Virtually Free with Ashlee

Thinking about becoming a Virtual Assistant but still have questions? You're not alone. In this episode, I answer some of the most common questions she receives from aspiring and new VAs—from experience and pricing to finding clients, AI, and knowing whether this career path is right for you. If you've been sitting on the fence about starting your VA business, this episode will give you clarity an...

With AI tools like ChatGPT becoming more accessible, many aspiring business owners are asking: Do I still need a coach? In this episode, I share my honest thoughts on where AI can be an incredible support tool and where personalised coaching still makes all the difference. If you've been relying on endless Google searches, consuming content without taking action, or wondering whether coaching is s...

In this episode, I bust four of the biggest myths aspiring Virtual Assistants believe about client attraction. From thinking you need more experience to believing the market is saturated, you'll learn what actually helps beginner VAs gain momentum and attract opportunities. What You'll Learn: Why being a beginner isn't what's holding you back The difference between visibility and being everywhere...

If you've been questioning whether it's still worth becoming a Virtual Assistant in 2026, you're not alone. With AI tools becoming more powerful and more businesses exploring offshore hiring options, many aspiring VAs are wondering if there's still room for them in the market. In this episode, I'm unpacking what's actually happening in the industry right now—without the fear-mongering or unrealist...

What does it actually look like to take radical responsibility in your business… and your life? In this powerful conversation, I’m joined by Business Strategist Angela Henderson to unpack what it really means to lead yourself through challenging seasons — whether that’s in business, relationships, or life behind the scenes. We dive into the realities of navigating heavy seasons, making aligned dec...

What happens when the business you once loved… just doesn’t feel that exciting anymore? In this honest episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes look at a season I’ve been navigating — feeling flat, unmotivated, and not as connected to the growth side of my business. After 9 years of genuinely loving what I do, this felt unfamiliar… and uncomfortable. But here’s the truth no one really talks about:...

“I’ll just figure it out myself…” Sounds responsible, right? But in this episode, I’m breaking down why this mindset is actually keeping so many VAs stuck in cycles of overwhelm, inconsistency, and second guessing. Because while free content, podcasts, and DIY learning can absolutely help… there comes a point where consuming more information isn’t the thing moving your business forward anymore. I’...

You’ve got clients. You’re working. You’re busy. So why does it still feel like you’re not getting ahead? In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the biggest traps I see virtual assistants fall into — staying “busy” without actually building a business. If you’ve been feeling stretched or stuck in inconsistent income, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on and what actually...

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of a big decision I’ve recently made in my business… Closing down my mastermind. This wasn’t something I decided overnight. And it definitely wasn’t the “easy” choice — especially when it meant walking away from consistent revenue. But over time, something became really clear. Most of the women I support aren’t in the scaling stage. They’re in the...

If your offers aren’t converting, it’s not always about visibility — it could be confusion. In this episode, I’m breaking down 3 subtle (but common) signs that your offers aren’t as clear as you think — and why that’s stopping your audience from taking action. Because when your offers feel overwhelming, unclear, or too similar… your audience doesn’t lean in — they hold back. Inside this episode: W...

AI is moving fast… like really fast. And if you’ve been feeling a little unsure about what it means for your business — you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m joined by AI educator Em Gee, who teaches women in business how to save 10–15+ hours a week using AI (yes please 🙋🏻‍♀️). We’re cutting through the noise, the hype, and the fear… and getting real about what’s actually changing, what matters...

In this weeks episode, I’m joined by messaging and marketing strategist Tahryn from The Social Bolt, and we’re diving into what actually makes people pay attention, connect, and buy in today’s online space. We’re talking about the shift that’s happening right now (hello AI), why blending in is costing you clients, and how to refine your messaging so it actually lands. If you’ve ever felt like: You...

In this episode of Virtually Free, I’m sharing a real-time reflection on navigating new tools, trends, and opportunities, without getting pulled into every shiny object. And the example I'm sharing is Claude! Yes, being an early adopter can save time Yes, tools like Claude (and others) can be powerful. But if you’re constantly pivoting, learning new platforms, and starting over… you’re not buildin...

