Operations Partner

Your business works.
But too much of it still depends on you.

It doesn’t have to stay that way. Imagine this. Your clients are looked after. Your launch moves forward. The projects you keep putting off finally get done - without you having to plan, chase and check every detail. You finally have the time and energy to focus on what actually matters.

Explore services
Alexandra Ciuca-Verweij, operations partner and Notion strategist Notion Official Ambassador

"She thinks alongside you, asks the right questions, and makes sure the important work actually gets done."

Marta M., Founder, Bravekind

"What would we ever do without you, Alex!" "I would hire you full-time in a heartbeat." "The backbone of our operations."

Sounds familiar?

Running solo is powerful. And sometimes, relentless.

✓You're brilliant at your work, but the admin, systems, and "business" side is eating your energy

✓You know what needs to happen, but there's no one to help you actually move it forward

✓Things run because you're always there, and you can't imagine what happens if you step away

✓You want to grow, but not by burning out

Let’s change this →
Doing it alone is not a superpower. But asking for help is.

Does This Sound Like You?

You’re great at what you do. It’s everything around the work that’s wearing you down.

01 "I'm doing everything myself and running out of time and energy." You became a coach, consultant, course creator or community builder because you're brilliant at that thing.
Not because you wanted to spend your days managing admin, chasing invoices, and keeping all the plates spinning. And yet, here you are. "Before working with her, I had dozens of half-finished projects, an endless to-do list, and never enough time to focus on growing my business."Marta Machkovska, Bravekind Time for a change → 02 "My information lives everywhere except where I can find it." Deadlines in email, client notes in a notebook, invoices in a folder you haven't opened since March. Your business has outgrown the system. "She created a custom Notion dashboard that helped me get my business organised, from daily to-dos and project planning to tracking brand collabs."Hannah Teslin, BBA Community Let's update the system → 03 "I know what I want to launch. I just need someone to help me build it." The ideas are there. The vision is clear. What's missing is a thinking partner and a pair of hands to turn the plan into something real. "Many of us will have moments where we think 'What would Alex do?'… knowing things, figuring things out, making things happen."Chia, Mentor Program Director, Female Ventures Get your launch moving →
Alexandra Ciuca-Verweij working from home
10 years of work experience,
4 in my own business
Notion Official Ambassador

A little about me

Hi, I'm Alex.
I like figuring out how things could work - and then making them happen.

My background is in hospitality management and operations, so I care as much about the experience people have as the work happening behind the scenes.

I enjoy getting to know a business: what you’re building, what matters to you, and where things get stuck. Then working alongside you to turn ideas into plans, make the systems useful, and see the important work through.

Sometimes that means asking another question before we start. Sometimes it means finding a simpler way. And sometimes it means finally moving the project that’s been on your list for months.

Because looking after your clients shouldn’t mean forgetting to look after yourself.

Read my story →

Kind words

The best part of this work is watching my clients breathe again.

"I am so grateful for my Community & Operations Manager, my right hand, Alexandra. She knows the structure of my business inside out. She is always thinking about the most efficient way to protect my time and energy, but also the time and energy of the therapists inside The Therapy Business Circle."

Vassia Sarantopoulou, Founder of Therapy Business Circle

"Alex was the person behind the scenes who always had the answer, solved the problem, or kept things moving. Over the past three years, she has been the backbone of our operations, helping shape Female Ventures into the organisation it is today."

Female Ventures Executive Board

"What I especially appreciate: outstanding organisational skills, proactive thinking; she looks beyond the tasks and often comes up with valuable suggestions, and clear communication. She checks expectations and is always clear about deadlines."

K.R.

Ready?

You can do anything, but not everything.

Book a free discovery call See how I work
Business Support

Keep the vision.
Hand over the moving parts.

You know what you want to build. You don’t have to plan, chase and check every detail to make it happen. From day-to-day operations to your next launch, you’ll have a partner who thinks alongside you and sees the work through - so you have more time and energy for what matters to you.

