Why a Drysdale mum left her corporate job to build a business empire

A Drysdale mum has detailed the ‘leap of faith’ that saw her leave the corporate world to establish a virtual assistant business.

04-07-2023 Jessami Kingsley at home with kids Paddy and Eden Lily in Drysdale has been nominated for a AusMumprenuer Award. Picture: Brad Fleet

A Drysdale mum who left her corporate job to build her own business is up for a top award.

Jessami Kingsley, who runs a virtual assistant business, has been short-listed for the 2023 Ausmumpreneur awards.

The Geelong entrepreneur began her journey three years ago at the peak of Covid, and now employs people across the region and into Gippsland helping businesses with their administration needs.

“After having my two children, I just realised the corporate world didn’t align with my aspirations anymore,” she said.

“I decided to take a leap of faith and set up my virtual assistant business. At first it was slow, during the height of Covid with two kids at home.”

But Ms Kingsley said things soon picked up, with businesses across the region coming to her team for help.

04-07-2023 Jessami Kingsley at home with kids Paddy and Eden Lily in Drysdale has been nominated for a AusMumprenuer Award. Picture: Brad Fleet

“I’m incredibly grateful to be nominated for the Ausmumpreneur awards,” she said.

The awards – presented by the Women’s Business School – celebrate Australian mums and their successes in areas like product development, business excellence, innovation and customer service.

“I love running a business that empowers me and gives me the flexibility to be present for my family,” she said.

“My daughter was starting school, and I wanted to be there for the drop offs in the morning, sports carnivals and everything in between.”

Originally published as Why a Drysdale mum left her corporate job to build a business empire