From Manila to Sydney | Yona Signo's Journey to Empowering MOMS in Business
Written By Jennifer Redondo
With the help of technology, we are able to work with people across the globe. There are more opportunities for us to obtain help, while creating jobs for those we would not have been able to prior to technology. Have you ever heard of a virtual assistant? If not, a virtual assistant is an independent contractor that provides remote services to clients. Virtual assistants can help with a plethora of services ranging from calendar management, research, digital marketing, customer support, and more.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Yona Signo, the co-founder and CEO of Kaya Services, a Sydney-based outsourced services consultancy and virtual assistant service provider, serving businesses in Australia and beyond. Yona connects with business owners who strive for efficiency, profit, success and ultimately a life of fulfilling experiences and contributions to the world.
As the CEO of Kaya Services, one of Yona’s missions is to help mothers work from home, by matching their virtual assistant and project management skills to small to medium-sized enterprises who are looking to scale their businesses within 1 to 3 years. In addition to Kaya Services, Yona also serves as the Director of Vision Outsourcing and Empowered Virtual Services. To learn more about Yona, read on.
1. Tell us about yourself and your background, Yona:
Born in the Philippines and raised in Australia, I am a multi-passionate business owner, wife to an encouraging husband, a mum to two wonderful children who are growing up so fast, and a daughter to supportive parents. I am a Manifesting Generator 3/5 in Human Design. My background includes qualifications and experience in information technology, project management and service management, particularly in the education sector. My passion for empowering people who are equally as passionate at empowering others brought me on the path to establish Kaya Services (as well as Vision Outsourcing with a business partner), where I lead a skilled remote workforce in the Philippines, helping businesses in Australia and beyond achieve operational efficiency and growth. I feel blessed that I am able to bring the two countries I hold close to my heart together, allowing me to make a local and global impact, while showing strength in cultural diversity. I’m an AusMumpreneur 2021 Gold Award Winner for Multicultural Business Excellence and a Top 100 Most Influential Filipino Women on LinkedIn, and I have recently been nominated for the Women Change the World Awards 2024 - proudly representing the Philippines and Australia on a global stage. I am a published author (Back Yourself, The Women Changing The World, and Manifest Stories Volume 1), course creator (Virtual Assistant Basics) and business strategist with a particular interest in supporting mums in business. I pride myself on living life with integrity, love and laughter, while experiencing the world through travel.
2. How/why did you get into the Virtual Assistant industry?
It all began when my firstborn was turning one years old and I was deciding what career I should pursue so that I can continue to be with my little one. So the decision was whether I should go back to the corporate world or should I start something of my own, leveraging my skills, work experience and qualification. My supportive husband and I did our research and stumbled upon the virtual assistant (VA) world. One thing led to another and landed my first two clients quite quickly, so there I was a virtual assistant for an entrepreneur and an executive. As things progressed, it occurred to me that if I wanted to help more businesses as well as business owners, I need an amazing team to do so. Being a Filipino by descent, I knew that a lot of talent who are proficient in English can be found in the Philippines. This was the start of Team Kaya.
3. What are some of the obstacles that you experienced in your career? How did you overcome it?
One of the first obstacles that I experienced was recognising that I was getting quite busy with my existing clients (both slowly adding more tasks and projects) whilst receiving enquiries from potential clients. It was now affecting my commitments to my daughter and family, which was the primary reason why I started my VA business so it was slowly starting to not feel right. I spoke to my husband and parents, who I fondly call “the board” to discuss my concerns and after our open discussion, I put together a plan on how things would be moving forward, like my schedule, team, etc.. which my clients supported. I basically set boundaries, asked for help and put the wheels in motion to grow my team. “The board” and I set off on my first business trip to the Philippines to interview and hire our first Team Kaya member.
4. In moments of self-doubt, what do you do to build yourself back up?
I remind myself why I started my businesses in the first place, including my values, and where I am at present. In the book Back Yourself, I referred to my why and everything that goes along with it as my guiding compass. This helps to keep me focused on what’s important and to appreciate the journey I’ve been on to get to where I am, including the messy middle. I also reflect on all the things that I am grateful for, reminding myself of my achievements and beautiful blessings in life, both professionally and personally. This gives me fuel to keep the fire burning towards my goals and aspirations.
5. What advice would you give to someone interested in the virtual assistant industry?
Go for it! As Simon Sinek says, start with your why. Be sure you are clear as to why you want to pursue the VA industry, list down what you are at and obtain support for the areas you need help with, stay organised, get your systems and processes in place, and surround yourself with a community of empowered people who will not only celebrate your wins but also share lessons. And if and when the time comes and you need to grow your team, be sure you grow your team with individuals that are aligned with you and your business.
6. Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently? If anything? (Either or both professionally or personally)
I won’t sweat the small stuff, both professionally and personally; and not worry about things that are out of my control.
7. What is one of the biggest lessons you’ve learned so far?
Try things out and if it doesn’t work, learn and move on. Focus on progress over perfection. And be sure to apply what you learn. There is greater power when you apply your knowledge.
8. What does it mean to be Filipino to you?
To me, being Filipino means having a colourful life filled with love and laughter (with a bit of drama. lol), with your 5 senses constantly activated - seeing the world with the lens of faith and gratitude, hearing the sounds of music and chatter, tasting and smelling the delicious flavours, and feeling the embrace of your family and friends, when you greet them hello and say your longest goodbye.
9. What are you currently working on?
I am continuously improving my businesses, whether it's in the processes and systems, as well as constantly learning new skills, I’m currently getting certified to be a Human Design Reader. I am also working on new affirmation-related products for my children’s brand ‘xox SAS’. Preparing to be a part of another book anthology. I did say I’m a multi-passionate entrepreneur ;)
10. How can people reach you?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yonasigno
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/yonasigno/
Website: https://yonasigno.com/
Written by Jennifer Redondo
Co-Founder and Co-Author of In Her Purpose
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