Bethan Jeentipraphet on Building a Premium VA Agency from Scratch — Without a Degree or Funding

In the Morning Lazziness series, which focuses on empowering women who have made a significant impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Bethan Jeentipraphet.

Bethan Jeentipraphet is the co-founder and primary virtual assistant at TVAC – The Virtual Assistant Company, a multinational agency that offers high-quality virtual support to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and growing teams worldwide.

Despite lacking formal business training or a university degree, Bethan built TVAC from the ground up with high standards, self-taught expertise, and a no-nonsense approach to the business world. Today, she leads a diverse team of top-performing VAs, helping them streamline hundreds of clients, enhance their brands, and build sustainable businesses.

Known for her commitment to quality, dedication to getting things right the first time, and her mission to elevate the standards of the virtual assistant industry, Bethan recently launched the TVAC Portal – a cutting-edge platform that provides a seamless experience for both clients and VAs.

Balancing her time between the UK and Thailand, Bethan has created a life and company focused on freedom, flexibility, and purpose. Through TVAC and her personal brand, she empowers others to take their businesses seriously, implement effective systems, and cultivate the mindset needed for long-term success.

Bethan believes that entrepreneurship is about maintaining high standards, supporting oneself fully, and working with integrity, rather than striving for perfection.

In our candid conversation, Bethan shares her journey, insights, and the strategies that have helped her build a results-driven company and empower other entrepreneurs to do the same.

What inspired you to venture into entrepreneurship, and how have your personal experiences shaped the idea behind your current company?

I never set out to be an entrepreneur; it was something I stumbled into. With no formal business background or degree, I realized my desire for freedom and a work-life balance could be achieved through the virtual assistant industry. Thus, TVAC was born.

What core problem does your company solve, especially for women or disadvantaged communities, and how does your approach set you apart in today’s competitive landscape?

TVAC addresses two key challenges – providing business owners with reliable external support and creating meaningful work opportunities, particularly for women seeking flexibility and autonomy. Our unique approach involves a client and VA portal that streamlines the entire process, setting new standards for outsourcing.

What were some of the most significant obstacles you faced early in your journey as a female entrepreneur, and how did you navigate through them?

One of the biggest challenges was overcoming the skepticism of others and believing in my vision despite lacking traditional credentials or support. Surrounding myself with believers, ignoring naysayers, and staying true to myself helped me push through.

When faced with difficulties, what keeps you grounded and motivated to keep moving forward?

The fear of going back to where I started drives me to keep pushing forward. Additionally, the impact I can make on others’ lives through my work and the mission we’ve built together serves as a source of motivation.

What daily habits or routines help you stay focused, creative, and balanced as a founder?

As a self-proclaimed workaholic, finding balance is a constant struggle. I make it a point to take Fridays off from client work to focus on strategic growth and innovation. Taking breaks to seek inspiration outside the office and starting my day with coffee and a workout are non-negotiable routines.

What has been the most effective growth strategy for acquiring new customers or expanding your customer base?

Word of mouth referrals have been our most effective growth strategy. By delivering on our promises and maintaining high standards, we’ve built a reputation that speaks for itself. Additionally, establishing myself as an expert in outsourcing and business growth on social media has attracted pre-qualified clients who trust us from the start.

Which branding or marketing decision has had the most significant impact on elevating your company and building trust with your audience?

The launch of the TVAC Portal has been a game-changer for us. It not only serves as a tool but also reflects our commitment to professionalism and excellence. By aligning our branding with our values and presenting ourselves as a premium service provider, we’ve gained trust and clarity in the market.

How do you define personal success, both as a business owner and as a woman leading a purposeful life?

For me, success is synonymous with freedom – the freedom to choose how and where I work, make a difference in others’ lives, and pursue work that truly matters. If I can earn a living, impact lives positively, and feel fulfilled in the process, that is success to me.

Can you share a mistake or lesson learned that continues to influence your decisions today?

Waiting too long to delegate was a significant mistake I made. I thought I had to do everything myself to save money and maintain control, but it only hindered our growth. Once I learned to trust and empower my team, the company flourished, teaching me the importance of letting go of control.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting out, especially first-time entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about their next steps?

I believe in wholehearted commitment to your business. Treat it seriously from day one, maintaining high standards and dedicating yourself fully. Entrepreneurship requires resilience, focus, and a growth mindset, all of which can be cultivated. If you treat your business as a side project, you’ll likely see results that reflect that level of commitment.

How do you approach risk and innovation, especially when venturing into male-dominated or rapidly changing industries?

I trust my instincts and back myself, even when the path ahead is unclear. I focus on real needs rather than following trends, as exemplified by our creation of the TVAC Portal. Embracing being underestimated fuels my drive to disrupt norms and continue innovating in a male-dominated or evolving industry.

If you lead a team, how do you foster a culture of trust, inclusivity, collaboration, and growth?

Transparency and respect are at the core of my leadership style. I ensure my team understands the bigger picture and how their contributions impact the company. By giving them autonomy, celebrating wins, discussing challenges openly, and investing in their personal and professional growth, I strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

What mindset shifts or personal practices have helped you overcome self-doubt and build confidence as a female entrepreneur?

Five key mentality shifts that have helped me overcome self-doubt and grow my confidence as an entrepreneur are:

If you could spark a global movement through your work, what would it be, and why is that mission meaningful to you?

I would ignite a movement for Freedom through flexible work, benefiting women, parents, neurodivergent individuals, and anyone who thrives outside of rigid systems. I aim to show that success doesn’t have to follow traditional paths; you can build a successful business on your terms and live a life that aligns with your values.

What quote, philosophy, or guiding principle shapes how you lead, create, and live each day?

"Work doesn’t have to be done at a specific time – it just needs to be done by the deadline." This principle guides my approach, emphasizing results and excellence over mere hours worked.

Where can readers connect with you, explore your work, or follow your entrepreneurial journey online?

You can find me on my website, Instagram, or LinkedIn.