As part of the Morning Lazziness series highlighting empowering women who are making a remarkable impact with their ideas, I had the pleasure of interviewing Bethan Jeentipraphet.
Bethan Jeentipraphet is the Co-Founder and Lead Virtual Assistant at TVAC – The Virtual Assistant Company, a multi-award-winning agency that delivers premium virtual support to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and scaling teams across the globe.
With no formal business training or university education, Bethan built TVAC from the ground up — fuelled by high standards, self-taught expertise, and a no-nonsense approach to business. Today, she leads a diverse team of high-performing VAs and has helped hundreds of clients streamline operations, elevate their brands, and grow sustainable businesses.
Bethan is known for her obsession with quality, her belief in doing things properly the first time, and her mission to raise the standards of the virtual assistant industry. She recently launched the TVAC portal — a first-of-its-kind platform that creates a seamless experience for clients and VAs alike.
Splitting her time between the UK and Thailand, Bethan has built a life and business centred around freedom, flexibility, and purpose. Through TVAC and her personal brand, she empowers others to take their businesses seriously, build systems that work, and develop the mindset required for long-term success.
Bethan believes that entrepreneurship isn’t about chasing perfection — it’s about holding yourself to high standards, backing yourself fully, and doing the work with integrity.
In this candid conversation, Bethan shares her journey, insights, and the strategies that have helped her build a results-driven business and empower other entrepreneurs to do the same.
What inspired your leap into entrepreneurship, and what personal experiences sparked the idea behind your current venture?
I never set out to be an entrepreneur. I fell into it out of necessity. I had no business background, no degree, and no funding, but I had a strong work ethic and an even stronger desire for freedom. I wanted to work in a way that fit around my life, not the other way around. When I discovered the virtual assistant world, it clicked. I realised I could build something that not only gave me that freedom but also helped other people achieve the same. That’s how TVAC was born.
What core problem does your business solve, particularly for women or underserved communities, and how does your approach stand out in today’s competitive space?
At TVAC, we solve two problems at once. We help overwhelmed business owners access reliable, high-performing remote support, and we create meaningful work opportunities for talented people, especially women, who want flexibility and freedom. Our approach stands out because we don’t just match people and disappear. We’ve built a one-of-a-kind client and VA portal that streamlines the entire experience. It’s professional, transparent, and rooted in real human connection. We’re raising the standard for what outsourcing should be.
What were some of the toughest obstacles you faced early in your journey as a woman entrepreneur, and how did you navigate through them?
I had to accept that people would undoubtedly think I was crazy. I tried to do all of the “right” things that were expected of me; go to university, land a ‘good’ job, climb the career ladder. But none of that resonated with me. It didn’t fulfill me. I dropped out of uni to start a business, because I knew I was entrepreneurial. With no financial backing, no help or handouts, and absolutely no safety net, I started and grew a six-figure agency, with no degree and no experience. What helped was surrounding myself with people who believed in me, ignoring the naysayers, and always believing in myself. I refused to give up.
When the going gets tough, what keeps you grounded and motivated to keep pushing forward?
Pushing forward is the only option. I know what it feels like to have nothing, and the thought of going back there terrifies me. It motivates me to keep going. I’m also inspired by the bigger picture. I didn’t build this business just for me. I built it to change lives — for my team, my clients, and the industry as a whole. Every time I feel stuck or overwhelmed, I remind myself of the people relying on me and the mission we’re building together. That, and a sunset over the beach in Thailand, usually resets my mindset.
What daily habits or non-negotiable routines help you stay focused, creatively energized, and balanced as a founder?
As a chronic workaholic, striking the perfect balance is often a challenge for me. I often have to force myself to take days off. I try not to serve clients on Fridays. Instead, I work ‘on’ the business and think of new ways to grow and thrive. Additionally, taking time out of the office to inspire new ideas is key for me. This could look like a lunch, sitting by the beach, or going out for a coffee. I don’t have a strict routine, but I do have non-negotiables: I always start the day with a coffee, followed by the gym.
