Angela Bryant: 0:08

Welcome, I'm Angela Bryant and you're listening to The Angel Rated Show, where we have inspiring conversations with the people behind the products and services most often used by online business owners. On the show, you'll hear how their personal beliefs and values have influenced their businesses. If you're an online entrepreneur who wants to know about the integrity and impact of the businesses you're buying from, then this is the show for you. Hello, and welcome to this episode of The Angel Rated Show. I'm Angela Bryant and with me today I have Alina Scarcella. So Alina is an online business strategist and digital marketing expert, who is passionate about helping ambitious entrepreneurs take back their time by streamlining their operational and marketing practices. Welcome.

Alina Scarcella: 0:58

Thank ya. Thank you. It's nice to be here. Thanks so much for having me.

Angela Bryant: 1:02

You're very welcome. It's so lovely to have you on. Do you want to start by just telling us a bit more about your business? Tell us about what you do who you are?

Alina Scarcella: 1:09

Absolutely, absolutely. Well, like he said, I do a lot of operations and content marketing for mostly online service based businesses. I'm sorry, my dog is barking. But that's the beauty of working from home. So yeah, I pretty much help entrepreneurs kind of get streamlined, get strategize, so they can spend more time you know, doing what they love in their zone of genius, you know, and where their time is most valuable and fulfilling. So really just spending their days how they want to and leaving the stuff that they're not an expert in with more expert hands. So. So yeah, that's pretty much what I do. I can tell you a little bit of background and how I kind of got here.

Angela Bryant: 1:51

Please do.

Alina Scarcella: 1:52

Sure, sure. So I know that that probably sounded very vague, because I do many, many, many different things. And that's because I kind of started my business, unintentionally. I got a degree in event management when I was 21. I live in Orlando, Florida. So it's really tourism heavy over here, we got Disney World, we got all the hotels and everything. So I thought that that would be a fun way to kind of be creative, but also be, you know, kind of in the business world too. And then, you know, so during my time at university, I did a million different internships trying to find out what really lit me up. And then I graduated, and I was still doing internships, still working three or four part time jobs, applying to a million, you know, job postings to find that big girl job and the job that's going to start my career and all that. But yeah, nothing really hit. I did hundreds of interviews, and I was always either overqualified, or under qualified and never like, right in that sweet spot. So that was a frustration that lasted about two years. And then you know, one day I came home from a particularly challenging shift at a restaurant that I was serving tables at, I was also the worst server ever. So it was just awful. And I decided to sit down and kind of really take inventory of what I love doing, and which parts of which projects really, you know, made me excited. And, and that I got to contribute the most to and I kind of compiled that into sort of an online portfolio. And then, of course, you know, in true entrepreneurial fashion, I ran with it and made it an entire website that I thought would differentiate me on job applications. But you know, once I did that, I showed it to one of the business owners who I was working for at the time. And she said, Hey, this is not like a fake website. This is a real website. I want to see you back here next week with a contract and new pricing structure. And this is an actual thing. And you should just do this instead of applying to stuff that is not even exciting to you. So that's kind of how I got started. And you know, from there, I discovered that a virtual assistant is an actual thing. So I began, you know, working for 10 to 15 businesses at a time running their back end doing content creation, web design, really, you name it. And I've done it. So for the past four years, that's kind of where I've lived running the backend of all these different businesses in a million different industries. And then this year, I kind of pivoted to doing more high level stuff instead of the day to day stuff, you know, doing intensives like one on one that are you know, have a set start and end date instead of just you know, ongoing for people who are serious about implementing systems and strategies really quickly and not wasting time googling and falling down that whole rabbit hole and trying to DIY their business because we've all been there. And then I also do content creation. So I have a whole system for people who really just want to pass off all of their digital marketing and have it just run on autopilot for them.

Angela Bryant: 4:56

Wow. So it sounds like you really have yeah narrowed down and really focus On those things that really light you up?

Alina Scarcella: 5:02

Yeah, well, it's funny because, you know, every project now that I choose to take on really lights me up. So I tried to restructure in a way that I still got to do everything and for almost everyone, but also not be, you know, not have a kind of ceiling on my time and an energy there. So, so yeah,

Angela Bryant: 5:21

So it's a particular sort of client that you love working with the most?

Alina Scarcella: 5:25

You know, not really, every time I encounter someone that's doing something that I've never experienced before or seen before, that's really what lights me up to. And I love that sort of challenge of brainstorming and co creating with with people who, you know, might not have had the same back end, look at different people's businesses as I have. So there's really not one particular client, as long as we get along and can bounce ideas with no hesitation, then then those are my people.

Angela Bryant: 5:57

People that you have that person that connection with and that you Yeah, you just get that feeling of.

Alina Scarcella: 6:03

Exactly.

Angela Bryant: 6:04

So where do you see your business going? Where would you like it to be in the in the future? What legacy Do you want to create with it?

