You can learn a lot from people who are doing what you want to do. That’s why I created the Behind the Scenes of a Virtual Assistant Business series. I hope these interviews inspire you to create your own successful VA business!

Today I’m interviewing Diana Rodriguez of Crystal Clear Pins.

Diana has been a member of my membership program, the Introvert VA Club, for several years. I’ve had the pleasure of watching her journey from brand-new virtual assistant to confident Pinterest expert. What impresses me most about Diana is her tenacity—she’s always learning, evolving, and finding new ways to grow, which is exactly what it takes to succeed in business.

Keep reading to discover more about her inspiring VA journey and the creative ways she’s building connections and relationships.

This article may contain affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through the link, I get a small percentage at no additional charge to you. See my disclosure for more info.

 

MY INTERVIEW WITH Diana Rodriguez of Crystal Clear Pins

Why did you decide to become a VA?

I started my VA journey a little after the 2020 pandemic happened. I decided I wanted to add another stream of income by leveraging the skills I had from my day job and doing something a little more creative. So, when I was scrolling on Pinterest searching for side hustle ideas, I came across 2 different courses, 1 about becoming a Pinterest VA and another on how to become a General VA.

After so much research and hesitations, I decided to finally put myself out there in 2024, by pitching to content creators and bloggers, emphasizing in my Pinterest management services first. 

 

What type of services do you offer clients?

Currently, I offer Pinterest management services along with select virtual assistant support, including calendar and email management, data entry, and social media content creation. At the moment, my primary focus is on Pinterest VA work, as that’s where most of my client demand and energy are concentrated.

For Pinterest management, my primary focus is creating pin designs using Canva, writing compelling titles and descriptions, and creating pin boards with board covers. I consistently publish fresh pins on a daily basis to maintain visibility and engagement. Additionally, I conduct targeted keyword research tailored to each client’s niche, optimize their profile, and transition personal accounts into fully functional business accounts.

 

What type of clients do you work with?

I work with clients across a range of industries, though most of my work is rooted in the creative space, such as supporting photographers, web designers, bloggers, and content creators. Currently, I’m also working with an SEO Specialist who runs a blog, which has been a great opportunity to expand into the more technical side of digital content. 

 

How did you find your first clients?

I found my first client in one of the Facebook groups that I’m part of. I just kept promoting my business and posting about the benefits of having a Pinterest biz account, until finally someone reached out to me saying she was interested in collaborating!

 

Do you do any networking or relationship-building events?

Yes, I do! I try to go to networking events that are either nearby or virtual, anything that makes it easier to fit into my schedule. I especially love ones geared toward Women in Business or Moms in Business, those are totally my favorite to attend. Since my business primarily targets women, and Pinterest is such a powerful platform for women in e-commerce, creative fields, and consulting, attending these events is a great way for me to connect with like-minded professionals and build meaningful relationships within my niche.

I had the opportunity to attend a powerful business conference called “She’s Made for More” in Orange County, and it left a lasting impression on me. The host and speakers were incredibly inspiring, sharing valuable insights and practical advice on how to elevate ourselves both personally and professionally. It was a day filled with motivation, growth, and connection, truly an unforgettable experience that fueled my drive to thrive in business.

 

I’d love to hear more about how you find these networking events, especially the mom groups.

I often explore Facebook groups; there are tons out there, like Mamapreneurs of LA, Women of the OC, and Moms in Business. I also have a few close friends who are fellow moms running their own growing businesses. One of them shares upcoming networking events that are local in my area, where moms gather, often with their kids or dogs. It’s a great way to connect, socialize, and network with other entrepreneurial moms.

One in particular is called Moms on Maternity Luncheon for New and Expecting Parents. It features engaging discussions on a range of parenting topics led by expert guest speakers, along with sponsored booth tables from local businesses. It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn, connect, and network with other parents in a supportive and informative setting.

 

How did you prepare to become a VA? Did you take any courses, read any books, use skills from another job, etc?

I graduated with a degree in Communications Studies, and took a couple of PR and marketing classes, so I got some exposure in this area and working with clients and brands in college, but when it came to the real thing in becoming a Virtual Assistant as my actual own business… the preparation was a lot!! 

I watched a lot of YouTubers about it, Instagram VA influencers, and took a couple of courses, read more blogs about it, and downloaded guides of what being a VA was like and the services I can offer. That’s how I came across the Introvert VA club! 

 

 

What’s your favorite thing about being a VA?

One of the things I love most about being a virtual assistant is working with incredible women from different niches and backgrounds. Hearing their stories and learning how each of them began their freelance journey is both inspiring and empowering. Every path is unique, and that’s what makes it so special.

 

What do you struggle with as a VA?

For sure, I am struggling with promoting my business and services across social media. I’ve also launched a blog where I share personal stories and insights about my entrepreneurial journey, while creating content designed to rank well on both Pinterest and Google.

 

What tools or programs could you not live without?

I can’t live without Google docs, Google spreadsheets, Canva, Trello, and Grammarly. I’m getting the hang of MailerLite right now, figuring it out as I go for my newsletter setup! And I know a little bit of how to use WordPress, thanks to my web developer. There are a few more to mention, like ZOOM for client calls and meetings, but I’ll leave it at that. 

 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, I like to do some yoga and POP Pilates in my room, spend time with my family, have playtime with my crazy little boy, or walk around in the park with my dog. 

 

What’s your advice for someone who wants to be a VA?

My advice is, after you’ve done all the preparation and groundwork, and if this is something you really see yourself doing, just go for it! There’s never a “perfect time” to start. Once you begin to explore opportunities, reach out for that first client, and you’ll naturally begin building your community and network along the way. The momentum will follow once you get started.

 

Where can we find you (website, social media)?

You can stay connected with my creative journey on Instagram @CrystalClearPinsVA, and don’t forget to visit CrystalClearPins.com for exclusive content, behind-the-scenes insights, and to join my newsletter community!

 

Thank you, Diana, for sharing your VA journey with us! Very inspiring!

Ready to start your Virtual Assistant business? The Introvert VA Club gives you access to the Passion to Profit Plan, tech trainings, templates, and ongoing support to help you grow with confidence.

 

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