Today we’d like to introduce you to Dion Adala.
Hi Dion, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Dion Carlo Adala. I’m 21 years old, and becoming a Virtual Assistant was never part of my plan but it turned out to be one of the biggest blessings in my life.
When I was 18, I was just a student with no idea what direction I wanted to take. A friend named Ninah invited me to try interviewing for a small agency. I had zero experience, zero expectations, and honestly no idea what a VA even did. But I said yes anyway. I just wanted to try something new.
After three interviews, I somehow got accepted. I still remember how nervous I was during training, but that’s also where I met my first mentor, Christa Stephens. She believed in me at a time when I didn’t really believe in myself. I didn’t have a background or a polished resume, just willingness. But she trusted me, and that trust became the starting point of everything I know today.
I ended up working almost three years with my first long-term client, Zack Cockfield. He was patient, kind, and very supportive. Between Christa and Zack, I got my first real glimpse of what genuine, good clients look like. the kind who treat you with respect and help you grow.
Christa passed away on May 3, 2025. Even now, I still carry so much gratitude for her. She didn’t just give me a job; she gave me confidence, direction, and a chance to build a life I didn’t think was possible at 18. I owe a lot of my beginning to her and Zack.
Later on, Zack became the one who referred me to my current client, Justin Nimergood. and that referral changed everything again. Justin is one of the most patient and understanding people I’ve worked with. From day one, he trained me so well and guided me through the work without making me feel overwhelmed. I appreciate how he motivates me, notices the small progress I make, and acknowledges every step I take.
Of course, there have been rocky parts and learning curves, but he never made me feel like I wasn’t capable. He always reminded me that growth takes time. His leadership, his mentorship, and even the way he communicates have all helped me become more confident in what I do.
Looking back, I can see this pattern so clearly: Christa, Zack, Justin. they’re not just clients, They’re the people who shaped my path. People who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. I don’t take that for granted. Being a VA helped me stay in school, support myself, and even help my family. I’m now completing my internship and will be graduating in 2026, something I’m truly proud of. I wouldn’t be here without the opportunities and trust I received along the way.
Since 2023, I haven’t worked with many clients, but the ones I’ve worked with made a huge impact on who I am today. I’m not here because of luck. I’m here because someone gave me a chance and I worked hard to honor it. I really believe that when outsourcing is done right, it can change lives. I’m living proof of that. When a client and a VA have respect, good communication, and trust. the work becomes meaningful.
I’m still learning every day. I make mistakes, I correct them, and I keep trying. I’m grateful to have clients who are patient and supportive through all of it.
This is how my journey started: I said yes to something new, I met the right people at the right time, and I did my best to grow into the trust they gave me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road? Definitely not.
One of the biggest challenges I faced in the beginning — and something a lot of young Filipino professionals deal with — is the language barrier. The fear of not speaking “perfect English” can hold you back before you even start. I used to think the same way. I kept asking myself, What if they don’t understand me? What if I’m not good enough? What if I say something wrong?
I was that person. Scared. Quiet. Overthinking everything I said.
But eventually, I learned something important: you don’t need perfect grammar to do well in this field. What matters is that your message is clear and you’re genuine in how you communicate. Clients don’t expect perfection. They just want to understand you and feel your effort.
Getting over that fear wasn’t easy. I had to push myself out of my comfort zone. I practiced speaking English every day — sometimes by talking to myself, sometimes by joining weekly calls even when I was nervous. I treated every conversation like practice, and over time, I slowly became more comfortable.
I’m not perfect now, and I don’t claim to be. But today, I can speak with my clients confidently, in a way that feels natural and human. For me, that’s already such a big win.
Another challenge was trying to balance work, school, and my responsibilities at home. Being a VA helped me support my education and my needs, but it also meant late nights, missed breaks, and constantly learning things on the spot. There were days when everything felt overwhelming, but that same pressure became the reason I learned discipline and resilience.
Along the way, I also realized how important self-awareness is. It’s not enough to just show up and work. You have to notice your mistakes, accept them, and make the effort to correct them. No one grows by pretending they already know everything. Growth happens when you’re honest with yourself about where you need to improve.