Alina Scarcella: 6:11

Yeah, well, I think that, you know, part of the reason for me transitioning and to not being, you know, an ongoing 24 seven kind of on call support person, or having the responsibility of the entire back end of 15 businesses at a time on me, kind of, um, you know, the driving, the driving force behind that change, which was a huge transition for me was that I wanted to be more accessible. I was I was capped in terms of time and energy and what I could, you know, my general capacity so, so now I can really start saying yes, again, and start helping more people. So, you know, I've created a schedule that really aligns with my, what I want for my business, but also, I'm working on creating like an entire Resource Center for people who might not be ready to take that jump and work one on one who want to DIY their stuff, but don't want to waste a ton of time, like pulling pieces from other people's like articles and courses and things. So yeah, I'm pretty much building out a resource library to be the most accessible as possible. And really just share, share what I know, and continue to do that. As long as it's last, which I hope forever.

Angela Bryant: 7:22

It's great that you found something that you're so passionate about so early in your life, and that you can really evolve as you as you grow and learn you can keep evolving it and making it what you're really loving.

Alina Scarcella: 7:34

Yeah, I mean, that's definitely a cornerstone value of mine is like, you know, if, if you're excited about it, just do it, you know, so and and the beauty of being an entrepreneur, I think is is the freedom to kind of try things. And you know, I think that even even if you try something and it doesn't work, it's going to take the same amount of mental and emotional energy. I was thinking about it forever and wondering what could have been?

Angela Bryant: 7:59

I love that. Yes, yeah, try suck it and see and see where you're moving on back. Please try it. Yeah, just make a decision and actually go for it and see what

Alina Scarcella: 8:09

Exactly, exactly, it's much harder to think about something forever.

Angela Bryant: 8:14

It's and it's a matter of training it to keep sitting with a decision, just make the decision, move on and try it. And you can adapt the course later on, if it's not working. But you have to get Yeah, keep that momentum moving forwards.

Alina Scarcella: 8:27

Exactly, exactly.

Angela Bryant: 8:29

So we were talking about beforehand, before we started recording about just the fact there's so many big issues going on in our world at the moment. There's so much, you know, the issues of our time, that is impacting all of us in more ways, you know, in so many different ways. So are there any in particular that you care about more than others that you're more passionate about that you're doing work for in some way? I'd love to hear more about Yeah, where you are on that?

Alina Scarcella: 8:58

Yeah, yeah, well, like I said, I live in Orlando, Florida, in the United States. And we've definitely been going through some turbulence in our country for the past few years. So I feel like, you know, a lot of issues that have been around forever really got surfaced in the past, in the past couple years. And and, you know, I find it interesting how now, it's almost like businesses, especially here have almost an obligation to talk about these issues within their business. Whereas before, it was, like, maybe let's leave politics like for personal time, and not kind of, you know, show that we're involved one way or the other. Well, now, I feel like it's almost, I don't know, I feel like it's almost an obligation for you to say, you know, what your values are, just because some of these issues are so important and, and, you know, some specific ones that are important to me, of course, are you know, women's rights and inequality. And I think this is part of why I was always somewhat averse to going the corporate route with my career because it just doesn't seem like somewhere where I would want to be. I know that some, some women are perfectly cut out for that type of job. But, you know, women in corporate America make, on average 82 cents on the dollar. And black women make 62 cents on the dollar and Hispanic women make 54 on the dollar compared to men in America, so don't really like that too much. And then, you know, of course, besides the, besides the wage gap for women, there's there's also a lot of policies and things that have gotten rolled back in recent years, you know, access to reproductive rights and, and basic health care for women has been challenged a lot here in recent years, you know, it's been, some of these services are illegal. So that's, you know, I come from a medical family, both my parents are doctors, and it's really difficult to watch those kinds of things. In 2021, you know, get rolled back after, after, you know, there's been so much effort put into the fight for women's equality. And then besides that, I mean, I'm definitely really involved in the local government here, I used to work at my local city hall, you know, in the marketing and communication sector, working with local businesses, you know, the brick and mortar businesses that sometimes get the brunt of new corporations coming in, you know, all that kind of stuff. So I think that all of those values, and local businesses who identify with, you know, contributing to to making progress, there are the people that I really enjoy supporting and collaborating with, at least locally,

Angela Bryant: 11:46

There's just so much going on. I mean, just so many, so many different causes, so many different things that are going in the wrong direction, and that are painful to watch. Even from this side, you know, we can, we were a very, I think, in the UK, where, where it's not, some of those things aren't quite as in our face, and some of the situations are different in terms of health, but we're very aware of, you know, we've got the same issues, and we get a lot of your news and everything else. So

Alina Scarcella: 12:15

I'm sure, yeah. And now, at least through these turbulent times, people are more confident talking about it, you know, it's not strange to to have what you believe, kind of front and center, you know,

Angela Bryant: 12:32

Obviously, your personal values have just come out from what you've been talking about. But there are, are there any other sort of principles or beliefs or ways that you live your life,

Alina Scarcella: 12:41

I mean, pretty much my, my biggest thing is to be as helpful as I can, if I realize that someone has a need that I could fill, I'm the first to stand up for sure. So I think that I built my business and my lifestyle in a way that allows me to take the freedom and the time to go to go make sure that I that I contribute to what I really care about. And you know, there there are those big causes, and you know, those major issues that are going to be, you know, a longer road but even you know, having virtual coffee with, with someone who's thinking about starting a business or just wants advice or ideas or they just don't fit in like the same way that I did, you know, I have a link on my website to book a virtual coffee, and people book them all the time. So even just talking and offering, you know, a sounding board for for business owners and whoever, whoever needs one is something that I that I think that I'm committed to for the rest of my life, definitely.

