One year ago, he was 17 and still in high school. Today, his VA agency is pulling in $30K a month—and he’s doing it all with the help of AI. Instead of building a traditional freelance service, he used smart tools and automation to scale fast, keep costs low, and serve more clients than one person ever could.
He Started by Solving His Own Problem
Like most teenagers, he didn’t have a big network or much capital. What he did have was time—and a lot of curiosity. After struggling to land freelance gigs, he realized most business owners were overwhelmed with admin tasks they didn’t want to do themselves. So he tested offering virtual assistant services, but with a twist: most of the work would be done by AI.
He used tools like ChatGPT for email replies, Notion and Trello for task tracking, and Zapier to automate client onboarding. Instead of doing everything manually, he built repeatable systems that let him handle 5–10 clients at once with almost no added stress.
AI Didn’t Replace Him—It Multiplied Him
The key to his success wasn’t handing everything off to AI—it was learning where AI made the process faster and smoother. He still managed client communication, handled sensitive info personally, and focused on building trust. But for repetitive tasks like scheduling, reminders, and research, AI saved hours every week.
This let him offer more value for less cost, which helped him stand out in a crowded market. And as clients started referring him to others, he quietly turned a solo hustle into a streamlined agency.
He Hired Freelancers to Scale Up
As demand grew, he didn’t try to do it all himself. Instead, he brought on a few remote freelancers—mostly other students or early-career workers—and trained them to use the AI systems he’d already built. He handled sales and onboarding while they ran day-to-day support under his guidance.
This approach let him keep his margins high while slowly removing himself from the operations. At 18, he was managing a lean, profitable team across time zones using tools like Slack, Google Workspace, and custom SOPs powered by AI.
His Niche? Coaches, Consultants, and Solopreneurs
He didn’t try to serve everyone. Instead, he niched down to service-based entrepreneurs—people who needed help but couldn’t justify a full-time hire. Coaches and consultants became his sweet spot. They had recurring tasks, needed structure, and were open to tech-driven solutions.
This also meant higher-paying clients and more predictable work. According to NerdWallet, VAs in specific niches often charge 2x–3x more than generalists. And by positioning himself as part-VA, part-automation expert, he stood out fast.
He’s Not Just a VA—He’s a Systems Builder
At this point, his real value isn’t in answering emails or scheduling Zoom calls. It’s in setting up processes that let clients breathe again. He builds custom dashboards, automates follow-ups, and helps clean up digital clutter. That’s what keeps clients paying month after month—and referring others.
The Bottom Line
Most people think you need years of experience to start an agency. He proved that what you really need is a useful skill, a clear niche, and smart tools. AI didn’t replace his work—it helped him build a system around it. And now, before even turning 20, he’s running a business that brings in more than most full-time jobs ever will.
Alexander Clark is a financial writer with a knack for breaking down complex market trends and economic shifts. As a contributor to The Daily Overview, he offers readers clear, insightful analysis on everything from market movements to personal finance strategies. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for keeping up with the fast-paced world of finance, Alexander strives to make financial news accessible and engaging for everyone.
