Buckle up because you're about to get up close and personal with me, Kristy Yoder!!

Imagine starting your life in the Philippines, a country known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and close-knit communities. That’s where my story begins. Born into a family that knew the meaning of hard work, my early life was a mix of joys and challenges.

My dad worked tirelessly as a driver and carpenter in Saudi Arabia, striving to provide a better life for us. My mom had to become the rock of the family, juggling roles and running her own business in the beauty industry. Now, I wasn’t exactly keen on following my mom's footsteps in the beauty world, but I was always there to lend a hand, earning a little money.

Fast forward to my teenage years, you’ll find a spirited, rebellious Kristy who dropped out of high school because, well, love happened. But here’s where things get interesting—I didn't let traditional paths define me. I took an acceleration test to get into college, without completely attending review sessions, and nailed it even after a night of partying.

During my college years, my "resourcefulness" shined through. I worked full time while studying and often cut classes. Lucky for me, my classmates were willing to help me with projects (with a little money involved to motivate them), and I somehow managed to get through college. It wasn’t the most conventional route, but hey, I made it!

I'll be the first to tell you that I hated studying. I am all about finding the most efficient ways to do things. I learned to make use of what I have.

I learned how to live life through real life experiences and learning from my "calculated" mistakes.

That period laid the foundation for my entrepreneurial journey, hinting at the ingenuity and grit that would later define my career.

Alright, let’s shift gears to 2019 when I packed my bags and made the big move to the United States. This leap of faith wasn’t about seeking better opportunities; it was rooted in love. I met my now-husband, and our bond blossomed from friendship into a committed relationship.

When I finally arrived in the US, we had a simple, heartfelt wedding. My husband’s mother took the reins on the arrangements, ensuring everything was perfect despite a tight budget. We spent just $500 on the wedding, and thanks to a family friend with a cabin in Tennessee, our honeymoon was a blissful, no-cost retreat. To top it all, my dad managed to secure a tourist visa to attend our wedding —a rare and cherished moment for me and my husband.

Adjusting to life in the US wasn’t just about paperwork. I navigated cultural shifts, missing the close-knit community of the Philippines and adapting to American humor and relationships. An unexpected challenge came in the form of winter depression after moving to Ohio. Coming from a tropical climate, the cold hit me hard. But the solution oriented person in me found a solution—embracing outdoor activities during the winter kept my spirits up.

Building Smart VAs from the ground up with only $50 in my bank account, I focused on providing top-notch virtual assistance services.

I can still remember many sleepless nights while I was building my business, but they were all worth it because I believe that what I do impacts many people's lives.

Today, my company has served over 350 businesses across North America and the UK with 70+ team members from the Philippines, Venezuela, Africa and India. I also launched another agency mid 2023 to serve more businesses.

So, how did I do it? I credit my success to courage and adaptability. Moving from the Philippines to the US meant overcoming language barriers and cultural differences, all while building a business from scratch.

But my journey isn’t just about me. I believe in supporting others, fostering collaboration, and expanding network. I was blessed to have an amazing team who believes in the mission and vision of the business.

I am passionate about helping other businesses achieve freedom and flexibility while growing their businesses.

Currently, I am the Founder & CEO of SmartVAs, my first agency, and Meet5StarVAs, my second agency.

I host a podcast called Master Delegator, where my guests and I teach entrepreneurs how to live a freedom-filled lifestyle.

I also facilitate a monthly business networking event to help like-minded individuals grow their businesses through authentic connections.

I create videos on YouTube and am passionate about building a community of Filipinos living abroad to support each other.

On a personal note, I am a furmom to our cute Golden Retriever puppy, Maestro, and a faithful wife to my husband, James.

Remember, it’s all about resilience and the courage to carve a

unique path.

Let's be friends! Follow me on social media.