Angela Bryant: 13:44

It's a great reminder that giving back doesn't always mean you know, donating tons of money, it can be as simple as just being available and being there and offering your time when it's available to you to talk to people in a virtual coffee in a virtual hug and whatever else is needed. So

Alina Scarcella: 14:00

Exactly, exactly.

Angela Bryant: 14:02

We didn't talk I didn't ask you beforehand about sort of lighter questions for something fun, something a bit unusual.

Alina Scarcella: 14:12

Do you have an adorable dog that goes with me everywhere, and we have a lot of fun together? And yeah, traveling was my like, favorite thing. That got stifled for a bit, of course, but I'm actually heading out tomorrow to Las Vegas and California and the other coast of America. So I'm very, very excited. I used to cringe when people start clapping at the end of the plane ride but I think I'm one of those people. I think I'm going to clap when the plane lands because I really truly have missed you know, traveling and this is domestic so you know i've i've been a lot of places and in America but going abroad is definitely definitely one of my favorite things to do. So

Angela Bryant: 14:57

Tell us a bit about I don't know how you sell accomplishing something or how you practice self care?

Alina Scarcella: 15:03

Yeah, well, let's see, when I accomplish something, I, I take time off. Because I feel like you know, I got trapped into the cycle of Okay, what's next and always thinking about the next thing and the next thing and there's always something that we're gone and there's always, you know, more things I could have my hands and but really simplifying, simplifying that idea and taking a couple days off to just kind of think about what I put together, or, you know, a project or something that already happened is a nice way to just slow down and reflect and also is healthy, I think, through my brain because there's a lot going on in here. And, you know, to kind of reset is a nice thing. So, you know, being in Florida, if I drive an hour east or west, I want to beach so, so that's the nice thing if I just need to get a quick change of scenery. And then you know, even locally minutes away from my house, there's a million different lakes. So I have, I have a paddleboard like a stand up paddleboard that I take out all the time. And yeah, just getting outside early is kind of my self care, because I spend a lot of time inside, talking to myself. So, you know, getting out and seeing people and getting involved in my community is really kind of what I do to celebrate and unwind.

Angela Bryant: 16:22

And stand up paddleboarding has just taken off in the last few years. It's now everywhere. Everyone's doing it.

Alina Scarcella: 16:30

Yeah, yeah, it's popular there, too. I think that people, you know, it was it was the one socially distanced activity that I could do with friends during the pandemic. I mean, you know, we're paddling on a huge lake. So we can definitely stay 10 feet apart. In fact, like, it's better if you stay over. So we don't crash into each other. So, yeah, yeah, that's a hobby that I've kind of picked up. And it's really refreshing and nice.

Angela Bryant: 16:54

So is there anything else you want to share with listeners in terms of you or your business? Or where you are in the world?

Alina Scarcella: 17:02

You know, I think we about covered it, but yeah, no, I mean, my goal really is to grease the wheels on any idea is and, and you know, just be available and kind of embody this concept that you actually can just do whatever you want. You know, someone out there is looking for what you have. And you know, by not acting on an idea or a passion, it's not only a disservice to yourself and your life, but it's a disservice to those who, who, who are waiting for someone like you to come out. So I think that, you know, I my business is built around being available to kind of push those ideas from from really idea to income and, and yeah, I'm around. So yeah, I have a lot of new resources coming out in the next couple of months. So those will be available. I'm making a lot of it free. And yeah, that's pretty much it.

Angela Bryant: 17:56

I love that. I love that. It's Yeah, we need to be following those hunches and doing the things that we're thinking about so that they Yeah, so other people who are searching for that thing can absolutely find it. So where can people find out more about you?

Alina Scarcella: 18:11

Probably my website is the best place to go. It's Alina scarcella.com. And then I am kind of a social media monogamist. So I hang out most on Instagram. So it's Alina dot Scarcella on Instagram. And yeah, those are the two places.

Angela Bryant: 18:29

Fine, thank you, we will make sure that we add all those links to the show notes. And those notes are always available on Angel rated.com forward slash podcast so you can find the latest episode there and any information to link to Alina. So thank you ever so much for your time. It's been great to hear more about you and what lights you up and what you're passionate about.

Alina Scarcella: 18:50

Yes, it was a pleasure. It was so so nice speaking with you. So thank you.

Angela Bryant: 18:55

Fantastic. So thank you for your time. And if everyone who's listening if you enjoyed this episode, obviously I'd love you to subscribe to the show, and to leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. And don't forget to share this episode with your online business friends. The Angel Rated Show is brought to you by Angel Rated the independent directory and review site for all the products courses and services used by online business owners. It's the best place to find the perfect product for the next stage of your business or personal growth. Learn more and list your business free of charge at Angel rated.com