Lisa Callsen, Limelight Virtual Assistant
Start Up Princess.com
Name: Lisa Callsen
Hometown: Livonia, MI
Current Residence (City, State): Manitowoc, WI
Education: Bachelors of Science – Paralegal
Professional Background (brief, please): I’ve excelled in retail positions, along with careers as an administrative assistant. My paralegal experience includes corporate litigation, bankruptcy and family law.
What you wanted to be when you grew up: A judge
What you are: My own boss.
Brief Summary of your Start Up: I help small businesses and sole entrepreneurs with the “behind the scenes†tasks involved with running a business. You do what you love, but you may not love the critical, but important back-end tasks of your business. I help free up business owners time, so they can get back to doing the business part that they love.
Company Website? www.limelightva.com
What inspired you? I’ve increasingly gained my inspiration from life lessons. A decision that is better for the company doesn’t have to be at the mercy of the client. My customer concern is what inspires me to build upon that integral part of my business.
How long have you been in business? One month
How did you fund it? Personal savings
Do you have a Fairy Godmother (or Mentor)? Not yet, but I have been grateful for the connections I have made. I’m amazed at how many women have been open and allowed me to ask them questions. I thank Kelly King Anderson for being a great source of direction.
Do you belong to any Business Organization or Networking Groups? Virtual Assistants Networking Association www.vanetworking.com
Current Business Challenge? Nailing down the overwhelming amounts of information for start up. It has been a challenge to prioritize the exact steps to follow.
What are you doing about it? Taking it one day at a time.
Favorite motivational quote: People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success.
Norman Vincent Peale
Family? Yes. An adoring husband, Carl and three children, ages Randy 15, Mackenzie 5, and Delanie 3.
If so, how do you balance family and business? I try to spend time every day with each of them. I’m not sure what balance is, but if it means a day without feeling tons of guilt then I did a good job. If we could just eliminate the whining, I think it would be a monumental breakthrough
Favorite book? Go Dog, Go
What do you do to relax? I don’t think I know how to relax, but in the summer months I like to garden. It’s amazing how it clears your mind.
What do you want to change most about your world? To enjoy the moment, to actually stop and absorb all that I am doing each and every day.
What are you most proud of? My family. I am also proud of the accomplishments I made as President of a small not for profit in Illinois. Illinois CODA (children of Deaf adults). While heightening awareness, we were able to revive it and increase membership by 100 percent. We also raised funds for children to attend camp with their peers.
What advice would you like to offer other Start Up Princesses? In any phase with a turning point or start up, let it unfold. You may think you have all the answers set in stone and you know the desired outcome, but allowing things to unfold may result in more than you could have imagined.
Favorite Magic Wand (tool/resource)? Internet, internet and internet. I also love online conferencing with audio/video abilities.
If you could design a tiara, what precious stones would you use? Diamonds and rubies
Would you be interested in being a Fairy Godmother to another woman entrepreneur? (I am working on a secure system to do this, any ideas?) Yes
What business subjects would you feel comfortable mentoring in? I love to support. If someone needs a listener or sounding board, I’m their gal.
Would you be interested in going to lunch with other women entrepreneurs for a “networking tea party� Yes, absolutely
If you are out of Utah County, would you be willing to be a facilitator of such an event? I would love the opportunity.
