This really has been a year of highs and lows, and a lot of holding it together along the way.
I like to think of this year in two very different stages: pre Bali and post Bali.
Before Bali, life felt pretty bloody good. Shadow was growing, things felt exciting, and I was living my best life. We were building the business, working with amazing clients, and the team was finding its rhythm. It felt like everything was moving in the right direction.
Then came Bali.
I’d gone over for a business retreat with other VAs, a chance to step away, reset, and think about what was next.
The second half of the year quickly became fight or flight mode. Our baby’s health took a turn, I found myself buying two new businesses, and at the same time managing a growing Shadow team.
It was a lot.
Some days were about strategy and big decisions, and others were simply about getting through and keeping everything moving.
Like most years, there were ups and downs. But this year, the lows were really low. And I honestly don’t think I would have made it through without the people around me.
The team behind Shadow Administration
Marianne. I actually struggle to put in to content how amazing this human being is. Marianne is always there, she is my voice of reason and truly the calm to my crazy. She brings my ideas to life and her sparke shines throughout every part of Shadow. My biz bestie through and through.
Christine is loyal to a fault. When something needs fixing, she steps in and sorts it, even if it’s not her assigned client. I know I can rely on her, no matter what. She continues to prove to be an amazing business woman in her own rights too.
Sarah joined the team at the start of the year and very quickly found herself doing a lot more than expected. Alongside client work, she’s stepped up and become my PA by default, taking on more “can you please do…” calls than almost anyone. She handles it all without making a fuss and withouth making me feel annoying - which we both no I can be at the best of times.
And then there’s Pam, our most recent team member and the final piece of the puzzle. She’s the chirpiest human I’ve ever met and brings such good energy to the team. She’s incredibly dedicated, and her commitment to not giving away spoilers for the book series I’m finally reading definitely deserves a mention.
This year also brought some special recognition. I was honoured to receive a leadership award at the 2025 Virtual Assistant Awards, run by the Virtual Assistant Network New Zealand, and Marianne was named Top performing Team member of the Year. In a year that asked a lot of us both, that recognition meant more than I can put into words.
The people working quietly in the shadows
Alongside the Shadow team, there are also the people working behind the scenes who support the business day to day.
Our amazing accountant Abbey from Prosper Business, who keeps the numbers in check.
Wendy from Digital Spork, who helps with our copy.
Ethan from Fergus, who’s always there to answer our questions.
The team at Xero.
And our friends at Rocketspark, who are always epic to work with.
And of course, my hubby and kids, who have put up with all my new ideas and my apparent obsession with buying just one more business. There are so many more, but to list them all would take longer than anyone wants to read.
I honestly don’t think I would have made it through this year without the people around me.
Our incredible clients
And then there are our clients
This year, we worked with more clients than ever before. We delivered more websites, started coaching clients, put out multiple fires, and went into battle on behalf of the people who trust us to support their businesses.
We also had two clients reach five plus years with Shadow, which feels pretty special considering we’re coming up on six years in business ourselves.
Working alongside our clients and supporting their businesses is something I’m really proud of.
Wrapping up the year
I can’t think of a better way to wrap up the year, and our final blog, than with a quote from Michelle Obama:
“Success isn’t about how much money you make. It’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.”
That difference is what I set out to achieve in every person’s life who engages with Shadow Administration, whether they’re part of the team or one of our clients.
This year has been challenging and full on, but it’s also been one I’ll always remember. I’m incredibly grateful for the people who have been part of it.
Thank you for being part of our year and wishing you and yours a well-earned break.
xoxo Toyah
