From SEO Link Builder to Unicorn VA
My 17-Year Work-from-Home Journey
A friend told me about onlinejobs.ph in 2009, and that one recommendation changed the entire direction of my life. I made a profile, applied for jobs with more confidence than experience, and somehow landed my very first online gig.
“My first job was basic: every day, I had to write comments on other sites. It wasn’t pretty, but it was a start.”
SEO Link Builder
My first Skype interview felt surprisingly casual. My future employer asked about SEO, and while I didn’t know much, my blogging background was just enough. He hired me on the spot.
My daily task was writing comments on other websites. Not glamorous, but every day taught me something new about how the internet worked. That was the foundation of everything that came after.
From VA to E-Commerce Support
About six months later, I landed a VA role that opened an entirely new world. I learned WordPress, new tools, and new workflows. My employer was patient and truly invested in my growth, giving me the flexibility to go to school, work, and even squeeze in some gaming on the side.
Over the years I took on SEO, blog updates, research, social media management, and email handling. Each role stretched my skills a little further, and I loved that about it.
Social Media Manager
For over five years, I managed social media for a consulting firm helping businesses grow their online presence. I handled accounts across many industries, from lifestyle and beauty to real estate and tech.
My work included content calendars, branded graphics, sponsored ads, community management, and making sure every post sounded authentically like the brand. Fast-paced, creative, and genuinely rewarding.
Unicorn VA: Shopify and Dropshipping
As a Unicorn VA, I helped build and run multiple Shopify dropshipping stores, primarily serving markets in Australia and New Zealand. From store setup and product categories to SEO-friendly descriptions and customer support, I treated every store as my own.
That experience gave me the confidence to open my own stores on Shopee and Lazada in the Philippines. Both are paused for now, but I plan to reopen them soon, hopefully after the Canton Trade Fair.
Where I Am Now
I recently completed a two-week training and internship in medical billing, a completely new field for me. While I am still figuring out where it leads, one thing is certain: I love working from home.
E-commerce is still where I feel most motivated, challenged, and fulfilled. That is the direction I want to keep growing in.
Why I Choose Working from Home
It is not just the job. It is the life. The freedom to set my own schedule, the variety of work, the constant opportunity to learn, and the comfort of working somewhere I can truly be myself. I did not start with a distinct set of skills. I just had willpower. I worked hard, learned fast, and took in everything along the way. I am still learning, still growing, and still excited about what comes next.
Want to know more about me beyond the work? I also write about food, travel, games, and the quiet little moments that make everyday life feel good.
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