VA “Mhay”
Hello Mhay! Tell us a little about yourself first.
Hello, my name is Marfel and most of my friends call me Mhay. I am a single mother of three, two daughters and one son. I have been a single mom for a while and that includes all of the challenges of being a single mother. I love singing and hosting. I do it for part-time events, weddings, live streaming, and birthday celebrations. I was very active during the pandemic, and some of my most memorable experiences were hosting contests, events, and special requests.
What was your profession before you became a VA?
I began working as a collection agent in the BPO industry for roughly two years. That was in 2016-2018. The difficulty of getting from Bulacan to Manila was real. The daily commute is more taxing than the job itself. After I return home, I still have to care for my children. So I chose to go to Japan and work part-time as a dog sitter, caring for 15 dogs. The contract was for three months, and I would generally come home for a month before returning for another three months. This happened several times before the pandemic hit. I'm glad I was in the Philippines when this happened.
I began hosting on a live streaming app in 2020-2022. This job saved me and encouraged me to start my own agency in a live streaming app. When the new normal began in January 2022, the streaming industry collapsed as people resumed their daily lives. This caused income and financial concerns, which led me to IVA PRO in 2022.
How is your IVA PRO Experience?
In 2022, I started working as a virtual assistant for IVA PRO. I began working part-time as a CSR for a Canadian client; however, this was insufficient to solve my financial problems, so I requested if they could find me another position, and they provided me with an additional administrative function in IVA as a recruitment specialist. That completed my full-time 8-hour shift, and I was able to pay all of my financial obligations, including a newly purchased house, as well as support my family. I've always said that finding a decent job is easy, but finding a good boss is difficult. I am still with the Canadian client and have been elevated to full-time. The hours are also now highly flexible. I feel valued and a part of their business. My job comprises answering members' calls and scheduling their appointments. They even hired a second virtual assistant and elevated me to collections. I've been with them for two years and they've always been generous. IVA PRO ensures that if a client drops out, they will not simply let you go, but will find a means for you to find work.
Share with us some of your achievements.
I count these as my achievements:
Provide for my three children.
IVA was the reason I was able to purchase my home.
Financial Stability.
Fully paid for motorcycles and a car.
I was also able to enter my daughter as a virtual assistant.
Able to develop skills and value integrity.
Not judged based on my educational background.
Enhanced communication skills.
Increased self-confidence.
VA became a passion.
More time to watch my children grow.
Do you have any message for IVA PRO?
Thank you, IVA PRO. You opened possibilities for me despite my lack of expertise; they trusted me. I am grateful to be a part of the family. We go through difficult times, and problems happen, but as a family, we always value them. Thank you so much, Boss Darwin, for your trust, listening to my problems, and saving me in my time of need. I treat them with respect and admiration as friends, rather than as bosses. The entire IVA experience had a domino effect on me; it increased my self-confidence while also allowing me to grow and learn more about the industry. Thank you for allowing me to be part of the IVA family.
Any message to future aspiring VA’s?
As someone who began with little experience, my advice to those who are interested in entering this field is to be motivated, passionate, and, most importantly, to love your job. If you are given an opportunity, seize it and do not feel entitled. If you put your heart and soul into what you do, the rest will fall into place. This is for the betterment of your own future. Do not get confused because other companies may have greater offers, hire rates, and direct clients. Not all of them last. I began with low rates but have subsequently raised them to industry standards, and I now have open hours since my clients trust me. Integrity is the core of your job in this industry most of the time. Be thankful and grateful if a company or client places their trust in you.
