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Booked Out with Bre

Booked Out with Bre

By: Bre Cain | Virtual Assistant Wealth Coach
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Welcome to Booked Out with Bre: the podcast for virtual assistants ready to level up and founders building with team who refuse to choose between audacious ambition and a life they actually love.

I'm your host, Bre Cain, mama of three, unapologetic entrepreneur, and founder of a business built from my kitchen table and 4-year-old's bedroom with big energy and zero apologies.

I'm the founder of ICON & Lightning, a remote team agency that hand matches elite virtual assistants to founder-led businesses ... because the right team isn't an operational decision, it's a leadership identity. I'm also the founder of the VA Leadership Academy, where I've trained nearly 500 virtual assistants in the technical skills, emotional intelligence, and leadership identity it takes to become a truly strategic partner; not just a task doer.

Six years ago, I thought I had to choose. Mom or career. Present or ambitious. I went back to my 9-to-5 after my first baby and lasted three months before I realized my entire definition of success had shifted. So I bet on myself and built a business that now approaches $2M in just three years, scaled in part-time hours, alongside my kids, from home.

Here's what I know for sure: you don't have to choose.

You can have the booming business. The clients you're obsessed with. The school pickups, the slow mornings, the spontaneous yes moments. You can build a team that amplifies your vision instead of adding to your mental load. You can scale without sacrificing the life you built the business to protect.

This podcast is for the virtual assistant who's ready to stop trading hours for dollars and start leading like the strategic asset she already is. It's for the founder who's done doing it all alone and is ready to build a team that actually runs. And it's for every ambitious mama who was told to shrink ... and decided not to.

Expect candid conversations, zero corporate fluff, and the kind of real talk that makes you feel seen and activated.

💸Are you a VA ready to get booked out and level up? → Book a Free VA Mentor Call

🚀Are you a founder ready to build your dream team? → Book a Free Dream Team Design Session


Connect with Bre:
📸 Instagram: @heyitsbrecain

Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Parenting & Families Personal Development Personal Success Relationships
Episodes
  • 116. VA Spotlight: Finding Your Influence & Scaling Your Virtual Assistant Business with Meghan Braun

    116. VA Spotlight: Finding Your Influence & Scaling Your Virtual Assistant Business with Meghan Braun
    Apr 29 2026
    In this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I am sitting down with the amazing Meghan Braun, founder of The Marigold Collective and a true leader in the virtual assistant industry. Meghan’s story is a beautiful example of how identity work can take you from a "coordinator of chaos" to a calm, empowered Influence Architect. Meghan shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder to realizing that her soul had a much higher calling. We talk about the transition from being a generalist virtual assistant to stepping into the role of a CEO, and how she used subconscious healing to stop attracting chaos and start building a business that supports her life as a homeschool mom and homesteader. Meghan is also one of our incredible speakers for VA Fest Live this June, and today she’s sharing a sneak peek into the "God nudges" that led her to the stage. Here is what I dive into with Meghan: How she left the corporate "girl boss" mold to find freedom in the virtual assistant world. The power of identity work and how changing her internal labels shifted her external reality. Why "influence" isn't about your follower count, but about your lived experience and authenticity. The "before and after" of her business once she moved from a generalist mindset to a CEO identity. How she navigates big business moves with the support of her husband and her faith. Why in-person events like VA Fest Live are the ultimate way to elevate your business into a new dimension. Meghan’s advice for any woman who feels like she’s trying to fit into a mold that isn't hers. If you are ready to stop playing small and start building a business based on your unique purpose and influence, you are going to love this conversation with Meghan! Episode Outline: Introduction: Meet Meghan Braun, founder of The Marigold Collective (01:40) The Influence Architect: Defining purpose and impact at scale (02:49) Meghan's corporate journey and the decision to walk away (04:41) Finding the virtual assistant industry through community and mentorship (05:40) The identity shift: Moving from generalist virtual assistant to CEO (06:00) From "Coordinator of Chaos" to calm leadership (08:37) The neuroscience of labels: How our brain finds what we focus on (09:55) What it really means to be an Influence Architect in the VA industry (10:32) The magic of getting in the room at VA Fest Live (13:20) Following the calling to apply for the speaker panel (14:51) Navigating partner support and communication in business (16:34) Why virtual assistant conferences are essential for professional growth (18:57) Finding yourself again outside the daily noise of motherhood (20:48) How to get your VA Fest Live tickets through Meghan (22:15) Connect with Meghan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanatmarigoldcollective/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-braun-26396148/ 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.
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    23 mins
  • 115. VA Spotlight: From Restaurant Manager to Creative Agency CEO with Naomi Birmingham

    115. VA Spotlight: From Restaurant Manager to Creative Agency CEO with Naomi Birmingham
    Apr 22 2026
    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.
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    35 mins
  • 114. VA Spotlight: Trading Corporate Burnout for Virtual Assistant Freedom with Melissa Ezaki

    114. VA Spotlight: Trading Corporate Burnout for Virtual Assistant Freedom with Melissa Ezaki
    Apr 17 2026
    In this episode of Booked Out with Bre, I am so excited to introduce you to the amazing Melissa Ezaki, a powerhouse member of our VA Leadership Academy! Melissa’s journey is a beautiful example of what happens when a high-level corporate professional decides that "soul-sucking" environments are no longer an option. After years of working as an executive assistant, account manager, and office manager, Melissa found herself feeling unappreciated and missing out on the most precious moments of her son's childhood. Everything changed when she found the virtual assistant industry on TikTok and decided to go all-in. Now, she’s building a virtual assistant business that allows her to travel the world, volunteer at her son's school, and be a truly present mom—all while doing work she actually loves. Here is what I dive into with Melissa Ezaki: How she transitioned from a high-stakes corporate career into a flexible virtual assistant role. The exact moment she realized her corporate expertise was her greatest asset as a virtual assistant. Why finding a supportive community was the key to overcoming her fears of starting her own business. How she uses her virtual assistant business to fund a lifestyle of international travel and family flexibility. Why staying ahead of trends like AI through the AI Lab has given her a massive edge as a virtual assistant. Her practical tips for any mom currently in the corporate world who is ready to take her life back. I truly believe Melissa's story is the permission slip you’ve been looking for. If you are ready to stop trading your soul for a paycheck and start building a life as a virtual assistant that feels as good as it looks, you are going to love this conversation! Episode Outline: Introduction and welcome to the episode (01:15) Melissa Ezaki's corporate background and the feeling of burnout (02:51) Finding the virtual assistant industry through TikTok (05:22) Overcoming the hesitation to join the VA Leadership Academy (06:29) How to choose virtual assistant services that actually fulfill you (08:32) Achieving life-changing flexibility and traveling as a virtual assistant business owner (09:54) The strategy for finding clients through the agency and Instagram (11:09) How being a virtual assistant gave Melissa her motherhood back (13:31) Staying ahead of industry trends with the AI Lab (14:47) The power of the community during hard business days (16:25) Melissa's final words of wisdom: Just do it and start time blocking (19:24) Where to connect with Melissa Ezaki on Instagram (20:18) Closing thoughts from Bre Cain (21:12) Connect with Melissa: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/luxereliance/ 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.
    Show More Show Less
    22 mins
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