coach, I had many peers in the wellness industry reach out and ask how I built my own website, onboarded clients, and did my email marketing. Since many wellness professionals aren’t trained on how to build an online business, I decided to start helping them with website design, email marketing, and social media management!
“To my surprise, I fell in love with all of the behind-the-scenes work.”
Fast forward a bit and I’m no longer working as a Holistic Health Coach, but have totally pivoted my business into a virtual assistance company for other wellness entrepreneurs… and I absolutely love it!
Q: What was the final push in your story to get you to ditch that 9-5 job?
My 9-5 began weighing on me more and more. My coworkers worked in the same position their entire life and seemed to be stuck in a certain mindset and routine that I didn’t want in my future.
They dreaded Monday and celebrated Friday, every single week. I knew that I was going to leave and was just saving up enough money so I could pull the trigger.
I’m still not making as much money as I was when I worked at the hospital, but my cost of living is much lower in Asia, so I actually save more!
“I truly enjoy every single day!”
Q: What has been your biggest setback, and how did you overcome it?
My laptop was stolen in August of 2019 while traveling in El Salvador.
Financially, it was a big hit for me. I was devastated and completely heartbroken. All of my work was gone and I had to refund my clients for parts of their projects that I couldn’t complete. I ended up getting a flight back home to Canada.
At that point, I knew I had two choices. I could either give up and go back to work at the hospital since I was so low on money… or I could move in with my mom for a while, save money, buy a new laptop, and get back to business!
Thankfully, I chose to live at home and save money for a little over two months. Then, I took off to Thailand for three months, and am now living in Bali!
Now, I always keep my laptop with me when I travel and save absolutely everything in the cloud and Google Drive!
Q: Tell us what a “day in the life” looks like for you now that you’re running your own online business!
My days look so different and that’s what I love about being an online entrepreneur!
Typically, my mornings are about the same. I wake up at 8am, take my time getting out of bed, drink a big glass of water, and find my way to my yoga mat for about 30 minutes of light stretching.
Then, I sit in silence or listen to a meditation for 10 minutes, get dressed, and walk to a nearby cafe or co-working space. I grab myself a coffee and a smoothie or green juice before diving into my work around 10am!
“I always take weekends off and try not to work past 6pm!”
Q: What’s the most challenging part about running your online business?
For me, the most challenging thing is getting out of my comfort zone, improving my mindset, and doing all the self-development work!
“I’m constantly pushing my limits in order to grow and expand professionally and personally. It’s challenging but also so rewarding!”
Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated to run your online business?
Community is so important! When you travel and work online, it can be extremely lonely, so I’m always trying to connect with new people.
“I stay inspired by connecting with other like-minded online entrepreneurs!”
Q: What is your process for finding and landing clients online?
Most of my clients find me through Facebook and Instagram. By being consistent, sharing information about my offerings, and genuinely showing up, I’m able to attract people to my business!
Also, after working with a client, I always ask for a testimonial and tell them I’m taking more clients if they know of someone who would be a good fit. This helps me get a lot of referrals!
Q: What do you love most about the work you do and the clients you work with?
I love how much I’m able to relate to my clients. I actually “get” what they do and fully understand the challenges that come along with being a wellness entrepreneur.
Firsthand, I know and understand what it’s like to run a health and wellness business, work 1:1 with clients, run group programs, design recipe books, and host yoga retreats abroad.
My experience with web design, digital marketing, and social media management coupled with my in-depth knowledge of the health and wellness industry makes me the perfect missing piece to virtually support wellness businesses and I absolutely love it!
Q: What’s the best part about being your own boss?
I love that I get to design each day the way I want!
Q: What is your favorite destination to work remotely from?
I prefer the small-town tropical vibe over big cities. In Central America, my favorite destinations are Nicaragua and Guatemala. In Asian, I love Bali and Thailand!
Q: What is one of your favorite business books that you would recommend to another girl boss and why do you love it?
I really like Start with Why by Simon Sinek. It dives deep into why some people and organizations are more innovative, more influential, and more profitable than others. I learned that most people are more likely to buy a product or service if they understand or align with the why behind it!
Q: What’s your go-to favorite podcast that you’d recommend to other girl bosses?
Ahh I LOVE podcasts and listen to so many good ones!
- Jenna Kutcher’s Goal Digger Podcast
- Paige Brunton’s Online Business Besties Podcast
- Born to Rise Podcast with Cait Scudder
- The Alignment Tribe with Kristine McGilvray
Q: What is your number one piece of advice for aspiring Bucketlist Bombshells?
Stay committed!
Building your dream online business takes time. There is no such thing as an overnight success. You’re the ultimate creator of your life and you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
