Our Story

Neurodivergent Business Support: Our Story

The Empowered Entrepreneur was founded in March 2024 by Amanda Carstairs — built from lived experience, personal passion, and a deep commitment to supporting neurodivergent entrepreneurs.

Amanda and the community at a Real Talk Business Lounge event

How it all began

The Empowered Entrepreneur was founded in March 2024 by Amanda Carstairs. What began as AG Virtual Assist, a provider of virtual assistant services, has since evolved into a dynamic hub dedicated to entrepreneur empowerment through business support, training, networking, and an engaging podcast.

The name AG Virtual Assist was inspired by Amanda's daughter, Anastasia, who is Autistic and has an eye condition called Nystagmus. Amanda envisioned what it would be like for Anastasia to run her own business one day and recognised the critical need for neurodiversity support — ensuring that entrepreneurs can concentrate on their passions while having the right support in place.

As the business matured, Amanda's son received a diagnosis of ADHD, exhibiting traits of ASD, and is currently undergoing tests for Dyslexia. These personal experiences have deepened Amanda's commitment to supporting not only neurotypical entrepreneurs but particularly neurodivergent business owners, who frequently encounter distinctive challenges in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Neurodiversity at our core

Why we're different

Today, The Empowered Entrepreneur transcends the traditional scope of virtual assistant work. We are focused on creating inclusive spaces, innovative strategies, and robust support systems that empower all entrepreneurs to thrive, regardless of their background or neurotype.

We don't simply provide admin, finance, and social media support — we integrate a deep understanding of neurodiversity into every aspect of our services. Our offerings are tailored to be flexible, accessible, and genuinely empowering, allowing you to run your business with confidence.

"At the core of our mission is one powerful belief: Be Empowered. Be Unstoppable."

— Amanda Carstairs, Founder

Meet Amanda

Amanda Carstairs

Founder, The Empowered Entrepreneur

Amanda Carstairs

Founder, The Empowered Entrepreneur

Amanda holds a BA in Business Administration from the University of Abertay and has amassed extensive experience through administrative roles across various industries. This professional background equipped her with the skills and insight necessary to develop services that help entrepreneurs overcome tasks that often impede their focus on growth.

Beyond her business pursuits, Amanda is a proud mum to twins, Anastasia and Nathaniel, and a dog mum to a lively dachshund named Piper and hair hound Tucker the cavapoochon. She shares her life with her partner, Scott, who wholeheartedly supports her mission to empower others.

When Amanda isn't managing her business, she enjoys long walks, home baking, spa days, shopping, and travel. A devoted music lover, Amanda appreciates most genres but has a particular fondness for Michael Bublé and a strong love for country music.