Spotlight on: Bethan Jenkins
Meet Bethan Jenkins – the founder of Virtually Bee and a passionate entrepreneur on a mission to help smaller businesses. The following is an exclusive interview with her, where she talked about starting a business, and the amount of joy entrepreneurship brings to her. If you like the content, please let us know by leaving a comment below!
Please tell us a bit about who you are and what you do.
My name is Bethan Jenkins and I am the founder of Virtually Bee. Virtually Bee helps mission-led entrepreneurs develop efficiencies to allow space for innovation and growth. What started out as a virtual assistant service has now become a suite of flexible business support and workflow overhaul packages. I work with small businesses to develop future-proof processes and systems, freeing up more time to focus on and develop their business.
How and when did you get started?
It all started during a 10-month trip to New Zealand, when I began offering administrative support to entrepreneurs via an online platform. The flexibility suited me perfectly, allowing me to make an extra income that supplemented my travel budget! On my return to Wales, I enrolled on the Prince’s Trust Enterprise program and launched my business in October 2020.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced so far?
I would say that the biggest challenge to date is moving away from a corporate role where you have a team around you and always someone to turn to for advice. Being your own boss means you have to make every single decision yourself. I would also say managing your own time and only being accountable to yourself is a big transition to make.
What has been your most satisfying moment so far?
Honestly, getting to work with so many inspiring entrepreneurs is incredible, and it’s such a privilege to be a part of their journey. In terms of a particular moment, I’d have to say when I gave up my part-time job – that was the point when I realised how far I have come and what I have built!
Would you recommend freelancing to others?
Absolutely, without a doubt! It sometimes pushes you out of your comfort zone and challenges you but it is so rewarding. Before I started, my view was ‘let’s just give it a go and see where it leads’ – honestly, I wish I had started sooner. I have been privileged enough to work at some fantastic organisations throughout my career, but becoming your own boss is so exciting and freeing.
What was your motivation to become a freelancer?
Although I’ve been fortunate enough to work at some fantastic charitable organisations over the years – from Comic Relief to Wales Millennium Centre – I’ve always had a feeling that I had something more to give; something that I could create and grow. After my trip to New Zealand, I decided it was the perfect time to stop wondering ‘what if?’ and finally give it a go.
What drives you, what motivates you?
My main driver is helping people who want to make a difference, develop and grow. There are some incredible business owners out there that just need a little bit of support to allow them to reach their full potential. I also have a passion for travel, so becoming a freelancer and having a virtual business means I can work from anywhere in the world.
To find out more…
Get in touch with Bethan through Virtually Bee’s website.
And if you want to read more about other successful entrepreneurs and freelancers, go to the ‘Spotlight on’ section of Revolancer’s magazine!
Freelance marketplace: Revolancer