Book a free discovery call Explore ways to work together
Alexandra sitting with her laptop beside a white sofa

"Before working with her, I had dozens of half-finished projects, an endless to-do list, and never enough time to focus on growing my business. Alex doesn't just get things done. She thinks alongside you, asks the right questions, and makes sure the important work actually gets done. Every founder needs an Alex in their business."

Marta Machkovska · Founder, Bravekind

What I take off your plate

You keep oversight. I take ownership.

Operations & client support

The day-to-day that has to keep running. I streamline, automate and standardise it, so your clients' experience only gets better.

Launches & new initiatives

A new program, masterclass or website. We plan it together, then I run the coordination and keep you updated.

Learning & community

From onboarding to offboarding and everything in between, I make sure your members and students thrive.

Events & logistics

End-to-end: concept, stakeholders, day-of support and the follow-up nobody else has time for.

Whatever's on hold

The idea you never got to, the backlog that's still relevant. If it matters for where you're going, I'll handle it.

What founders get back

What changes when you hand it off

Time.

5+ hours a week off your plate, from the first month.

Headspace.

One person who knows where everything is, so you don't have to.

Momentum.

The launches and projects that matter, actually done.

Ways to work together

Pick the level of support you need right now

Retainer

Operations Partner

A true right hand for established service-based businesses. I take ownership of the operations behind your delivery, launches and client or member experience.

From €1,500 / month

3-month minimum commitment

  • I own 2–3 agreed business areas, decide how they run, and flag what needs you
  • Weekly check-in, async updates, plus a monthly review
  • 20 hours of hands-on support a month, more on request
  • Handover starts in the first week, so you immediately feel the benefits

For you if

  • Business is going well, but there's no room left to grow
  • You turn down ideas because you're out of time and energy
  • You want to step back from parts of the business and need someone you trust
  • Your systems haven't caught up with where your business is now

"Alex looks beyond the tasks and often comes up with valuable suggestions. She checks expectations and is always clear about deadlines."

K.R.

Book a discovery call
One-off

Custom Project

A launch, a new system, or an idea you’re ready to bring to life. We work out what’s needed together, then I take care of moving it forward - from the first plan to the final details.

From €950

Custom quote  after we define the scope

  • Program, offer or community launch · 
  • Onboarding / offboarding revamp · 
  • Marketing system setup
  • Operations systems refresh

For you if

  • You have a launch or restructure coming up
  • You don't have the capacity to run it end to end
  • You want it managed while you keep oversight and control

"Alex makes the process feel easy and translates the napkin ideas into reality."

Zanni M.

Get a project quote
Accountability

Progress Sprint

We turn your goal into a plan, think through what gets in the way, and check in each week to keep things moving.

€750 / quarter

3-month sprint · 13 sessions (≈ €250 / month)

  • Kickoff session to map your 3-month goal and plan
  • 12 weekly 30-minute check-ins
  • Shared Notion Progress Hub
  • Strategic input and resources from my library

For you if

  • You have one clear goal you keep putting on hold
  • You work best with structure and accountability
  • You don't need someone to do it, you need someone to make sure you do

"Knowing you're going to ask me 'so, did you actually do it?' has moved more things off my to-do list than any other productivity system ever could."

Marta Machkovska · Bravekind

See how the Sprint works

Not sure which fits?

Let's talk it through →

How it works

From first conversation to working together

01

Let’s talk

A free 30-minute call to get to know each other, talk about your business and what you need, and see whether we’re a good fit. It matters greatly that you feel comfortable with the person you’re letting into your business - everything is based on trust.

02

A plan that fits

Based on our conversation, I’ll put together a proposal - what we’ll work on, how we’ll work together, and the investment.

03

We get started

I get to know your business, your priorities, and how you like to work more in-depth. We agree on the first steps and what I’ll take off your plate and you begin handing over areas right away.

04

There’s a shift

You’re no longer holding it all together on your own. The important work moves forward without you chasing every detail, and you have someone to think things through with - plus more time and energy for what matters to you.

Answering your questions

Which tools do you work in?

