#FollowAdminAnswersNI
Meet Maria McLaughlin and Roisin McAteer, co-founders of AdminAnswers NI Ltd. With backgrounds in Retail Banking spanning three decades, they transitioned to entrepreneurship to establish a virtual administration service. In this interview, Maria shares insights into her journey as a female founder, her reasons for joining AwakenHub, and her aspirations for the future of AdminAnswers NI Ltd
Maria McLaughlin and Roisin McAteers membership is sponsored as part of our partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
To get us started - how would you describe yourself in 6 words or less?
Friendly, efficient, trustworthy, loyal, and fun!
Describe your business and what prompted you to start it?
Virtual Administrators assisting Consultants, Businessowners, and Companies with their admin tasks on a freelance basis
Tell us a little bit more about you?
I embarked on a 30-year career in Retail Banking at the young age of 16. I'm happily married with four children and two grandchildren, who keep me on my toes. My journey intertwined with Roisin's back in 1992 when we worked together in banking and formed a lasting friendship. Roisin, also a mother of four, decided to explore entrepreneurship after leaving banking a decade ago, eventually settling into an office manager role in a logistics and distribution company. It was during a time of transition, as I contemplated voluntary redundancy from retail banking, that Roisin planted the seed for what would become AdminAnswers NI Ltd. Today, we both pour our energy into the business full-time. Outside of work, we prioritize staying active and healthy, though we never pass up the chance for some socializing and a glass of red wine.
Fill us in on your female founder journey.
My journey as a female founder has been filled with challenges and learning experiences. Starting your own business can be overwhelming, with a myriad of decisions to make and a constant need to push outside your comfort zone. Dealing with imposter syndrome has been a daily struggle. However, I consider myself fortunate to have a strong team of two, providing mutual support and guidance during tough times. I have immense admiration for female founders who navigate this journey alone. We've actively sought support from various networks, which has significantly contributed to our success. I firmly believe that mentoring and networking are essential for any new business owne
Or if you've recently joined then 'Why have you joined AwakenHub?'
I joined AwakenHub after witnessing the positive impact it had on a couple of business owners I know who participated in SheGenerate 2.0. When Causeway Coast & Glens offered me the opportunity to join, it was an easy decision!
Have you an ‘ask’ which we can share with fellow #Awakenhubbers?
Can they describe what they think a Virtual Assistant is/does? We find this to be the biggest issue in Northern Ireland as the industry is quite small here. Our mission is to educate the benefits of outsourcing Admin!
As a founder - what are your non-negotiables?
Phrase I live by is 'No Regrets!' Make all decisions based on sound reasoning but listen to your gut too and never, ever look back and think I wish I had....just do it and do it well!
Where do you see yourself in 12 months and 5 years time?
In 12 years we want to have expanded the business and take on some associate VA's, in 5 years we want to be agency providing VA's across the UK and Ireland.
What are your top three tips for other women founders?
Find your tribe, Network and be kind to yourself.
To finish up with what are six words to live by?
Be brave and true to yourself.
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