There’s no shortage of business advice online… but not all of it is good. In fact, some of the most common advice being shared—things that sound smart, logical, and even “proven”—can actually slow your growth, lead to burnout, or keep you stuck in cycles of under-earning. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the worst business advice I’ve heard (and followed), and what I’ve seen firsth...

What happens when a career-driven professional suddenly finds herself rethinking everything after becoming a mum? In this episode of Virtually Free , I sit down with VA Mastery graduate Nadia from The Virtual Edition to talk about her journey from corporate admin to running her own virtual assistant business. After 15+ years working in admin and operations, Nadia found herself unexpectedly out of...

There’s a stage in business that no one prepares you for. You’re not new anymore. Clients are coming in. Money is flowing. But it starts to feel heavy. In this episode, I dive into: Why the 12–18 month mark is where most VAs quit The people-pleasing and scope creep that leads to burnout Why comparison hits harder in the messy middle The difference between chaos and growth How to shift from employe...

If I was 12 months into my VA business again, knowing what I know now, there are three things I would stop immediately. In this episode, we talk about the messy middle stage of business growth and: Why undercharging is harder to fix later The cost of saying yes to everything Why avoiding your numbers keeps you stuck The shift from scrappy to strategic If you’re one year in and it still feels messy...

What happens when you’re burnt out in your 9–5… but not yet confident in your business? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Bianca, founder of Busy Bee Support and a current student inside VA Mastery. Bianca shares her honest journey from nursing burnout to building a virtual assistant business supporting allied health and wellness professionals. We talk about mindset blocks, niching down, signing c...

Your first client experience probably won’t be perfect — and that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. In this episode, I share what really happened when I landed my first client, the awkward mistakes made, and why being a beginner is not a weakness. If you’re overthinking your first offer, discovery call, or onboarding steps — this one’s for you. What You’ll Learn: Why your first discovery call wil...

Feeling stuck in setup mode and not sure where to begin? In this episode, I break down the three foundational systems every brand-new VA needs to confidently start their business — without getting lost in tech overwhelm or perfectionism. What You’ll Learn: The #1 mindset block that keeps new VAs stuck Why making clear decisions is a system in itself How to create a visibility plan that’s realistic...

Ever wondered what it actually looks like to be fully booked as a VA and balance coaching, family and real life too? In this behind-the-scenes episode, I’m lifting the lid on my week, my schedule, and the decisions I make to keep things sustainable. In this episode, I share: ✔️ What “fully booked” really means (and how it looks different for everyone) ✔️ How I manage client work, coaching calls, a...

Starting your VA business and feeling a little all over the place? In this episode, I’m breaking down the most common mistakes I see new VAs make — and how to avoid them so you can grow with confidence (and clients!). In this episode, I cover: ✔️ The biggest mindset trap holding you back from starting ✔️ Why undercharging doesn’t just hurt your income, but your confidence ✔️ What to focus on inste...

Feeling under-qualified? In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact skills Aussie business owners are hiring for — and how you probably already have them. In this episode, I cover: The mindset shift you need around “being skilled enough” The top 10 tasks clients are paying VAs to do right now Real client stories from women just like you who got hired FAQs around qualifications, pricing, te...

What even is a Virtual Assistant — and could this actually be your next career move? In this episode, I’m going back to basics to explain exactly what a VA does and how you can start without perfection OR the perfect experience. In this episode, I cover: What a VA actually does (and all the tasks that fall under it) The reality of local vs offshore VAs and why being Aussie is your edge My first cl...

2025, what a year. From personal breakdowns to big breakthroughs in business, I'm reflecting on the highs, the hard moments, and what’s next for me, my business, and this community in 2026. In this episode, I cover: A raw look at my personal life this year and becoming a single parent Business wins (and flops), including our worst launch to date Launching the Virtually Free podcast + 3.5K download...