Stacey’s Journey to Building a Business with Boundaries, Confidence & Clarity
In this episode of Virtually Free, I’m joined by the amazing Stacey Morthorpe - founder of Virtual Beauty Solutions, social media manager for beauty professionals, and a long-term client inside my coaching programs. Stacey started out as a VA after 16 years in the beauty industry and has since grown a business that supports her lifestyle and personal commitmentsWe dive into the real shifts she made to go from an overwhelmed VA to visible and in-demand (with boundaries, structure and offers that reflect her zone of genius)This is a must-listen if you're: Just getting started and wondering where to beginFeeling stuck in the cycle of saying yes to everythingReady to shift out of freelancer energy and into CEO leadershipIn this episode, we cover:What Stacey’s business looked like before she joined coachingHer shift into packaged offers and what made it finally clickHow she pushed through visibility fears and started showing up onlineThe mindset shifts that helped her stop overthinking and start leadingHer biggest wins and how her business feels and looks nowAdvice she’d give to someone just a few steps behind herWant to start your own VA business but not sure where to begin?Download the VA Starter Kit — my free eGuide breaking down the exact steps to set up your VA business from scratch.You can download it here https://www.ashleethomas.site/f/va-starter-kit-copyEnjoyed this episode?Take a screenshot, share it to your Instagram Stories and tag us: @ashleethomas__ + @virtualbeautysolutionsWe’d love to hear what resonated most!Connect with Ashlee:● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach ● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au ● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants AustraliaMore about Virtually Free with AshleeVirtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
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31:56
Making Decisions Like a Business Owner
Welcome back to Virtually Free! This is Episode 6 and we’re getting real about decision fatigue, second-guessing and stepping into your CEO era.If you’re constantly tweaking Canva templates, avoiding client convos, or saying yes just to “keep the peace,” it’s time to shift.Because being a business owner isn’t about hitting six figures, it’s about how you lead.This episode is your permission slip to stop overthinking and start making confident, aligned decisions that support your long-term vision.🔍 In this episode we dive into:How to know if you’re stuck in a freelancer mindsetThe mindset shift that unlocks long-term growthWhat it actually looks like to make decisions like a CEOHow to use data, feedback, and values to guide your next moveSmall but powerful habits to build decision-making confidence🔗 Links:Apply for Expansion Mastermind: https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vaemastermindExplore coaching & offers: www.ashleethomas.com.auConnect with Ashlee:● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach ● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au ● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants AustraliaMore about Virtually Free with AshleeVirtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
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8:36
Setting Boundaries: How to get clients to respect your time
Welcome back to Virtually Free! You’re listening to Episode 5.Last week we talked about business structure - and one key piece we touched on was communication and boundaries. Today, we’re diving deeper.If you’ve ever felt like a full-time help desk, replying to clients at all hours, feeling guilty for logging off, or always available but constantly drained… this episode is for you.Because boundaries don’t just protect your peace — they help you grow.Clients don’t know your expectations unless you clearly set them. And if you’re not leading with clarity, they’ll fill in the blanks (and not usually in your favour).🔍 In this episode we dive into:Signs your boundaries aren’t serving youCommunication platforms + hours that work for youSetting realistic turnaround times and scope boundariesHow to protect your actual life — without apologyWhy boundaries are a CEO move (not a red flag)🔗 Links:Apply for Expansion Mastermind: https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vaemastermindExplore coaching & offers: www.ashleethomas.com.auConnect with Ashlee:● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach ● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au ● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants AustraliaMore about Virtually Free with AshleeVirtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
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9:52
Structure Equals Scalability: 5 Systems Every VA Needs
If you’ve been building your VA business on vibes, this episode is your nudge to build something stronger.In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the 5 essential areas of business structure every virtual assistant needs - whether you’re just starting out or fully booked and flustered.Because sustainable growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when your business has structure, boundaries, and space to breathe.In this episode we dive into:Why structure is the secret to scaling (and what happens when you skip it)The 5 business systems I help every VA get clear onSimple, actionable ideas to streamline your week, your offers, and your sanityLinks:Find out more and apply for Expansion Mastermind - https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vaemastermindLearn more about my coaching + offers - www.ashleethomas.com.auConnect with Ashlee:● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach ● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au ● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants AustraliaMore about Virtually Free with AshleeVirtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
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13:11
The Pricing Trap: How to Charge More Without Losing Clients
Welcome back to Virtually Free with Ashlee! In this episode, we’re tackling one of the biggest mindset and strategy blocks for virtual assistants and service providers: pricing.If you’ve ever felt stuck charging low rates because you're afraid clients will leave, you're not alone and this episode is going to shift that.I’m breaking down why so many VAs stay underpaid and overworked, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to raise your rates with confidence without scaring off dream clients.In this episode I dive into:The 3 most common reasons VAs stay stuck underchargingHow to confidently shift your pricing mindset and step into your worthReal examples of how my clients have raised their rates and attracted better clientsWhat to say to existing clients when you raise your ratesHow to package your services to highlight value not hoursWhat to do when clients push back (and why it’s actually a good thing)Links:Find out more and apply for Expansion Mastermind - https://www.ashleethomas.site/courses/vaemastermindLearn more about my coaching + offers - www.ashleethomas.com.auConnect with Ashlee:● Instagram: ashleethomas.vacoach ● Website: www.ashleethomas.com.au ● Join the community: Startup Virtual Assistants AustraliaMore about Virtually Free with AshleeVirtually Free is the go-to podcast for virtual assistants, online service providers, and digital entrepreneurs who want to build profitable, flexible businesses that support their lives—not consume them.Hosted by VA coach and business mentor Ashlee Thomas, each episode is filled with real talk, practical strategies, and mindset shifts to help you scale sustainably, ditch the hustle mentality, and grow with ease.New episodes released weekly. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
You started your business for more freedom, so why does it still feel like a job?
Welcome to Virtually Free with Ashlee, the podcast for virtual assistants, service providers and digital entrepreneurs who want to scale their business in a way that aligns with their lifestyle, values, and long-term goals—without burnout or overwhelm.
I’m Ashlee Thomas, a VA coach and business mentor who’s helped over 400 women grow their businesses on their own terms. In this podcast, I’ll share real talk and proven strategies to help you step into the CEO role, ditch the hustle mentality, and create a business that truly supports the life you want to live.
It’s time to work smarter, not harder, and build a business that truly serves you. Hit play and let’s go.
Australia