5 Lessons From My VA Business That Apply To Building A Dream Homestead Life
Building a successful Virtual Assistant business has been a life-changing journey — one that literally took me from broke and unemployed to living my dream life. What I never expected was that running a VA business would also teach me lessons that directly apply to the life I’m creating on my 80-acre homestead. While these two parts of my life may seem separate, they’ve intertwined in ways that continuously shape my personal and professional growth…
Here are five lessons I’ve learned from growing my VA business that have been invaluable in my homesteading journey. (And trust me, they’ll apply to any dream you’re chasing.)
1. Patience Pays Off (Even When You Can’t See The Full Picture)
When I first started my VA business, there were a lot of unknowns. I didn’t know how things would unfold, what my niche would look like, or if I’d even make enough money to make it worth the effort. It was a total leap of faith.
The same is true with homesteading: you can’t rush the process. Whether it’s growing vegetables, building infrastructure, or creating a sustainable lifestyle… It takes time.
Remember, progress isn’t always visible at first. And that can be hard to accept, especially when you’re someone who thrives on action and results. But the more patient I’ve become, the more I’ve seen growth — even if it's not always in the way I expect. Not only that, but when you practice patience on a daily basis, your success feels more grounded and sustainable.
2. Sustainability Is A Long-Term Strategy
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in my VA business is the importance of sustainability — balancing work and life, avoiding burnout, and creating systems that help me stay consistent and effective. Early on, I was driven by the desire to grow quickly, but it didn’t take long to realize that without balance, I was headed for burnout. I learned to pace myself and focus on building my business in a way that supported my long-term vision.
On the homestead, sustainability is just as important. I don’t want to build something that’ll collapse in a year, I want it to thrive for the long term. Whether it’s making sure I’m using resources wisely or allowing time to take on tasks in a manageable way, I’ve come to see that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a commitment. It’s also about creating systems and habits that are aligned with my energy levels and goals.
Now, I’m focused on making small, intentional decisions each day that will help my business and homestead endure for years to come.
3. Seasons Matter (In Business & In Life)
Just like in farming or gardening, there are seasons in business. There are periods of intense growth, slower seasons of reflection, and times when things feel a little stagnant. In the early days of my VA business, I would often feel like I wasn’t doing enough during those slower seasons. But over time, I’ve learned that each season has its purpose. Sometimes, the quiet work is exactly what’s needed to prepare for the busy periods ahead.
As for the homestead, it’s completely at the mercy of the seasons. Whether it’s waiting for the right time to plant or forever adjusting our plans based on weather conditions, I am literally forced to go with the flow. But there’s beauty in this natural rhythm, and I've learned to embrace the cycles rather than resist them. Understanding these cycles allows me to plan better, take breaks when necessary, and push forward when it’s time to grow.
If you take away anything let it be this: honour the season you're in. There’s no need to rush the process.
4. Systems & Structure Will Keep You Moving Forward
In the early days of my VA business, I struggled with scattered tasks and a lack of structure. And without systems, I spent more time organizing than actually working. But once I developed solid processes, from client communication to invoicing, everything started to run more smoothly.
On the homestead, systems are just as crucial — from farm chores and meal planning, to creating a rhythm for family life. Without structure, things can quickly become overwhelming. I’ve learned to apply the same strategic thinking I use in my VA business to managing the homestead. I have set routines for everything from gardening to feeding animals, and it helps keep things manageable.
In both areas, I’ve learned that systems aren’t just helpful — they’re essential. They free up mental space so I can focus on the work that truly matters, and they keep me on track even when life gets chaotic.
5. Start Small & Build Gradually
One of the biggest hurdles when building a business (or a homestead) is the temptation to want it all at once. Trust me, I’ve been there. But one of the best pieces of advice I can give is to take it one step at a time. When I first started my VA business, I didn’t try to do everything all at once. I focused on small, manageable steps: setting up my website, getting my first few clients, developing my services. Over time, all those small steps added up to a sustainable and thriving business.
The same is true with homesteading. I didn’t start by trying to plant a full garden or going overboard with livestock. I started small and will add more as I feel ready. It wasn’t about rushing to build a homestead all at once, but about learning along the way and making incremental improvements.
Starting small and building gradually is the best way to create lasting success in both business and life. It’s easy to get caught up in wanting instant results, but true growth comes from taking things one step at a time.
Whether you’re building a VA business, homesteading, or pursuing any big goal, these lessons are universal. There’s no quick fix or shortcut — but with patience, sustainability, systems, and a step-by-step approach, you’ll get exactly where you want to go. Are you ready to build a business (or life) that aligns with your dreams? If you’re feeling inspired to start your own VA journey, I’d love to help. Check out my resources, mentorship opportunities, and free tips to start creating the life and business you deserve.