My Story
I’m Jackie Bajuk, your Virtual Operations Manager, Indema pro, and helping hand when it comes to growing and streamlining your business.
I am a strong believer in having the correct project management system and communication channels in place. And as a people pleaser through and through, I’ve decided to make it my career to set you and your team up for success so you can shed the stress of wearing a thousand hats and get back to doing what you love.
I’ve spent my career growing small businesses - from fashion to health & beauty, to the interior design industry and beyond. And now I’m pulling my many years of experience to help you build and grow your business.
My love for small businesses has only grown over the years, and I count myself lucky to have moved between many up-and-coming companies as an operational professional, flowing from the role of fashion buyer to controlling the budget, purchasing, allocations, merchandising and going to market (which gave me a sensation second only to vacation mode).
It seemed project management and marketing was a natural succession.
But here’s the thing…
Being a military spouse of 15 years means constant relocation, starting over, and a peppered résumé featuring a variety of jobs where I gained a spectrum of experience.
In the beginning working “virtually” didn’t exist, but as the option slowly started appearing in the working world, I found myself with a fantastic opportunity:
I could distill all my expertise into a consulting business focused on helping smaller companies across the country optimize their SOPs, scheduling, growth, and so much more - from anywhere!
So, in 2021, I started Jackie Bajuk Virtual Operations, LLC.
I am beyond excited to share my expertise with you! Let my experience take your business to the next level.
I grew up in a small town near Detroit, Michigan, always knowing I wanted to live a little bit of everywhere.
Luckily, my family prioritized world traveling, so this dream was fulfilled in many ways.
My mother is from Japan, so we frequently visited throughout my childhood, even living there for a short time, allowing me to attend Kindergarten there.
Aside from Japan, I’ve traveled to Spain, France, Hong Kong, England, Canada, Venezuela, and many of our US States.
All of the trips we took throughout my childhood hold amazing memories for me, and I know that I’m incredibly lucky to have been able to see a lot of the world before graduating high school.
I then attended college earning my Associates in Merchandise Marketing at FIDM and went on to earn my Bachelor’s in Fashion Marketing at AIU.
After graduation, north it was to Washington State to get married. Little did I know what my husband’s career would add to my wish for a nomadic life...
Within 10 years we moved from Washington to Florida, to Oklahoma, to New York, to North Carolina, and finally to Georgia. My husband has just retired from the Army, and for the first time we’re deciding where to go. We’re in the process of moving back to Michigan!
While living at Fort Drum, NY, I met Kelly Fridline and we instantly hit it off; my husband and I were bridesmaid and groomsman in Kelly’s wedding to her husband Garrett, and Kelly and I went on to work together at Virtual Design Mentor.
This changed everything…
Now I was on the path to becoming a virtual OBM. Kelly and I then started Liaise for Interior Design to help network Interior Designers with virtual Industry Partners such as myself, who work behind the scenes and grow the business of Interior Design.
With Jackie Bajuk Virtual Operations, LLC, I’ve found a perfect balance for all things I love. Working remotely (and for myself) has kept the door open to travel, allowed me to focus on my family, and work in an industry I love all while staying connected to and networking with other mothers and creatives.
Why Interior Design?
Everyone in this industry has something special to offer - whether it’s style, or niche, or process, etc. - they understand that not everyone that walks in the door will be their dream client, and will refer to another if they think that’s better for them and the client.
Additionally, I get the chance to work with creative, passionate people who need to balance with my organized business mind, making a wonderful working relationship.
“I love the friendliness of the people within the industry with each other. There is a big sense of respect while networking. I have seen so many designers interact with only open hearts to help each other and share knowledge.”
Stepping into the team of each company, I know my travel and work experience will blend together to help me sort out the dynamics, understand everyone’s concerns, and make transitions easier as we all learn and adapt together - and I love that interior designers are so open to the flexibility required for growing!
I believe: You started your business because you love design. You’re successful because you’re good at it.
I want to: Make sure every aspect of your business is streamlined so you can focus on the creative process that makes you happy.
When I’m not consulting, working as Chief of Operations at Virtual Design Mentor, or taking care of Co-Founder duties at Liaise For Interior Design, I’m hosting a monthly girls night in where me and my friends can get together for a glass of wine (or two) while our kids can play in a safe environment. We have snacks and enjoy a much needed catch up.
I love shopping and trying new restaurants, and I’ll try every class my gym offers at least once. My husband, son, and I also try to do as many weekend trips as we can to explore our area. Because we move so much, we want to see what every area has to offer!
I love learning new skills, programs, software, etc. - whatever it is, I’m here for it!
And I’m excited to see what’s next!
What do we have in common?
We both want the best partnership for our business.
We both want clear communication & good working relationships.
We want to get the job done.
We want our clients to be happy!
Let’s be Friends!
@jackiebajuk
