Redefining Success and Building a Virtual Assistant Business on Your Terms
Shanda Bonn is no stranger to reinvention. From performer to executive assistant, office manager, and now a French and theatre teacher, she has continuously evolved throughout her career. Now, as the founder of Bonn Bonn V.A., she’s embracing yet another transformation—one that gives her the freedom to work on her own terms, live life on her own schedule, and pursue her dream of becoming a digital nomad. We sat down with Shanda to talk about success, personal growth, and the journey that led her to start her own virtual assistant business.
Q: What does success mean to you, and how has this definition evolved over time?
Shanda: Success means being true to myself personally and professionally, using my natural talents and developed skills to earn a living, and knowing when to move on from something (or someone) that isn’t serving me. Over time, my definition has completely changed.
In my 20s, success was all about doing what made me happy—dancing, singing, and acting. Then, in my 30s and 40s, it became about self-sacrifice, putting my happiness on hold to support my family. Now, in my 50s, I’m learning to strike a balance between being practical and being happy. I want to build a career that gives me the flexibility to support my family and enjoy life on my terms.
Q: Tell us about your personal journey and how it has shaped who you are today.
Shanda: I’m at a point in my life where I’m ready to redefine myself—again, LOL! I’ve worn many hats, from performer to executive assistant to teacher, but as the educational landscape has shifted, so has my morale. And no—it’s not the students! They are the best part of my job.
The truth is, I’m nearing retirement, but financially, I can’t afford to stop working completely. Plus, after experiencing workplace dysfunction in different industries, I knew I wanted to build something for me—something that wasn’t dependent on someone else’s payroll or corporate culture.
Losing my husband at the age of 52 was a wake-up call that life is short. That’s when I realized: I don’t want to wait until it’s too late to live the life I truly want. Starting my VA business allows me to have the financial security I need while working remotely from anywhere—including my happy place, France.
"Life is short! My husband passed away at the age of 52 which really emphasized that to me."
— Shanda Bonn
Q: What makes your approach or business unique?
Shanda: My background is so diverse—performing arts, administration, teaching—I’ve developed an incredible mix of organizational skills, creativity, and adaptability. That means I can support my clients in multiple ways, from administrative tasks to creative projects, all while bringing a level of professionalism and enthusiasm that sets me apart.
But beyond my skills, what makes me unique is why I’m doing this. I’m not just looking for another job—I’m creating a business that gives me freedom. I want to be a digital nomad, traveling to France for six months every year while running my business remotely. That kind of drive and determination is something I bring to every project I take on.
Q: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the next phase of your life and career?
Shanda: My biggest goal is to fully establish Bonn Bonn V.A. so I can finally take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship. I want the freedom to work on my own terms while traveling the world—especially spending extended time in France.
The first step is making my business sustainable enough to retire from teaching at the right time. Once I do that, I can officially embrace the digital nomad lifestyle and enjoy the best of both worlds: running a successful business and living the life I’ve always dreamed of.
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Shanda Bonn| Bonn Bonn Virtual Assistant
Shanda’s journey is proof that it’s never too late to redefine success and create a life that aligns with your goals. Whether you’re an entrepreneur in need of virtual assistant services or just looking for inspiration to make bold moves in your own career, follow along with her journey!
