Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamala Close.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a proud Texas native and a Speech-Language Pathologist by training. A few years ago, I started a Facebook community called SLP Private Practice in Color, designed specifically to support allied health professionals—especially women and clinicians of color—who were interested in launching and scaling their private practices. What started as a space for sharing resources and mentorship quickly became something more powerful: a movement rooted in advocacy, equity, and economic empowerment.
As I built my own private practice, I realized that many of us—particularly Black and Brown entrepreneurs—weren’t lacking talent or ambition. What we were often missing was access: access to capital, strategic support, and the kind of networks that help a business not just survive, but thrive.
That’s when I was introduced to the concept of virtual assistants by one of my private practice mentors, and it truly changed the game for me. Delegating to VAs allowed me to shift out of survival mode and step fully into the visionary role my business needed. It became clear that outsourcing isn’t just a luxury—it’s a strategic necessity. One of my favorite leadership mentors once told me, “Only you can grow the business, and that requires stepping away from the day-to-day.”
From that mindset, I founded a virtual assistant agency, C&S Virtual Staffing Solutions, LLC, to support healthcare and allied health professionals by providing highly skilled VAs—especially for those running private practices and medical offices. For me, it’s not just about staffing—it’s about building sustainable systems that create generational opportunity for both the business owners we serve and the virtual professionals we employ.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—but every bump has come with valuable lessons.
Allied Health, more than many other medical specialties, has been a tougher niche to break into when it comes to introducing the concept of virtual assistance. A lot of clinicians in this space are solopreneurs—they’re used to doing everything themselves, from admin to marketing to patient care. So there’s a real mindset shift that has to happen before they even consider delegating.
At times, it’s been challenging to convince clinicians that investing in support is not an expense—it’s a growth strategy. But honestly, that’s what makes the work even more meaningful. Helping fellow business owners realize they don’t have to do it all, that they can build sustainable systems and reclaim their time—that’s the most rewarding part of what I do. The wins always outweigh the struggle.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
C&S Virtual Staffing Solutions, LLC is a virtual assistant agency built specifically with medical professionals in mind—especially those in the allied health space like Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Mental Health Providers. We offer highly trained virtual assistants who specialize in administrative support for private practices, clinics, and solopreneurs. From intake coordination and scheduling to billing follow-ups and compliance documentation, our VAs help lighten the load so clinicians can focus on what they do best—serving their patients.
What sets us apart is our heart for advocacy and equity. Our company was co-founded by a Black woman clinician and a Filipino VA operations leader, which means we operate from a place of cultural humility and global partnership. Built on a foundation of cross-cultural collaboration, mutual respect, and shared growth, we’re not just staffing—we’re creating ethical partnerships and meaningful career paths across borders.
We’re most proud that we’ve created a model where everyone wins. Our clients gain back time and increase revenue, and our virtual assistants—who are part of our team in the Philippines—gain stable employment and opportunities for leadership. That’s what makes our brand special. We’re not just about delegation—we’re about transformation.
If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s this: you don’t have to do it all. Delegation is not a luxury—it’s a strategy. We’re here to help you build systems, scale sustainably, and protect your peace in the process.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve always been surrounded by strong women—and I truly believe God placed each of them in my life for a reason, right on time. Their influence, guidance, and presence have been a steady force along my journey, both personally and professionally.
My mother was the first example of perseverance I ever knew. She showed me what strength, sacrifice, and unwavering faith look like in action. My aunt also played a powerful role—teaching me the value of independence and self-determination, always pushing me to believe that I could do anything I set my mind to.
Professionally, I’ve been blessed with incredible mentors:
Dr. N. Davenport showed me what it means to lead with vision and purpose. She helped me see that building something impactful means thinking beyond today—and focusing on legacy.
Diana Barrier taught me the art of true leadership and operations. She’s the one who helped me understand how to run a business with systems, strategy, and heart—leveraging strengths while navigating risks with grace.
Connie Overshown helped me grow in financial literacy and decision-making. She taught me how to think long-term and build with intention, not just hustle.
And Britney Desir, my dear friend and private practice mentor, has been a constant source of support, perspective, and encouragement. She’s walked this road with me and reminded me to lead with service at the core.
Last but never least—my husband, Randall, who is my biggest supporter and constant grounding force. He keeps me centered, prays with me, and encourages me every step of the way. This journey wouldn’t be possible without him.
Pricing:
- 💼 Medical Virtual Assistant Services starting at $12/hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.csvirtualstaffing.com/
- Instagram: cs_virtualstaffingsolutions
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/csvirtualstaffingsolutions/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/c-s-virtual-staffing-solutions-llc/
Image Credits
Photos by Ambra B. Makeup & Photography