I work in the tools you already use, and only suggest a change when a new software could help. I'm a Certified Notion Admin and Official Ambassador, and I work regularly in ClickUp, Google Workspace, HubSpot, Make & Zapier, Claude, Lovable, Loom / Descript, Canva, Webflow, Squarespace, WordPress, and more.

How quickly do you reply?

Before we start, we agree on a rhythm: a weekly check-in, async updates in between, and what counts as urgent. Most of the work happens async, so you see progress without extra meetings. I reply within 24–48 hours on working days - either with an update or to get things done.

What happens after the first three months?

We check in after your first month. At three months we do a proper review: what's working, what to change, and whether the scope still fits where your business is now. Then we carry on month to month. In between, I like to hear feedback as we go, so we keep improving our collaboration.

What's the difference between a project and the Operations Partner retainer?

A project is one defined outcome with an end date: I scope it, give you a fixed quote, and hand it back finished. The retainer is ongoing ownership: I hold areas of your business month to month, run them to a weekly rhythm, and think ahead with you. If you have one thing to get done, start with a project. If the same things keep landing back on your desk, that's the retainer.

What will you decide without me?

We talk about this openly from the start: which areas I own, which calls I make on my own, and what always comes back to you. It usually starts with a few things and keeps growing as we get to know each other and you see how I work. You keep oversight and the final say throughout.

Is 20 hours a month the minimum for the retainer?

Generally, yes. That gives me the time to get to know your business, take ownership of the areas we agree on, and think ahead - not just work through a task list. There are sometimes exceptions, depending on what you need. If you’re unsure, book a free discovery call and we’ll talk it through together.

What if I need more hours?

We agree on your monthly hours upfront (minimum 20), and I track them as we go. If we're getting close to the limit we chose, I'll flag it early so we can decide together: prioritise what matters most that month, or add extra capacity at an hourly rate.

Is it just you?

You'll only ever work with me. Behind the scenes, a trusted VA helps me with part of the execution, so your hours go further. She works under my lead, is bound by the same confidentiality, and I review everything before it reaches you.

Not sure where to start?

Book a free discovery call
← Back to Business Support
Accountability

Progress Sprint

Three months to finally do the thing you keep pushing to next week. Because having someone who will ask makes all the difference.

Book a free 20-min intro call See what's included

€750 for 3 months · 13 sessions · Only one spot available

Alexandra standing with a laptop and a book

Sound familiar?

You know what to do. Nobody's asking if you did it.

The goal has been on your list for weeks. Maybe months. Launch the offer. Redo the website. Start showing up on LinkedIn. Build the thing.

You know what needs to happen, and you even know how. You show up for your clients and hit their deadlines. But your own goals have no one to answer to, so client work wins every time.

It's not a discipline problem. It's an accountability problem.

That's what the Sprint changes.

"Knowing you're going to ask me 'so, did you actually do it?' has moved more things off my to-do list than any other productivity system ever could. The combination of accountability and having someone to bounce things off is incredibly valuable when you're running a business on your own."

Marta Machkovska · Founder, Bravekind

What's included

From a vague goal to steady weekly progress

You turn the goal into a clear 3-month plan, make progress every week, and stop carrying it all alone in your head.

01

Onboarding questionnaire

So we start from where you really are right now.

02

Kickoff session

45 minutes to map out your 3-month goal and the plan to get there.

03

12 weekly check-ins

30 minutes every week, same day, same time. What did you do, what's next, what's in the way + strategic guidance.

04

Shared Notion Progress Hub

Tasks, priorities, blockers and milestones in one place, so progress is visible.

05

Strategy and asset reviews

Strategic guidance in sessions, plus feedback on your website, sales pages and templates, on request.

06

Resource library

Checklists and templates from my own library, shared when they're useful.

Is it for you?

This is for you if

✓You have one clear goal (a launch, a relaunch, a project, a business reset) and you keep putting it on hold

✓You work best with structure and someone keeping you accountable

✓You're a founder or freelancer doing this mostly alone

✓You don't need someone to do it for you, you need someone to make sure you do

Need someone to do the work with you?
 Look at the Operations Partner or a Custom Project instead.

