December 15, 2006

Edwina’s Errand Service offers helpful hands

Evergreen mother of three starts personal assistant service to help busy families

By Justin Petersen
Staff Writer

Evergreen mother of three Edwina DiSilvestre is coddling a new baby – her personal assistant business Edwina’s Errand Service – this holiday season.

“I sat my husband down with the kids and said, ‘I had another child,” said DiSilvestre. “But it doesn’t mean I don’t love you.”

DiSilvestre started Edwina’s Errand Service when she realized that the work at home after a day at work often causes more stress than that which the boss assigns. Now, when her kids are at school, DiSilvestre can be seen farming new business with flyers in neighborhoods near the Villages and Silver Creek Country Club.

“I grocery shop, run errands, house and pet sit,” said DiSilvestre. “I can assist in entertaining; pick up the deli tray, bring it to your house, help with set up, serve food, and clean up. It’s perfect around the holidays if you need an extra set of hands.”

The idea sparked in conversation. After speaking with her sister, a doctor on the East Coast, DiSilvestre determined that Bay Area residents, beginning with Evergreen, maintain hectic schedules that don’t allow them time to complete every task on their lists.

DiSilvestre said that the solution is an hourly assistant.

“Who can afford a personal assistant for 40 hours a week?” she said. “But for an hour, when you have had that baby, or you are sick in bed…I feel like that could really benefit the area.”

DiSilvestre’s sister told her that people consistently ask to borrow one another’s personal assistants among colleagues on the East Coast.

“It is a service that is new to the San Jose area,” said DiSilvestre. “The major obstacle is educating the market about the new service. It’s not like a plumber, where there are lots and lots of them.”

The work is nothing new to DiSilvestre. Before settling down with her husband and kids, the Florida State Graduate spent eight years in the hospitality industry, applying her degree in restaurant and hotel management.

DiSilvestre, in fact, migrated to San Jose 15 years ago, after the Fairmont Hotel, located downtown, hired her.

“I didn’t want to go back to that because of the burnout,” she said. “This gives me a very flexible schedule. I still do all of the mom type of things. I cook dinner six nights a week and I like that.”

In setting up her service, DiSilvestre has learned to utilize resources that local organizations offer. She cited the Small Business Development Center in San Jose as a contributor in helping her set up a website, become fully bonded and insured, as well as organize a marketing plan.

DiSilvestre also gets helpful advice from a mentor in the organization.

“The Small Business Development Center helps small businesses get information and tutorials in all aspects of business, from making a business plan to finding financing,” she said. “I have a mentor that contacts me on a regular basis. She has been in business for many years, and she gives me suggestions and support on a regular basis.”

Currently, business is blossoming for DiSilvestre, thanks to a good niche and attitude.

“I like that I am helping people and I like the variety of work, and I like the flexibility of work, in that order,” she said. “I am really hoping that people can see how useful this could be in their lives.”

DiSilvestre’s general rate begins at $35 per hour. A description of her services and policies can be viewed at www.edwinaserrands.com. For more information, please visit the website or call (408) 677-8201.