Faces of Fairfax City is celebrating Women’s History Month through the month of March. As part of the Women’s History Month edition, Faces of Fairfax City will highlight women-owned and women-managed businesses in the city. The series is part of a larger month-long social campaign, “Celebrating Women in Business” by the EDA and the Commission for Women that spotlights Fairfax City’s woman entrepreneurs.
Our first Faces of Fairfax City – Women’s History Month edition is FlexProfessionals. As mothers and businesswoman, founders Ellen, Shelia and Gwenn were unable to find what they were looking for in terms of meaningful and flexible work options. So, what did they do? They created it and founded FlexProfessionals. Not only do they value part-time professional employment, they truly understand the need for it.
FlexProfessionals, LLC is located in the MEC-Fairfax at 4031 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Read more about them below.
Tell us a little about Flexprofessionals, LLC.
FlexProfessionals is a niche staffing & recruiting firm that connects companies in search of top talent with professionals seeking part-time and/or project-based work. We launched in 2010 with the mission of keeping more women from opting out of the workforce due to lack of workplace flexibility or accelerating their return by helping them find flexible work. We have worked with over 700 employers and 20K job seekers in the DC metro area. We’ve been recognized by Forbes as a Top Staffing Firm for Part-Time Work, featured on The Today Show, and named to Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list 4 years in a row. We source part-time professionals in areas such as: Finance & Accounting, Human Resources & Recruiting, Administration & Office Management, Sales & Marketing, Public Relations, Legal, Business Development, Web Development, Design Applications, Engineering, Data Analysis, Research, Technical & Proposal Writing, Education & Training, and more.
How many years have you been in Fairfax City and what inspired you to start your business?
We’ve been in Fairfax City since 2012. FlexProfessionals was founded by three women, all experienced business women who had taken career breaks to care for their children. Each of us struggled to re-enter the workforce. We each desired flexibility to meet demands at home and discovered that there were limited part-time job opportunities that were rewarding, meaningful and professional. We knew there were thousands of caregivers like ourselves – untapped talent – that could add tremendous value to local, fast-growing companies. We set out to connect these businesses with exceptional talent!
What makes your business unique to Fairfax City?
We know of no other staffing company that specializes in part-time work arrangements. We know of no other staffing firm that provides specialized support services and programming to job seekers in transition or re-entering the workforce after an extended career break. This makes us unique. Our business works well in Fairfax City because Fairfax City is full of chock full of small businesses that would benefit from our services as well as talented professionals living in Fairfax City who desire part-time, project, or full-time flexible job opportunities where they can add value to growing businesses in their community.
What was the biggest challenge for you as an entrepreneur, and how did you resolve it?
Our biggest challenge is finding new clients. A constant focus of our team is educating small businesses about the benefits of embracing a part-time, flexible work environment as a means for bringing on a higher level of talent. We work hard to generate new business first by taking care of and nurturing relationships with our existing clients. Over 90% of our business is repeat business or referrals from clients and candidates. Our strategy is working.
What advice would you give to other woman who would like to start their own business?
First, consider partnering with other like-minded women or finding a female mentor. My business partners and I have complimentary skillsets, and three brains are better than one. We are a support system for each other, and we hold each other accountable. Second, be creative and make your business work for your personal and professional needs and lifestyle. Don’t feel pressure to operate a certain way just because others are doing it. Third, track your successes and failures so you can learn from them.
What are the pros and cons to being a female business owner?
Pro: You are serving as a positive role model in the areas of leadership and entrepreneurship for girls and young women rising through the ranks.
Con: Some may discount you or have a bias against you, but hard work, perseverance, grit, and a quality product or service trump such skepticism!
What’s next for your business?
We plan to continue to grow in the DMV area and we look forward to MEC’s move to Eaton Place!
What are some of your fondest memories or biggest successes since you’ve opened?
Every placement we make – connecting a local business with a talented professional – is a success. We are most proud of that fact that we have helped hundreds of local small businesses grow through the adoption of a part-time work model. In doing so, we have also helped hundreds of caregivers to return to work with confidence after an extended career break or to scale back from full-time in order to meet demands at home. These are the successes that we celebrate as a team every day.
Are there any fun facts you would like residents to know?
We were featured on the Today Show.
When you’re not working, where in Fairfax City do you like to spend your time?
We love Sisters Thai, Café de Clieu, and The Wine House. . . and shopping at TJ Maxx. It is one of the best TJ Maxx stores in the DMV area!
How can people follow you on social media?
You can follow us here: