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Julienne DesJardins works with solopreneurs who are ready for major growth in their businesses. As a virtual assistant, she helps her clients design systems that allow them to turn their attention away from the small details and back to the big picture. Her “no project too small” philosophy means you’ll find packages that are customizable to fit your business & budget. Visit her website or connect with her on Twitter and Instagram.  

Julienne is our Boss Mom of the Week because she realized that her hobby was more than just a hobby. She jumped in head first on her way to entrepreneurship.

Tell us a little bit about you and your journey to becoming a Boss Mom.

My background is in nonprofit management. A few years ago, I switched to a new position at another organization and my tasks involved less communications work than I was doing before. I missed those things – tasks like newsletter creation and social media management. I decided to start VA work on the side, as a way to keep doing what I loved. It was more like a hobby that gave me some extra cash. (Win-win!)

In less than a year, I had more demand than I could handle so I decided to leap to full-time self-employment. Shortly thereafter, we learned that our son was on the way. Now I’m blessed with the opportunity to make my schedule; work with clients I love and believe in; and spend everyday with my son. It’s like a dream. (A really difficult, tiring dream. But still – amazing!)

What is one quick go to meal you make for your family?

Some days it feels like our slow cooker is what keeps us fed! One of our staples is a 4-bean chili with just a few ingredients that takes only a few minutes to prep. (Then the slow cooker does the rest!)

Tell us your favorite blog to read, podcast to listen to, or Instagram account to follow and why you love them so much!

I’m a huge fan of podcasts. I love being able to consume the info hands-free, while driving or cooking. As for what shows, I love most news and info podcasts. I’m definitely on the Serial bandwagon, like most of America! But I also like This American Life, The Dave Ramsey Show, and Planet Money.

What are you reading?

Sara, my friend, and fellow online biz builder, recently gave me a copy of Quiet by Susan Cain. I’m about halfway through, and really enjoying the approach she’s taking to what introverts can bring to a business setting. She makes the case that introverts can be more innovative because creativity requires a degree of solitude. I’m introverted, so I’ve been reading and thinking about how this applies to running my business.

What is one thing you love doing that is really just for you?

Oh gosh, I’m pretty simple. A few minutes for a quiet bath works wonders for me. Or a bowl of popcorn and quickly watching an episode of one of my favorite shows on Netflix, like Parks & Rec or Gilmore girls. Just a few minutes alone, with no talking or answering emails, refreshes me a ton.

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Connect with Julienne on her website social media sites.

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