Build a meaningful week. Get my free Weekly Planner →
Build a meaningful week—not just a busy one. Download my free Weekly Planner to organize your priorities and focus on what matters most.
Get My Free Weekly Planner
About Kristy
I didn't set out to become an entrepreneur.
I set out to build a life I didn't need a vacation from.
Somewhere along the way, I realized what most entrepreneurs eventually discover: building a successful business isn't just about strategy. It's about becoming the kind of person who can lead one well.
That lesson didn't come from a textbook. It came from years of building businesses, leading people, making difficult decisions, carrying the weight of responsibility, and learning that success means very little if it costs you your health, relationships, or peace of mind.
My mission is simple: to help entrepreneurs build meaningful businesses while creating meaningful lives.
My Story
I was born and raised in the Philippines. Growing up, I watched entrepreneurship up close. My mother owned a beauty salon, and my father spent years working overseas as a carpenter and driver in Saudi Arabia so our family could have better opportunities.
From them, I learned that hard work matters. But I also learned that building a better future often requires sacrifice.
Ironically, I wasn't the perfect student. In fact, I dropped out of high school after falling in love. Most people would have assumed my story ended there. Instead, it became the beginning.
I later took an acceleration exam, earned my way into college, worked while studying, and eventually found myself drawn to entrepreneurship. Long before I understood business systems or leadership, I was always looking for smarter ways to solve problems. Looking back, that curiosity would shape every business I would later build.
Starting Over
In 2019, I immigrated to the United States after marrying my husband, James. Leaving my home country meant starting over. A new culture. A new community. A new way of life.
Like many immigrants, I experienced moments of uncertainty and loneliness. But it also taught me resilience. Sometimes the greatest opportunities begin when we're willing to leave what's familiar behind.
Building Businesses
Not long after arriving in the United States, I founded Smart VAs. I didn't have investors. I didn't have a large network. I simply had a desire to build something meaningful and a willingness to keep learning.
Over time, Smart VAs grew into a self-sustaining business with more than 70 team members, helping over 400 businesses build remote teams and grow through better delegation, leadership, and business systems. I also founded Meet 5-Star Pros to help entrepreneurs hire exceptional remote talent.
70+
Team members led
400+
Businesses helped
2
Companies founded
240+
Podcast episodes
Building these companies taught me lessons no business book ever could. I learned what it feels like to make payroll. To lead through uncertainty. To hire the wrong people—and incredible people. To let go of control, build systems, trust others, fail, adapt, and keep moving forward.
Most importantly, I learned that businesses become healthier when leaders become healthier.
Why I Do What I Do
For years, I believed growth meant working harder. Working longer. Carrying more. Being involved in everything. Eventually, I realized I had become the bottleneck—not because I lacked ability, but because I hadn't learned how to build a business that didn't depend on me.
That realization changed everything. It changed how I led. How I built systems. How I delegated. And ultimately, it changed what I wanted to dedicate the next chapter of my life to.
Today, I help entrepreneurs build businesses that create freedom instead of dependency—because I know what it's like to feel responsible for everything, and I also know the freedom that comes from building a business that can thrive without you carrying it every minute of every day.
My Approach
I don't believe business problems are only business problems. Leadership affects business. Mindset affects leadership. Emotional well-being affects decision-making. Personal growth affects everything.
That's why my work brings these areas together into one integrated approach. Rather than separating business coaching, leadership, personal growth, and mental health, I help entrepreneurs strengthen the whole person behind the business.
Because healthier leaders build healthier businesses.
What It's Like to Work With Me
Every entrepreneur's journey is different.
Some of our conversations might focus on growing your business. Others might focus on becoming a better leader. Sometimes we'll look at your marketing, positioning, or customer journey. Other times we'll talk about delegation, team building, systems, decision-making, or the habits that are holding you back.
My coaching isn't built around a rigid framework. It's built around helping you solve the most important challenge you're facing right now, with practical strategies you can put into action.
Because success isn't just about knowing what to do. It's about having the clarity and confidence to do it.
Credentials
While experience has been my greatest teacher, I also believe in continually learning and investing in my own growth—serving entrepreneurs with both practical experience and professional training.
- Founder & CEO of Smart VAs
- Founder of Meet 5-Star Pros
- Built a self-sustaining business with 70+ team members
- Helped 400+ businesses build and grow remote teams
- Host of The Lazy Entrepreneur Podcast
- Certified Life Coach — Certified Life Coach Institute (CLCI)
- Certificate of Completion, Foundations of Mental Health Coaching — American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)
- Currently continuing education in Christian Mental Health Coaching through AACC
Beyond Business
Business is only one part of who I am. I'm a wife to my husband, James, and excited to become a first-time mama as we prepare to welcome our daughter.
I'm also a proud dog mom to our Golden Retriever, Maestro, who reminds me every day that life isn't meant to be rushed. When I'm not working, you'll usually find me exploring a new place, skiing down a mountain, surfing whenever I have the opportunity, or planning our next travel adventure.
Travel has taught me to appreciate different cultures. Entrepreneurship has taught me resilience. Faith has taught me perspective. Together, they've shaped how I lead, how I serve, and how I define success.
What I Believe
- Success is more than revenue.
- Leadership starts with character.
- Healthy leaders build healthy businesses.
- Business should create freedom—not steal it.
- Your worth isn't determined by your productivity.
- Generosity creates a lasting impact.
- We are called to steward our gifts well.
- You can build a successful business without sacrificing what matters most.
Let's Build Something Meaningful
Whether you found me through The Lazy Entrepreneur Podcast, an article, social media, or a recommendation from someone else, I'm grateful you're here. My hope is that this website becomes a place where you'll find practical wisdom, honest conversations, and encouragement for the journey of entrepreneurship.
Because my goal isn't simply to help you build a better business. It's to help you become the kind of leader who can build a business, a family, and a life you'll be proud of for years to come.
Welcome—I'm glad you're here.