Rising Stars: Meet Nicole Magelssen of Arvada

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Magelssen

Hi Nicole, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey started as a virtual assistant nearly a decade ago. I loved the flexibility and challenge of helping others streamline their businesses. But in 2020, when COVID hit, I was laid off from my “safe” part-time job when I was 37 weeks pregnant. I didn’t know then, but it was a turning point in my life and business. I focused all of my time on my business which quickly snowballed. Before I knew it, I had too many clients to handle on my own, so I started hiring help.

That’s when I realized there was a huge demand for dependable, experienced virtual assistants, but finding the right match wasn’t easy. So, I transitioned from being a solo VA to creating Alpine Virtual, an agency built to solve that exact problem.

What started as a side hustle has grown into a thriving business with an incredible team of U.S.-based VAs. Today, we’re not just helping businesses run smoothly, we’re giving entrepreneurs and professionals the time and freedom to focus on what matters most to them. Looking back, I didn’t plan this path, but I’m so grateful for the challenges that pushed me to create something bigger than I ever imagined.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I imagined it being a smooth road, but it never was. I wouldn’t have the agency I have today if everything had gone according to plna. One of the biggest challenges early on was figuring out how to transition from being a solo VA to running an agency. Suddenly, I wasn’t just managing clients; I was also hiring, training, and ensuring my team delivered the same high-quality service I’d built my reputation on.

Another hurdle came a couple of years in when business slowed down, and I had to navigate a period of uncertainty. It’s tough to stay motivated when you’re used to growth and suddenly find yourself in a rut. But those quieter months gave me time to refocus, fine-tune my processes, and double down on marketing strategies. We came out better and stronger and I’m so grateful for those months.

Through all of it, I’ve learned that every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Whether it’s refining my business model, improving how I support my team, or finding balance as a mom and CEO, each struggle has shaped the business—and me—into something stronger.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I run Alpine Virtual, where we specialize in pairing busy professionals, entrepreneurs, and CEOs with incredible U.S.-based virtual executive assistants. Basically, we take the chaos of your life—whether it’s endless emails, scheduling nightmares, or random to-dos—and turn it into calm. I’m known for being a bit of a matchmaker, making sure every client is paired with the perfect VA to meet their unique needs.

What sets us apart is how personal we make the process. Our VAs aren’t just task-doers—they’re partners in helping clients thrive, whether that’s in business or in life. Plus, we’ve got this great built-in backup system, so if your VA is sick or on vacation, you’ll never miss a beat. I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had on our clients’ lives. Hearing someone say they finally had time for a real vacation or could focus on growing their business because of us? That’s the good stuff that keeps me going.

At the end of the day, we’re not just about saving people time—we’re about giving them their peace of mind back. And if we can make life a little less stressful and a lot more enjoyable for our clients? That’s our bread and butter.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
When it comes to finding a mentor or networking, my biggest advice is to focus on building genuine relationships and not overthinking it. It’s less about finding someone with the perfect experience and more about connecting with people who inspire and challenge you. Sometimes the best insights come from the most unexpected places.

One thing that’s worked for me is embracing a “collaboration over competition” mindset. My direct competitor is actually one of my closest allies. She also owns a VA agency, but instead of seeing each other as rivals, we’ve built a relationship based on honesty, support, and shared goals. We brainstorm together, troubleshoot business challenges, and cheer each other on. Having someone who truly gets the highs and lows of running a business—and isn’t afraid to give real feedback—has been invaluable. Don’t approach anything in business with a scarcity mindset. There’s enough success to go around, and you never know when that “competitor” might turn into your biggest advocate or the business bestie you never knew you needed.

Pricing:

• $700 for 20 hours per month

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alpinevirtual.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alpinevirtual/