I was raised in a household where I was taught to never stop pushing myself, to keep on searching for the next stage of success and to never give up, even when things became so hard, I didn’t know how to overcome them. Sounds like my parents were pushy right? The opposite actually; more supportive than demanding and never imposing anything on me other than how to develop an understanding of what made me happy and how to follow that happiness.
I remember sitting at my desk in 2016, in what would be my last role as an EA after a ten-year long career and wondering if my life would always be dedicated to helping others. I had been thinking of creating my own online space for a while after working around the clock supporting one of the first fashion bloggers to appear in Vogue, Ella Catliff. Our time spent together was the catalyst to an idea that had been brewing for years. I was no longer satisfied with being an EA and although I loved my position and had an abundance of amazing, fond and beautiful memories, I knew that I wanted to create my own business focusing on what I was most inspired by – personal connections, creativity and a passion for the support industry. And so, The Assistant Room was born.
In 2016 I officially hung up my hat and embarked on a journey that has taught me more than I ever could have imagined. Starting a business is hard and I did myself no favours. I left my old role with no savings and absolutely no idea about long term goals other than creating a platform that I wish I had received access to when I was an EA. A lifestyle platform that everyone within the industry could relate to regardless of your sector or what stage of your career you were in, to focus not only on your professional success but your personal wellbeing too.
In 2017 the framework of our membership was created, a view of how the business was to develop was carved out and the priority was set to build a brand that was not only able to engage but sustain a loyal following around the world. In the past 3.5 years, I am extremely proud to say that that has become a reality and The Assistant Room has provided support and guidance across our blog, podcast and events to over twenty thousand professionals in over 25 countries. We have an incredible set of Ambassadors who represent the true nature of this industry and the diversity that our global community has to offer, and we continue to grow and develop in ways I never thought even possible back in 2016.
In July 2020 after 18 months of commercial negotiations, round table discussions, over 50 design and planning meetings we launched the next phase of The Assistant Room – our private membership. From an idea dating back to 2017, to see such an extensive project come together in spite of COVID-19 and a devastating and unexpected breakup (something I am finding exceptionally hard to come to terms with and still wishing was not a reality) my faith was restored in knowing that whatever you put your mind to, with the right people behind you, you can achieve anything.
It was important for me when creating The Assistant Room Membership to combine the importance and value of a strong and united community that all assistants need to get through the good and bad times with a treasure trove of brand discounts and perks and online workshops and talks delivered by business psychologists, specialists and other notable faces. Becoming a member opens the door to an engaging space to elevate the belief you have in yourself, to alter your mindset and embrace your inner power and strength and to welcome infinite possibilities into your life without fear or hesitation.
Our design team have worked tirelessly to create a bespoke collection of digital resources and our members forum provides you with the ability to connect with assistants around the world, celebrating each others successes and helping each other conquer goals one step at a time.
It has been such an incredible journey so far, looking back at where we started and where we are now fills me with an incredible amount of joy and happiness. The Assistant Room exists to provide a safe and inspirational space to upskill, establish and help assistants invest in their future and I cannot wait to see where we go from here.
If you’re new to us, it would be incredible for you to stay as we grow and develop and for those of you who are still here 4 years later, thank you for being part of our journey.
Jess x