“Nicole, Welcome and thank you for sitting down with me, before we begin would you like to introduce yourself and tell us a little bit more about you?“

“Hi, I’m Nicole Watkins, a Taurus, lol. I’ve lived all over the place: D.C., Texas, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Pennsylvania. So, while I sometimes say I’m from Texas, it’s really a mix of cultures and experiences. I’ve been back in the D.C. area for a while now, but my roots are truly global.

I’ve always been a bit of a multi-hyphenate: a theater creative, a virtual assistant, and currently transitioning out of my 9-to-5. As for my family, well, it’s a bit complicated. I’m the oldest, middle, and only child, depending on who you ask. But one thing’s for sure: I’m the one that no one worries about.”

“Let’s talk about that for a moment. As the eldest daughter, what’s it like being the one everyone assumes has it all figured out?”

“Well, it’s a mixed bag. On one hand, it’s nice to know that people believe in me. But sometimes, it can feel like a heavy burden. I often find myself taking on more than I can handle, believing that no one else will do it as well as I can.”

“That’s a common challenge. Have you ever found it difficult to ask for help?”

“Definitely. I’m so used to being independent that it can be hard to rely on others. I often feel like I’m the only one who can truly understand and meet my own needs.”

“It’s important to remember that it’s okay to lean on others. Do you have a support system to help you through tough times?”

“I’m fortunate to have a strong support system of friends, family, and a therapist. They’ve been instrumental in helping me work through these challenges and learn to ask for help when I need it.”

Thank you for expanding on that with me. I’m sure a lot of women and eldest daughters will relate to that sentiment. Now, Let’s Talk Business!

Time to Get Magical: The Business Side of Solstice Sister Studio

From the Stage to the Screen: A Multi-Talented Performer

What would you say was the main motivation behind manifesting Solstice Sister Studios? How did you know that it was time to break away from your non-profit nine to five and into entrepreneurship?

“I needed more freedom to pursue my passions.

Working a nine to five with my theater life is very, very difficult to do.  While I love the work and my team it’s just not sustainable to keep at both. I’ve been working for myself as an actor, so I figured I might as well just do it further.

Recently, I had to juggle a demanding stage role as Hera in the play Cracking Zeus, my full-time job, and my business. It was a lot to handle! To prioritize, I had to temporarily put my business on the back burner. This experience solidified my decision to transition to full-time self-employment.

Being my own boss as a virtual assistant gives me the flexibility and financial freedom I crave. I can balance my acting career and my business without feeling overwhelmed.”

“Which would you say you’re most passionate about, acting or being a virtual assistant?“

“Both. Because I actually really enjoy being an administrator as much as acting. I enjoy creating SOPs. I enjoy calendar management.

I thrive on the administrative tasks involved in event planning, such as coordinating with vendors, creating application processes, and managing participant communications. It’s like my secret superpower, and I genuinely enjoy every step of the process. It’s weird because you wouldn’t necessarily think that with an actor.

Many people assume actors are disorganized and flighty. But the truth is, we often have to be incredibly organized to juggle multiple projects and deadlines. I’ve always enjoyed the administrative side of things, even as a kid. I loved grading papers and keeping track of details.

For me, acting and virtual assisting are surprisingly intertwined. It’s all about performance, whether it’s on stage or behind a screen. As Shakespeare said, ‘All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.’ I see myself as both actor and stage manager, balancing creative expression with practical organization. I love the behind-the-scenes work, from planning and scheduling to problem-solving. It’s a perfect blend of creativity and efficiency.

Most recently I organized a magical event called Persephone’s Pop-Up, a witchy market in Southern Maryland. I was able to leverage my skills as an assistant by taking over the logistical aspects while using my creativity to create a truly memorable event. We did it for fun, and it turned out better than we expected. Unfortunately, we couldn’t repeat it this year due to work commitments, but we plan to bring it back next year.”

“So, tell me, what sets your services apart from other virtual assistant services?“

“I believe in making work fun and engaging. Instead of viewing tasks as a chore, I frame them as exciting quests. For example, I might refer to a to-do list as a ‘character build’ or a challenging project as a ‘dragon to slay.’ I like to refer to my clients as adventurers, meetings are quests to meet a sorcerer, things like that. This playful perspective helps me stay motivated and ensures that I deliver high-quality work.

I’m all about making work fun! I envision sending little ‘loot boxes’ to new clients, filled with goodies like stickers and planners. It’s a small gesture, but it adds a personal touch and makes the onboarding process more exciting. I’m also working on creating customized loot boxes tailored to specific services.

While I offer a range of services, including administrative tasks, social media management, and financial assistance, my true passion lies in administrative work. I love the organizational aspect of my job, from creating efficient systems to streamlining processes. I’m not just a virtual assistant; I’m your personal productivity wizard, turning chaos into order.

I want to create a business that’s fun and inspiring, where we can tackle tasks together, one adventure at a time.”

This sounds amazing! But how much is it going to cost?

Prices are as low as $28/hr to $32/hr. I also have a giveaway coming up in December that offers a Choose Your Own Adventure reward type giveaway – including 15% off your first month of services. For anyone interested, be sure to follow me on Instagram for the official launch coming up in the next few days.

How can people find you and sign up to work with you?

They can email me at solsticesisterassisting@gmail.com or summon a call in my Calendly which they can find on my website. I’ll be sure to respond within 24 hours!

“This is such an amazing concept, blending a bit of magic and fantasy into the work to make it more fun and engaging for all involved. Truly an inspired idea! Thank you, Nicole, for sharing your insights and experiences with me. Your passion for your work is truly inspiring. I wish you continued success in all your endeavors.“

Final Thought:

Nicole’s unique blend of creativity and organization makes her an invaluable asset to any business. Whether she’s crafting a compelling email or planning a complex event, she approaches each task with enthusiasm and a touch of magic.

We hope you enjoyed this interview with the talented Nicole. If you’re inspired to elevate your own productivity and creativity, be sure to follow her on Instagram for more tips, tricks, and magical insights.

Ready to level up your productivity?

Connect with Nicole on Instagram @solsticesisterstudio to learn more about her services and how she can help you turn your to-do list into a thrilling adventure.

Do you have any other questions about Nicole’s work or virtual assistance in general? Let us know in the comments below.