Your investment

€750 for 3 months

13 sessions: 1 kickoff + 12 weekly check-ins

  • Shared Notion Progress Hub
  • Strategy and asset reviews
  • Resource library
Book a free intro call
Alexandra working on a laptop in an armchair

Hey, I'm Alex

I know what it's like to be the only one responsible for the work, the strategy and the energy.

I've spent years helping founders get their business out of their heads and into systems that work. What makes the difference isn't more information or more motivation. It's someone who shows up every week and doesn't let you slide.

✓10 years of work experience, including 4 years running my own business

✓Practical planning and accountability, not theory

✓Real business thinking, not just cheerleading

✓Warm and direct, and genuinely invested in your progress

✓Notion systems that make your progress visible, because what doesn't get tracked doesn't get done

Answering your questions

Is this coaching?

No. It's closer to a progress partnership: part accountability, part thinking partner. I help you stay committed and keep moving, and share advice or a different perspective when you want it.

What kind of goals work best?

Anything concrete: launching an offer, relaunching a website, building a LinkedIn presence, launching a lead magnet, getting a project off the ground. The clearer the goal, the better this works.

What if I already have a coach?

This works well alongside coaching. A coach helps you figure out the what and the why. This keeps you moving on the doing.

What happens after the 3 months?

You can choose to extend with another sprint, or we wrap-up.

What if I realise I need hands-on help?

We can discuss a retainer, project, or ad-hoc hourly support when the need arises.

You already know what your business needs.

The best time to get support was six months ago.
The second best time is now.

Book your free intro call Or see all ways to work together
Notion

Your business, organised in Notion.

Notion should make your work easier, not messier. Whether you want a fully custom workspace, a clarity session, or a starting point, there's an option for where you are right now.

Let's chat! A free 30-minute call is enough to figure out what you actually need, and whether I'm the right person to help you get there.

Book a free Notion discovery call
Alexandra Ciuca holding a small Notion logo cube

Ways to work together

Pick an option to see what's included.

Strategy session

Notion Clarity Session

A focused 60-minute strategy session to help you get unstuck or clarify next steps. If you're tired of trying to figure it out on your own, this session is perfect - we can review your existing setup, troubleshoot issues, or work on improvements that will make you actually enjoy your Notion workspace!

What is included

  • Async prep before the session (an in-depth intake form + reflection questions for you)
  • 60 minute online 1:1 session
  • Workspace review, troubleshooting, and improvements (we screenshare and update things during the call where possible)
  • Session recording
  • Follow-up summary and recommended next steps with relevant resources
  • Check-in call after 2 weeks (15 minutes) to see how things are going

€99 ex VAT

Paid ahead of the session

"Alex makes the process feel easy and translates the napkin ideas into reality."

Zanni M.

Book your Notion Clarity Session

Answering your questions

Do I need to know Notion already?

Not at all. Whether you're just getting started and want to make sure your workspace is designed well from the beginning, or you've been experimenting with Notion for months or years and want to level-up, I'm here to help you!

What's the difference between the Clarity Session and a Custom Workspace?

The Clarity Session is a strategy session; we map out what your Notion should include, or what setup would make more sense than your current one for your goals. Light implementation / troubleshooting can be done during the session, but it is not the main goal.

The Custom Workspace is done-for-you. At the end, you will have a fully built Notion HQ, especially designed for your workflows.

I want a Custom Workspace but don't have the budget right now, what can I do?

The Notion Fundamentals course is the perfect solution for you - it covers the Notion basics you need to feel confident using Notion, and comes with an extensive Notion Template that usually covers 80% of what most solopreneurs need. The remaining 20% you are able to create or adjust yourself with the knowledge from the course!

How long does a Custom Workspace take?

Typically 2 to 4 weeks from kick-off to handover, depending on both of our availabilities and the complexity of the build.

