Jo Sealy of the Waltham Forest Business Network speaks to Cherrelle Stewart-White, who turned her assistant career into a thriving virtual business during the pandemic

Starting a business in the middle of a pandemic might seem off-putting, but it proved to be a smart move for a Chingford- based executive assistant.

In September 2020, Cherrelle Stewart-White set up her virtual assistant company, CSW VA. The business provides executive professional support to entrepreneurs, CEOs and business owners aiming to make their working lives easier, balanced and better organised.

“The time during lockdown gave me time to think about what I really want to do with my life,” Cherelle says. “I’ve spent the last 10 years working with demanding City business leaders but I have always had a desire to work for myself, doing something that uses my passion for helping others organise themselves. I thought: ‘if not now, when?’ And with that the business was born.”

In a world where business owners have had to adapt to a new environment, virtual ways of working have never been more essential. In response to this, CSW VA offers support packages to suit a range of requirements covering everything from admin and business support to travel support, data support and research.

Cherrelle thrives on helping others to run their businesses – and is quickly building a reputation for quality and efficiency. CSW VA was recently featured in a double-page spread in Women Of The City magazine, raising her profile with her target clientele and giving her a personal confidence boost. “That article was an amazing piece of publicity!” she shares. “That, combined with the pandemic means that the company’s services are in demand now more than ever.”

Cherrelle is now working to establish a team of virtual assistants that become a business owner’s ‘secret weapon’, knowing that whatever the task is, it will be done.

“I’m a bit of a perfectionist and absolutely love being my own boss and working on my own terms. If you’re thinking about starting up go for it and don’t give up. It is hard, but persevere. Get yourself a mentor or someone more experienced who can help guide you and networking is key!”

For more info, visit CSW VA’s official website

If you run or know of a great small business in Waltham Forest, email [email protected] or visit Waltham Forest Business

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