BOSS WOMAN 172 | COUNTRY TO COAST EA

A CHARDONNAY WITH CARLY FROM COUNTRY TO COAST EA

What is your drink of choice?

During business hours, a strong cuppa but after hours, a crisp glass of Chardonnay.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a born and bred Canberran but I took the plunge a few years ago and made a tree change to a farm in Yass, NSW. When you marry a horse-loving cowboy, you can only keep him in the city for so long! I have a lovely 5yo son who is my prized treasure. We spend our weekends on the farm, spending time with friends or jumping in our horse truck and enjoying a night in the bush….and of course, working, because #smallbusineslife. I spent over 10 years as a senior EA and Executive Officer in Canberra, in the government, private and diplomatic sectors.

Tell us about Country to Coast EA and how it came to be?

Country to Coast EA is a one-stop shop for premium virtual administrative and bookkeeping support. After supporting senior executives and VIPs in Canberra, I wanted to offer my experience to not just big and small business owners, but to corporate executives who were looking for an experienced pair of hands without the overheads. I launched in the midst of Covid while still working fulltime, and I was lucky enough to start building my client base within a few weeks of launching. I now support clients all over Australia (from the country to the coast!) in a variety of industries – retail, the arts, publishing, meat processing, gut health, design….the list goes on! I am passionate about the role of the EA – not just working in it, but also mentoring EAs and VAs who are looking to boost or start their careers and helping organisations recruit the right EA for them. I have recently expanded my business to include book keeping and will soon also offer design services. I am lucky enough to have a wonderful team who support me and our clients virtually.

@countrytocoast_ea

How can we support Country to Coast EA?

Of course, following @countrytocoast_ea on Instagram and sharing our content. Also championing my business as the place for premium virtual admin & book keeping support. Know someone who is tired of chasing their tail with business admin? I have packages from 10 hours per month, plus I also offer business streamlining and admin coaching for business owners who don’t need ongoing support but do need advice. Or perhaps you know an EA who is ready to boost their career in Canberra, and needs someone to provide some guidance. Country to Coast EA is a one-stop shop.

Any advice for those who are thinking about turning their dreams into a reality?

When I was ready to take the plunge, people were shocked I was leaving a secure government role. My reply “the government isn’t going to disappear. I can always get a job if it doesn’t work out”. I love to work…and work…so I didn’t want my earning capacity to be limited by my organisation and annual performance appraisals. Sometimes you can be a tall poppy, create new opportunities for yourself, and bust through the glass ceiling. Start with a side hustle to see if there’s appetite, and if there is, make hay while the sun shines!