In this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I am sitting down with the incredible Naomi Birmingham! Naomi is the Creative Director and CEO of Desert Lux Creative Agency, and her story is one of the most powerful examples of what happens when you decide to stop playing small and start following your intuition.

Naomi shares how she transitioned from a background in food service—literally starting as a dishwasher and working up to restaurant management—to building a high-level creative agency in just over two years. She is also one of our amazing speakers for VA Fest Live this June, and today we’re talking about the courage it takes to pivot, how to ditch the mom guilt, and why your early $300 virtual assistant roles are actually the launchpad for your million-dollar empire.

Here is what I dive into with Naomi:

How she went from zero industry experience to becoming a sought-after Creative Director for some of the biggest names in the industry.
The conversation that changed everything: re-framing business as a place for play and showing your kids what is possible.
Why she believes mentorship is a mirror for your own growth, not just a way to outsource your power.
The "Dishwasher Mentality": why you should never be too good for an opportunity and how every role builds your expertise.
How to transition from a general virtual assistant to a strategic thought partner and OBM.
The power of brand psychology and why your visuals speak to your clients before you even open your mouth.
A sneak peek into the sisterhood and "unhinged" content creation waiting for you at VA Fest Live in Minneapolis!

If you are ready to expand your vision and build a brand that feels as good as it looks, you are going to love Naomi’s energy and wisdom. DM me on IG with the word "LLL" and I will share bonuses when you get your ticket through me!

Episode Outline:

Introduction: Meet Naomi Birmingham, Creative Director and CEO (01:34)
Naomi’s journey: From restaurant management to Desert Lux Creative Agency (03:07)
The power of starting with zero experience and an intuitive nudge (04:15)
Mentorship as a mirror for your own virtual assistant leadership (05:33)
Re-framing motherhood: Deciding that business gets to be playful and fun (06:40)
Coexisting with business: How building from home allows you to be present (08:30)
The virtual assistant trajectory: From $300 packages to creative direction (10:51)
Why you should never be "too good" for an early career opportunity (13:16)
The connection and community waiting at VA Fest Live in Minneapolis (16:25)
Building sisterhood and filming unhinged content at live events (17:29)
Realizing the humanity of the leaders you see in the online space (18:40)
Courage and the necessity of constant testing and iteration (20:58)
Thought leadership and creative direction within a virtual assistant business (22:36)
Enjoying the messy middle and not rushing to the end goal (25:10)
How to work with Naomi: Creative direction, retainers, and OBM services (27:27)
Why every virtual assistant needs to take their branding seriously (30:00)
Brand psychology and setting yourself apart in the online market (31:10)
How to get your VA Fest Live ticket and bonuses: DM Bre Cain on IG with "LLL" (36:34)
Closing remarks and next steps (34:43)

Connect with Naomi:

https://www.instagram.com/desertluxecreative/

Ways to Work with Me:

Follow Me on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/heyitsbrecain/

Mom X VA Free Facebook Community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/momxva

Apply for the VA Leadership Academy
https://caincollectivellc.com/valaapplication

Book a Free Dream Team Design Session (for founders building with Team)
https://www.breannacain.com/iconandlightningbookacall

If you enjoyed this episode, I would love it so much if you left a rating and review! This helps us reach more women looking to become a virtual assistant, book out their business, and scale beyond their wildest dreams.