Laurissa Makings, a seasoned professional with 17 years of administration and allied healthcare experience, is the visionary founder behind a thriving virtual assistant business, Assistantly, dedicated to making a meaningful impact on people's lives. Biography: Laurissa Makings, a seasoned professional with 17 years of administration and allied healthcare experience, is the visionary founder behind a thriving virtual assistant business dedicated to making a meaningful impact on people's lives. Driven by a personal journey shaped by her own experience with chronic illness, specifically antiphospholipid syndrome, Laurissa embarked on the entrepreneurial path to create a service that goes above and beyond.
Laurissa Makings, Allied Healthcare Virtual Assistant
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you beter.
I am 35 years old and from Sydney Australia. When I was 21, I got hit with a diagnosis that totally flipped my world: Antiphospholipid Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease. Life took a turn from that point on.
On a brighter note, I'm all about creative vibes! Painting and coloring in are my go-to hobbies, and I find pure joy in unleashing my creativity. And speaking of joy, I've got this amazing black cat, Frankie, who I absolutely adore. I also have two little nephews who mean the world to me.
Can you provide a brief overview of Assistantly and its journey, including when and why it was founded?
Back in June, I took the plunge and founded Assistantly. It all stems from my deep love and passion for healthcare, you know? I was on a mission to seize the reins of my life and career. There's this joy I find in helping out healthcare professionals, tackling those pesky pain points they face, especially the administrative hassles. It's like my way of making their lives a bit smoother, which then, in turn, adds to a positive experience for their clients.
What sets Assistantly apart from other virtual assistant services in the market? What is your unique value proposition?
You know, my journey with healthcare due to my chronic illness has been quite a ride. Navigatng through a bunch of tough situations related to my health, I've come to see this experience as pure gold. It's like having a secret weapon—a deep understanding that gives me a real edge. Thanks to this background, I've got this knack for empathy and expressing genuine compassion. And let's be honest, those qualities can be like a comfortable hug, especially when you're up against some intimidating health challenges.
Could you elaborate on the range of services that Assistantly offers? Are there any specific industries or types of businesses that benefit most from your services?
At Assistantly, we're the go-to team for allied healthcare providers, covering all bases of administrative support. From juggling calendars to coordinating patients/clients, handling invoices, and even diving into social media and call management—basically, all that behind-the-scenes admin stuff. It's the kind of work that some professionals might not have the bandwidth for, but we get that it's just as crucial as the clinical side of things. We've got your back on all the nity-grity details!
Can you share some success stories or testimonials from clients who have used Assistantly?
How has your service positively impacted their businesses? It's been heartwarming to receive several testimonials from my clients, sharing their satisfaction with the service I offer. One of them even described me as a "breath of fresh air," which was such a lovely thing to hear. Another client mentioned that my dedication reflects the warm and supportive environment she aims to cultivate. That feedback made me incredibly happy because creating that kind of atmosphere is exactly what I strive for.
What are the future goals and plans for Assistantly? Are there any expansions, partnerships, or new service offerings on the horizon?
I am currently working on some new services which I hope to launch in the New Year so keep your eyes peeled
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
Wow, the past 12 months have been a wild ride—I've accomplished things that were beyond my wildest imagination. My business has taken off surprisingly well in such a short time span. Just recently, I got invited to share my journey and strategies on a webinar, and that experience was absolutely incredible. On top of that, being offered the Executive Contributor role at Brainz Magazine is truly an honor.
And can you believe it? My social media following has organically grown to over 1000 followers in less than 6 months! It feels pretty amazing to see all these pieces falling into place.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
Dealing with a chronic illness has always thrown a curveball into my professional life. Past employers seemed to carry a stigma, and I never felt comfortable being upfront about it. The rarity of my condition added an extra layer of complexity. Juggling my health, work, and personal life was a constant struggle, and it often felt like an unspoken burden.
Having a background in healthcare, both personally and professionally, made me realize it was time to leverage those skills and take control of my trajectory. That's when I launched Assistantly. Right from the start, I sensed I was on the right path. It's a tough feeling to put into words, but I knew I was making the right choice for myself.
