Meet Nikka: Our Virtual Assistant & Admin Queen

At SMK, we’ve developed a team of designers, developers and administrators from across the world. This means that we can provide 24/7 support for our customers, and have access to the most talented people. One of those people is Nikka - our pizza loving, time travelling web administrator. We’ve asked Nikka to tell us a bit about herself, what her job involves and what her secret to success is. If you want to steal her secret, you’re going to have to read on!

1. Tell us a bit about yourself. (Where you're from, your background, do you live with family?)

I’m from Lipa City, Batangas. I was born and raised here. Batangas is a province popularly known for its beach destinations.

While the city that I’m in, Lipa City, is known as the Little Rome of the Philippines, being home to several Catholic churches, Catholic schools, and retreat houses. Aside from that, bars & pubs are also all over our place. It’s never boring here in my city!

I live with my partner, and with my soon-to-be 2-yr old daughter. We recently moved in altogether so we’re adjusting to new routines at home.

2. So you're the Web Administrator at SMK. What's that like and what does it involve?

I honestly enjoy my role at SMK. As the Web Administrator, I make sure that the websites we create are maintained regularly. SMK has developed a number of websites so it’s essential to keep track of their performance to ensure users’ safe browsing and experience. I also do the prospecting, which means I look for leads that could turn to clients.

3. Stephen mentioned you work from home? How are you finding it? What tips would you give to anyone just starting out in a remote position?

Though I only started to work at SMK last year, the work from home routine isn’t new to me since I have been working from home for several years now.

My tips for those just starting out in a remote position? Don’t hesitate to ask for what you need! Working at home is far different from working at an office. It may be uncomfortable at first knowing you don’t have someone around who can help you or communicate with personally. But hey! That doesn’t mean you’re all alone. Your organisation or employer will surely appreciate you more if you communicate with them consistently - even if it's about issues you might be experiencing with the work! I’m lucky to be in this kind of organisation where I can speak my concerns and give constructive suggestions.

4. What is your favourite part of the job?

The best part of my job has to be the catching up call with Emma. We do this call everyday to discuss the progress of the work, it’s fulfilling to inform the organisation about the tasks that have been accomplished, and then talk about the next tasks and projects. We also get to do a real quick chat about our lives outside work that serves as a refresher!

5. What do you get up to when you're not working?

When I’m not working, I stay in bed a few minutes longer in the morning, then do some house chores, and of course fulfill my role as a mom. But the day doesn’t end there, we, my family, take a long drive to literally anywhere that comes to our minds! We go to the beach, eat at restaurants with breath-taking views, participate in outdoor activities, or get together with some friends, everything unplanned but always a fun thing to do!

6. Tell us something no one knows about you!

Here’s one: I have never weighed more than 45kg! I have always been mistaken for my age. Most of the places I go to even ask for my ID just to prove myself that I am of my legal age. I am freakishly thin and look small for my age but now I am trying so hard to gain some weight and at least look like my age ?

7. Now let's address the elephant in the room, if you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

There’s only one food that came into my mind… PIZZA! It can have any toppings you want on it! Be it veggies, or meat, or even both! Lots of cheese of course, and maybe some hot sauce for a little kick. So, any recommendations for some other toppings I can put on my pizza?

8. Jalapeños always! Haha, what is your dream holiday?

Since I’m in a country that does not experience snow, my dream holiday would be in Finland - to live in an igloo for a few days and experience a dog sledge ride in Lapland!

9. What is your secret to success?

The main ingredient to my success is my biggest ‘why’. ‘Why’ do I want to be successful. This word refers to my inspiration - giving my loved ones the life I never had.

If a person knows exactly what motivates and drives him/her crazy to be successful, then no one can stop them from this.

If you think you aren’t successful now, then you haven’t figured out your biggest ‘why’ just yet. Because the moment you do, you’ll be able to do things you didn’t expect - and that will lead you to success.

That’s the outlook in life I have been living with.

10. We saved the most important for last - if you could have a superpower, what would it be?

If I could have a superpower, it would be time-travelling. Not that I want to change anything from my past, but I would go back to the life I had before, and compare it to what I have now, by then I’ll appreciate myself even more. I would tell my ‘past self’ to just keep going because everything hard that I am going through will be graciously paid off in the future.

We’re so proud to have Nikka as part of our team, and grateful for the work she does for our clients. Hopefully you enjoyed getting a little taster of what she does for SMK - and don’t forget to send in your pizza recommendations!