Meet Stephanie Nazario | Owner of Desk Gal Virtual Assistant Services

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Nazario and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
I was laid off in May 2021 from the position I held with a big international company. I gave a lot of myself to the position and being let go was a blow to my ego. Honestly, the lay-off was a blessing. My health all around needed attention. My children needed me to be more present. I took some much-needed time to evaluate what I wanted for myself and what I wanted from the organization I would work for next. As determined I was to find another position I was very selective in where I applied because I did not want to return to the kind of work environment I was in. I knew my happiness, and my children’s happiness would not be sacrificed again. While taking a break from job searching I came across a woman talking about her life as a virtual assistant so I looked into it. After doing my research I thought, THIS is something I can do! I’ve always held an administrative position and gained many skills. within the various fields, I’ve worked. I enjoy admin work. I enjoy helping people. The idea of being able to use my skills, and have flexibility automatically stirred a feeling of excitement. It made sense to me to start up my own VA Business. Desk Gal is my way of putting years of experience to assist other start-up businesses. It’s great to be able to work under my terms with people who value the work that is done for them and be compensated for what I am worth.

What should our readers know about your business?
I honestly, can’t pinpoint what sets me apart from others. I started my virtual assistant business. Desk Gal because I know my administrative skills are good. I always put out work that I feel is top-notch. I started my business because I wanted to be able to choose who I work with and not feel I’d ever have to work in a toxic environment. That’s the beauty of having your own business and putting your services out there- You have just as much say as to who you work with as people have to say on if they want you to provide a service. Having my own business isn’t an easy thing, there is constant work being put in. Work for the business, work on myself, it’s never-ending. There are challenges, like having self-doubt. Imposter syndrome is real! Typing this now part of me is saying “Why Me? Why does anyone want to know about Desk Gal?” I have to say instead- Why not me? Though I’m not as far along with my business as I would like, I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I can’t wait to make bigger moves with Desk Gal- who knows maybe one day I’d be able to hire another working mom or I’d be able to help another girl at a desk. Ultimately, I’d love to be able to help other women grow and work.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Wow, Atlanta has so much! I wish I knew of more places. I feel I’m still learning Atlanta, even though I moved out to GA more than ten years ago. The safe answer is to take everyone to the World of Coke and the aquarium. I would rather take a friend from out of town to The Vortex L5P. I love the High Museum of Art and wouldn’t mind going. Another spot I would make a whole day out of is Ponce City Market- food, shopping, carnival games, and rides on the rooftop. It’s sure to be a good time. Depending on which friend of mine is over in GA I would try to go to the Red Phone Booth in Downtown. I know it’s not Atlanta but a few of my friends are into the Walking Dead so I would make an afternoon out of Main Street Senoia GA. Lastly, we would have to go to a Braves game and check out the Battery. (and yes I am aware that’s not really in Atlanta BUT it’s the Braves!)

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m thankful I have a great partner which has been super supportive while I tried to figure out how to get my business going. A few kick-ass friends which are so supportive and are such great cheerleaders. Also, the book You are a Bad Ass by Jen Sincero was a great boost to get rid of any doubt I had going into the uncharted territory of starting my own business.

Website: www.deskgal.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/desk_gal

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DeskGalStephanie