Award-Winning Entrepreneur Sara Ilton Transforms Pandemic Setback into Virtual Assistant Empire
Sunshine Coast, Australia, 19th Mar 2025 – When COVID-19 forced companies worldwide to downsize, Sara Ilton, then 28 weeks pregnant, found herself suddenly redundant from her corporate PA position. Rather than despair, Ilton launched her own virtual assistant business the same day—a decision that would transform her career trajectory and impact dozens of aspiring entrepreneurs.
Assist by Sara, Ilton’s company, achieved full booking within just four weeks of its launch, demonstrating both exceptional market timing and Ilton’s ability to position her administrative expertise effectively amid pandemic workplace disruptions.
“I decided to start my own VA business the same day I was made redundant,” said Ilton, who was recently nominated for the “Woman Changing the World Global Awards” and earned runner-up honors at the 2024 Ausmumpreneur Awards.
Her company now operates with dual purpose: providing high-level personal assistant services to six and seven-figure business owners while coaching other women to establish their own virtual assistant businesses.
“It changed my life and allowed flexibility for myself and my family, so I want to help encourage others to do the same,” Ilton explained.
This business model responds to significant market demands emerging since 2020. As remote work became normalised, demand for skilled virtual assistants has grown steadily, creating opportunities for professionals with administrative expertise to establish independent practices.
Ilton’s coaching program specifically targets women seeking greater work-life balance while leveraging existing skills. Unlike many successful virtual assistants who guard their business development strategies, Ilton has built a substantial portion of her business around sharing her expertise.
The approach has earned her speaking engagements at industry events and guest appearances on business podcasts, establishing her as an emerging thought leader in the virtual assistant space.
Industry analysts note that specialised virtual assistant services commanding premium rates have seen particularly strong growth since 2020, with businesses increasingly willing to invest in remote administrative talent. By teaching aspiring VAs to identify profitable niches and position for higher-end clients, Ilton helps newcomers avoid competing solely on price.
“The potential for career development in this field is enormous,” Ilton noted during a recent speaking engagement. “Today’s virtual assistants are often business strategists and specialised experts who happen to work remotely.”
Her rapid success story counters common misconceptions about virtual assistance as merely entry-level “gig work.” Instead, Ilton demonstrates how administrative professionals can build sustainable businesses serving premium clients.
The recognition from the Ausmumpreneur Awards and her nomination for the “Woman Changing the World Global Awards” validate her approach and highlight her community impact in creating economic opportunities for women seeking professional fulfillment alongside family commitments.
Looking ahead, Ilton sees continued opportunity in the evolution of remote work. While many businesses have returned to office settings, demand for skilled virtual support continues growing as more entrepreneurs recognise the efficiency of working with specialised remote talent.
Her Instagram presence now showcases both client success stories and the achievements of her coaching students, creating visual testimony to her business model’s ripple effects.
“Success for me isn’t measured by how many people I employ, but by how many women I can help establish their own independent businesses,” she said.
As pandemic-era workplace disruptions transition into more permanent structural changes, Ilton’s story exemplifies how crisis-driven adaptation can lead to meaningful entrepreneurial innovation and community impact.
Those interested in high-level virtual assistance or launching their own VA business can find Sara Ilton on Instagram or by visiting her website.
Media Contact
Organization: Assist By Sara
Contact Person: Sara Ilton
Website: https://www.assistbysara.com/
Email: Send Email
City: Sunshine Coast
Country: Australia
Release Id: 19032525076