One of the amazing things about Twitter is that it connects me with extraordinary people doing real things. Earlier this year, I came in contact with Paula from My Personal Valet in Dallas, Texas. My Personal Valet is a full service concierge company that helps assist clients all over the globe. Business Women’s Spotlight is an ongoing series which showcases women who are sharing their own entrepreneurial spirit with the world, and Paula and My Personal Valet fits into that very realm.
Get to know My Personal Valet!
Exactly what is My Personal Valet?
My Personal Valet is a time and life management company. We provide personal assistant and concierge services. We help busy people manage their hectic, full lives.
How did you get started?
I was listening to NPR and heard a story about a company in D.C. that provided these services. This was June 2007. I did some research and basically from June through September, wrote a business plan, sold my home, quit my job and started My Personal Valet. When I started in October, I had 2 clients and it has grown from there.
What types of services do you offer?
We will do anything (if it’s legal) or find someone who will. The basic services we provide are grocery shopping, running errands, gift buying, paying bills, small event planning. We really do some of everything. We help families move, research which appliance to buy, schedule and wait for home maintenance companies and on and on and on…
What would you say was the hardest roadblock you had to overcome to start your business?
I really didn’t have major roadblocks to start. The whole credit issue has been frustrating. My credit limits were cut in half even though I paid my cards on time and in full every month. I have to work around that.
What is the most fun aspect of your job?
Having something different to do everyday and having the nicest clients in Dallas/Ft Worth
What was the inspiration behind your business?
Wanting to help others
What would be some advice that you would give to someone just starting a business?
Be patient. A successful company normally doesn’t happen overnight
Name one thing that motivates you.
I am basically a giving person so I want to help others. I want to provide jobs and help other business owners.
If someone wanted to get in contact with you regarding your business services, how do they contact you?
I would encourage them to visit our website, www.mpvalet.com and then call or email.
Thank you so much for being a part of this series, Paula!
If you would like to be a part of the Business Women’s Spotlight Series on TCC, please send me an email at mail@thecubiclechick.com
Sweet! Gotta get me one of these. Does it count if you train girlfriends to do these sorts of things?
What is an average cost for this? Is it by the hour?
Cool blog.
Hmm, not sure if it counts but having a personal assistant would be awesome!
Lifestyle management became a trend and good business because of busy people that can’t handle so much load in their life. Lifestyle managers keep things in order.