Rachael, Virtual Empathy’s Marketing Virtual Assistant & Content Creator
What Brings Me Here?
My journey into small business start-ups and marketing began many years ago when I needed to establish and promote my own businesses. Over time, friends and charitable organisations noticed my knack for it and sought my help to do the same. These experiences ignited a passion for helping others build and grow their brands, which ultimately brought me to this fulfilling career.
My Personal Foundations
I am a devoted mother of two free-spirited teens and a loving wife to an incredible man I met 22 years ago—my Rock. We have a Patterdale Terrier named Frankie, who we welcomed into our home when he was seven years old. He is our second rehomed Patterdale Terrier; we recently lost Brewster after loving him for seven years before he grew his wings. My family is my heart, and they inspire me daily to pursue balance, growth, and creativity.
In the kitchen, I channel my creativity as a keen baker and cook. Having run my own catering business, I developed a deep appreciation for the art of food and the joy of sharing it with others. My organisational skills, honed through running a cleaning agency, help me thrive in a tidy, well-structured environment. I firmly believe in utilising one’s core values and natural talents to their fullest.
Professional Journey
My education includes studies in Catering and Hospitality and Business Management, which laid the foundation for a career that has spanned many industries. I’ve worked in hospitality, business management, and holistic environments, spending significant time in religious and charitable organisations before transitioning to the care sector. Here, I served as a carer and later embraced the holistic role of gym instructor and nutritional adviser.
My work life has evolved as I have evolved as a person, driven by a desire to follow my heart and work within industries that resonate deeply with me. Diversity is the spice of my life, and I embrace the opportunities to explore new passions, experiences, and ideas.
A Multi-Faceted Approach
I consider myself a professional juggler—not in the circus sense, but in balancing the many roles and projects I take on. Life’s pace has taught me to value self-care and mindfulness, which I incorporate into my daily routine.
Music is another passion, and I frequently attend sound baths, shamanic drumming, and sound healing sessions. I plan to explore sound healing further, recognising its powerful connection to frequency and energy. Movement is equally important; my background as a gym instructor and collaborations with nutritionists have solidified my interest in exercise, martial arts, yoga, and dance.
Lifelong Learning and Future Goals
Currently, I am immersed in a yearlong Shamanic Initiation while studying various healing modalities, including Reiki and Gentle Release Therapy. My deepest passion lies in exploring spirituality, religion, and holistic practices. Alongside these pursuits, I am revisiting my academic interests through a degree in Philosophy and Psychology, a marketing qualification, and coaching programmes focused on self-awareness, goal setting, and overcoming limiting beliefs.
Looking ahead, I plan to expand my business by integrating coaching services with healing modalities, ensuring my work evolves to meet new opportunities and challenges. I believe that growth and adaptability are essential for both individuals and businesses.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
Alongside my professional pursuits, I stay connected to the care industry through a part-time role as a Front of House team member within the NHS. On a personal level, I help care for my mother-in-law, who has dementia, and draw upon years of experience supporting my disabled father. My journey has been shaped by overcoming traumas and developing a strong intuitive sense, which I bring to every collaboration and project.
Neurodiversity and Advocacy
As a neurodiverse individual, I embrace my traits as strengths rather than limitations. This philosophy is integral to my life, especially as a mother to a neurodiverse child. Advocacy for neurodiversity shapes how I approach both personal and professional challenges, fostering understanding and inclusivity.
Let’s Collaborate
Let’s work together to transform your ideas into a masterpiece that not only tells your story but also delivers impactful results.
I am here to help you build, grow, and share your vision with the world.
It's a Family Affair
Virtual Empathy Ltd. is not just about me; it’s a family affair. My husband, Jason, brings over two decades of IT expertise, ensuring technical excellence and cyber security at every turn. Our children, Jasmine and Alex, are the next generation of designers and technical experts, contributing fresh ideas and innovative approaches to our projects.
Jasmine & Alex: The Next Generation of Designers and Technical Experts
Jasmine is an aspiring technical designer who studies at Newport Grammar School. She has chosen Design Technology as her GCSE of choice and is studying Art GCSE independently, without school support, to sit her exam. Jasmine’s artistic talent has been evident from a young age, consistently astounding us with her ability to draw. She has earned multiple Student of the Term awards for her impressive artwork and has already collaborated on client logos. Jasmine continues to learn and contribute by providing input on the design aspects of websites, working alongside me to develop her skills further.
Alex, on the other hand, shares his dad’s enthusiasm for technology and is currently under Jason’s tutelage, learning the art of building websites. With his curiosity and dedication, Alex is quickly developing a keen understanding of the technical side of the business.
Our children represent the future of Virtual Empathy Ltd, and, to be honest, often have their fingers on the pulse of emerging trends and technological changes more than we do! That’s why we see it as only fitting to collaborate with them and integrate their fresh perspectives and talents into the family business as it evolves in the coming years.