There’s no deadline for learning and no perfect timeline for growth. You get better simply by showing up consistently and choosing to keep going.
If I’ve improved over the years, it’s because I pushed myself even when I was scared, tried again when I made mistakes, and believed that I could do better the next time.
Every challenge became part of my story, and looking back, I’m grateful for all of it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
In my professional life, I work as a Virtual Assistant and Social Media Manager. I support U.S.-based businesses, real estate brands, and digital creators — mostly from behind the scenes — and that’s honestly where I feel the most at home. I enjoy being the person who helps things run smoothly, whether it’s content, schedules, or the small details that keep a team organized.
Over the past three years, I’ve been able to do a little bit of everything: managing social media accounts, supporting podcast operations, creating graphics in Canva, organizing files, handling calendars, and tracking analytics. I’ve worked across different time zones and industries, and that taught me how to be adaptable, resourceful, and proactive. Most of the skills I have today were learned through real work, real clients, and real challenges.
<b>What I Specialize In</b>
If I had to describe what I really do, it’s helping brands show up consistently and professionally online. I take care of the digital side of things — content, organization, scheduling, support — so my clients can focus on what they do best. I like being the person who makes their day a little easier.
<b>What I’m Known For</b>
The people I’ve worked with often describe me as someone who shows up when it matters, is willing to learn, and takes responsibility. I try to anticipate what needs to be done, even before someone asks. I’m calm under pressure, I care about my work, and I’m always open to improving. I don’t pretend to know everything, but I put in the effort to understand and grow.
<b>What I’m Most Proud Of</b>
I’m proud that, at a young age, I’ve been able to build a career that supports both me and my family while helping me finish my education. I’m currently a Marketing Management student, and my work as a VA has allowed me to fund my tuition and gain real-world experience at the same time. I’m also proud of the relationships I’ve built. Every client I’ve worked with has played a part in shaping who I am professionally. Their trust means a lot to me, and I don’t take any of it for granted.
<b>What Sets Me Apart</b>
For me, what sets me apart isn’t just skill — it’s the way I show up. I value trust, communication, effort, and accountability. When I make mistakes, I own them, I correct them, and I learn from them. I care about the people I work with, and I treat every task with importance, no matter how small. I also believe in working with heart. Outsourcing becomes powerful when there’s mutual respect, and I make sure my clients feel understood and supported. At the end of the day, my job is to make their work and life a little easier — and that’s what makes my work meaningful.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If there’s one thing I always tell people who want to start as a Virtual Assistant or freelancer, it’s this: do it scared. Most things in life aren’t actually hard — they’re just new. That mindset carried me through every intimidating moment when I was starting out.
The process really is everything. You learn by trying, by messing up, by fixing it, and by showing up again the next day. Experience becomes your toolbox, and every challenge teaches you something you’ll use later on.
If I could talk to my younger self, I’d tell him to stop overthinking and just start. Overthinking is what holds most people back. It convinces you that you’re not ready or not good enough. But honestly, no one was “ready” when they began. We all just figured it out along the way.
Keep exploring and keep upskilling. The VA world changes fast, and the people who grow are the ones who stay curious. Try new tools, watch tutorials, take small online courses, ask questions, and don’t be afraid of tasks that feel unfamiliar. You get better by doing, not by waiting.
And one thing I’ve learned that really matters: be accountable. Mistakes happen — they’re normal. What matters is how you respond. Own it, fix it, and learn from it. That kind of self-awareness will take you farther than any skill.
Also, don’t underestimate the value of genuinely good clients and relationships. Skills can help you land a job, but character, consistency, and trust are what keep you there. Communicate well, show up fully, and remember that this work is a partnership, not just a checklist.
Start slow if you have to. Start unsure. Start imperfect. The important thing is that you start — because everything you want from this career is on the other side of that first step.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adaladce/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/adaladce
- Other: https://adaladce.my.canva.site/
Image Credits
All photos taken by me.