What’s been the most effective growth lever for acquiring new clients or expanding your customer base?
Referrals, hands down. We’ve built a reputation for high standards and delivering what we promise — and that speaks for itself. Happy clients talk. That said, showing up with value on social media and positioning myself as an expert in outsourcing and business growth has also helped to attract aligned clients who trust us before we’ve even spoken.
What branding or marketing decision had the biggest impact in elevating your business and building trust with your audience?
Launching the TVAC portal has been a game changer. It’s more than a tool — it’s a visual representation of our commitment to professionalism and excellence. Branding-wise, we shifted from looking like a scrappy start-up to presenting ourselves as a premium service provider. The tone, design, and messaging now all align with who we are — and that trust and clarity has opened so many doors.
How do you personally define success, not just as a business owner, but as a woman living a purpose-driven life?
Success, to me, is freedom. Time freedom. Location freedom. The freedom to choose who I work with and how I live. But beyond that, it’s knowing that I’m making a difference — creating opportunities, empowering others, and doing work that actually matters. If I can make money, change lives, and feel peaceful doing it, that’s success.
Can you share a mistake or misstep that taught you a lesson you still carry with you today?
I waited too long to delegate. I thought I had to do everything myself to save money or keep control, but all it did was slow me down and exhaust me. As soon as I hired the right people and let them own their roles, the business took off. That taught me that trying to do it all is not a badge of honour — it’s a bottleneck.
What’s your best advice for women just starting out—especially first-time entrepreneurs feeling overwhelmed or unsure of their next steps?
I don’t believe in doing things half-heartedly — especially in business. If you want to succeed, you have to treat your business like a business. That means showing up seriously, doing things properly, and holding yourself to high standards from day one.
You don’t need to be perfect, but you do need to be committed. Entrepreneurship demands resilience, focus, and a mindset built for growth — and the good news is, mindset can be developed. But if you’re still treating your business like a side hobby, don’t be surprised if the results reflect that.
How do you approach risk and innovation, especially when breaking new ground in a male-dominated or fast-changing industry?
I trust my instincts and back myself, even when the path isn’t clear. I don’t follow trends for the sake of it — I innovate when there’s a genuine need. Like our portal — it didn’t exist, so we built it. I also lean into being underestimated. It’s fuel. When you’re a woman doing things differently, you’re going to ruffle feathers — and that’s not a sign to stop, it’s a sign you’re onto something.
If you lead a team, how do you foster a culture of trust, inclusivity, collaboration, and growth?
I lead with transparency and respect. My team knows what’s going on in the business and how their work contributes to the bigger picture. I’m a big believer in giving people autonomy and trusting them to deliver. We also celebrate wins, talk openly about challenges, and invest in growth, both personal and professional. I want everyone on the team to feel seen, valued, and supported.
What are the top 5 mindset shifts or personal practices that helped you overcome self-doubt and grow your confidence as a woman entrepreneur?
- Done is better than perfect
- I am allowed to take up space
- Confidence comes from doing, not waiting to feel ready
- My time is a currency — protect it
- The rest is productive
If you could spark a global movement through your work, what would it be—and why is that mission meaningful to you?
I’d spark a movement around freedom through flexible work — for women, parents, neurodivergent people, anyone who doesn’t thrive in rigid systems. I want to prove that success doesn’t have to follow a traditional path. You can build a thriving business, on your terms, and live a life that feels like yours.
What’s a quote, philosophy, or guiding belief that shapes how you lead, create, and live every day?
“Work doesn’t have to be done at a specific time — it just has to be done to standard, by deadline.”
That belief underpins everything I do. I lead with trust and expect excellence, not hours at a desk.
Where can our audience connect with you, explore your work, or follow your entrepreneurial journey online?
You can find her on her website, Instagram, or LinkedIn.
