As we step over the threshold and into the New Year, I find myself reflecting on the year just passed, and setting down some intentions for the year ahead... 2025.
The prospect of a fresh new year brings with it a mix of anticipation and excitement—a chance to do things better, aim higher, and make meaningful progress. This time of reflection reminds me just how far we’ve come, not only as a business but as a community dedicated to empowering others.
As I think back over my own career, it’s incredible to think that this year marks my 17th year in the Virtual Assistant industry. Starting my own VA business back in 2008 was truly life-changing. I can honestly say that becoming a VA was the best decision I ever made. It set me on a journey of growth, learning, and evolution—from running my solo business to managing a team, and ultimately founding VA Institute in 2017 to help others do the same.
When I started VA Institute, it was with a clear mission: to help people build solid, sustainable VA businesses grounded in excellence, authenticity, and flexibility. I wanted to support people like me—those ready to blaze their own trail and create a future that aligns with their values, lifestyle, and aspirations.
Authenticity has been a guiding principle throughout this journey. It’s about being true to who you are, acting with integrity, and staying aligned with what matters most.
With Angela Revell joining me as a business partner in 2022, we are focusing even harder on these core principles… and for VA Institute, that means continuing to empower women to build businesses that are not just financially sustainable but also personally fulfilling—an antidote to the toxic workplace environments that too many of us have experienced.
On a daily basis, we talk to so many people, and - sadly - we’ve seen first-hand how confidence can be shattered by gender bias, exclusion, and workplace toxicity. And for that very reason, much of what we do is about restoring that confidence—helping women (and men) rebuild, rediscover their strengths, and create something that truly works for them and their families.
Looking ahead to 2025, our mission remains clear: to continue providing opportunities and alternatives that empower individuals to achieve the elusive work-life balance they’ve been seeking.
We’ll keep blazing our own trail, expanding what’s possible, and advocating for the VA industry, and helping others discover the incredible freedom and flexibility it offers.
From the bottom of my heart I want to take this opportunity to thank you, our community, for being part of this journey. Together, we’re reshaping futures, one step at a time.
Here’s to a year of growth, courage, and new opportunities!
Ingrid Bayer
Founder, VA Institute
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