1. What inspired you to start your business, and how did your personal experiences shape your entrepreneurial journey?

I was working full time as an Executive Assistant and in February 2018, I woke up having seen The PA Way concept in my dream. I didn’t know what this meant but I tried to Google it and realised it didn’t exist, so I set about to teach myself how to build it and created the platform I wish I had when I was an EA. 

Creating The PA Way single handedly has been the most challenging thing I have done but also the most rewarding – seeing our community, which is known as the AssistantHood, thriving, being celebrated, seen and supported truly is incredible. 

I feel that the roles I had before being an Assistant have shaped me in some way for The PA Way – for example, I trained as a Chef when I left school, so I am really good at time management and discipline, but also my love of hospitality. 

I was always creative at school, so this has helped with creating our events as well. 

2. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a female founder, and how did you overcome them?

Being told that I was “just an assistant with a pipedream” and being told that as an Assistant, I couldn’t be creative or show any entrepreneurial spirit.

I’ve also been told I couldn’t sit at board tables with the leadership team, so I told them I would set up my own board table and every assistant around the world can sit with me which I have done virtually with The PA Way Loyal Royal membership. Our community is thriving in so many countries and it’s so exciting to see!

I’ve created a business where I want people to live their truest, most authentic selves and it’s apparent when you meet any of our community – they level up in every single way possible whilst being true to who they are. It’s amazing!

3. How do you balance the demands of running a business with other aspects of your life, such as family, personal time, and self-care?

I try as best as possible to schedule some down time, but anyone that knows me well knows that I am full on with my work and it’s something that I really enjoy because I love supporting and celebrating people. 

Self care, I am trying to get better but I do have my morning matcha latte ritual which is my little pocket of calm. 

My family are all over the UK and Cyprus, so we mainly just talk on the phone. I do love films/series programmes, so you will find me binge watching The Big Bang Theory (my favourite show) or with my earphones in with my music. 

4. How have you leveraged your network and community to grow your business, and what role has collaboration played in your success?

Our community has built The PA Way. They are the heartbeat of what we do. When I started The PA Way, I was tired of seeing platforms that didn’t inspire or elevate the profession. Since I started The PA Way “level up” has always been our mantra and it’s been incredible to see how many people across the world message me saying “Skevi, I levelled up! I got a promotion!” or something that gives them joy. 

I wanted our community (AssistantHood) to feel that they can be or do anything they set their mind to. Yes they are incredible with their roles but what about the person? What sets their soul on fire? They are the driving force behind my inspiration for everything I create. 

I’m really aligned with the “why” of my work because I want to see people win. That remains firmly at the front of The PA Way. 

5. What advice would you give to other women who are considering starting their own business?

Go for it! You will never know, if you never grow! 

LINKS

www.thepaway.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/thepawayuk

https://www.linkedin.com/company/thepaway/posts/?feedView=all