Meet me

Image of Dawn, a lady in her early 40s, shown from chest up. Her dark and grey scattered hair sits in messy curls to her shoulders and she wears glasses and a simple burgundy coloured t-shirt.
Behind her is a large sash window looking over a field. A plant sits on the windowsill over a desk where Dawn's laptop sits with a blank document on the screen.

Purple Thread VA™ was born from my desire to support busy small business owners with calm, reliable, and thoughtful assistance. I’m Dawn, a virtual assistant based in Hampshire, and I’m passionate about helping entrepreneurs feel more organised, less overwhelmed, and fully supported in the day‑to‑day running of their businesses.

my path to becoming a va

I began my working life as a veterinary nurse, spending 13 years in practice. Alongside the hands‑on clinical work, I found myself drawn to the administrative and organisational side of the role. My experience included writing rotas, maintaining laboratory equipment, handling data, cashing up, and overseeing document management. I discovered how much I enjoyed bringing order to busy environments and supporting teams behind the scenes.

My career then moved into heritage, working with the National Trust, the Royal Armouries, and eventually returning to the National Trust. Although these roles were often physical and practical, I naturally gravitated towards admin and coordination tasks. I worked with collection‑management databases, completed condition records, managed inboxes and rotas, and kept everything running smoothly for my teams.

A younger image of Dawn from hips up in front of a blurred back ground. Dawn wears a roman style deep purple dress, with smooth hair sleeked back from her face and flowing down her back.

life behind the business

I live in Hampshire with my soon‑to‑be husband, our two cheeky girls, and a terrapin. We love days out together—on the days everyone behaves themselves—and when I eventually reclaim some quiet time, I hope to return to my favourite hobbies: sewing, photography, and reading.

why i started purple thread

After years of supporting organisations from the inside, I wanted to build closer working relationships and offer the kind of steady, thoughtful support that helps small business owners breathe easier. Starting my own business allows me to help others feel less stressed and more in control, while creating the flexibility I need for my own family life.

View from behind of Dawn walking holding hands with two girls. They walk across a muddy/potholed carpark. towards distant trees and buildings.

I am currently working three days a week while I grow Purple Thread VA™, and I’m excited to partner with clients who value calm organisation, clear communication, and genuine support.

If you’re ready to feel a little more grounded and a lot more organised, I’m here to help.

ready to lighten your work load?