Will I be able to maintain it myself afterwards?

Yes; every workspace comes with a walkthrough and documentation to make sure you feel fully confident using it and adjusting it to your business.

Why trust you with my Notion?

4 years of building in Notion, for my own business and for founders like you. I'm a Certified Notion Admin and Official Ambassador, and I also teach Notion through my Fundamentals Course. So I won't just build your workspace. I'll make sure you understand it.

Let's chat!

Not sure what Notion solution is best for you? A free 30-minute call is enough to figure out what you actually need.

Book a free discovery call
About Alex

Hi, I'm Alex, your Operations Partner!

My background is in operations and hospitality; ten years of making complex things run smoothly under pressure, the last four in my own business.

Over the years, I've helped establish the operations & marketing for a new restaurant in Amsterdam, ran events at a 5* hotel in Amsterdam, moved to Botswana to run an ultra-luxury safari camp in the Okavango Delta, ran an accelerator program for energy startups, then took the leap to start my own business.

ALCIVE Studio was born from years of experience across hospitality, operations, customer service, and startups. It came to life when I realised the impact I want to make in this world is to support the visionary founders out there make their ideas reality, while still enjoying their work and life.

I now work with a handful of founder-led businesses as Operations Partner across Europe - if you're ready to have a trusted partner by your side, let's chat.

Let's chat!
Alexandra Ciuca-Verweij, founder of ALCIVE Studio
Online Business Manager 5+ yrs Operations Hospitality background Notion Certified Admin Notion Official Ambassador
Toddler Mom Romanian in The Netherlands Crafts and Coffee Lover

What I believe

The principles I run my business by, and the ones I bring to yours.

01

Not everything needs a system

Part of my job is telling you what can wait.

02

You can do anything, but not everything

You start a business on your own and give it your everything - but there comes a time when the next skill to learn is letting go, so you can take it to the next level. It's not easy, but it's the one thing keeping you from growth.

03

Everything serves a goal

Shiny object syndrome (a new idea every other week) is real, and it's hard to overcome! Staying focused on your goals can be hard to do, especially on your own, but it's the cornerstone of making progress.

04

We're in this together

When I commit to something... I commit. And I care. That's why I only work with a handful of founders at a time - because I care about your business and about you as much as about my own.

Little things about me

Get to know me a little better.

Tap a photo to read the story behind it.

Connect on LinkedIn Connect on Instagram

What clients say

In their own words.

"Working with Alexandra was a total game-changer for my creator and community management business! She created a custom Notion dashboard that helped me get my business organised, from daily to-dos and project planning to tracking brand collabs. Everything looks beautiful, feels intuitive, and helps me stay better organised."

Hannah Teslin, Content Creator & BBA Community Founder

"Your organisational and executional skills are really amazing and very inspiring! I would hire you full-time in a heartbeat if we had the funds!"

Client review

"It's so rare to collaborate with such reliable and grounded professionals like you, so I am truly grateful for having met you. Thank you for everything!"

Vassia Sarantopoulou, Founder of Therapy Business Circle

"Your workshop in the TBC launched my love of Notion and now I'm using it for staying organised in my business and personal life. Now I know where to go for support!"

Erin Frobenius, Counselor for Life Transitions While Living Abroad

Work with me

Let's find out if we're a match.

I work with a small number of clients at a time, because I'm not interested in being everywhere at once. I'd rather know your business well and be genuinely useful.

The best starting point is a free, no-pressure discovery call. No pitches, no slides; just a conversation about where you are, where you want to go, and whether what I offer is actually what you need.

What happens after you reach out

01

Book a free discovery call

A 30-minute conversation to understand your situation and what kind of support would actually help.

02

I send you a proposal

If we're a fit, I'll put together a clear scope and pricing; no vague estimates, no surprises.

03

We get started!

Onboarding is thorough. I want to understand your business before I touch anything, so we start right.

04

You breathe again

This is the goal. Not just tasks done, but a business that actually feels manageable.

Let's talk

Choose the option that makes the most sense for you.

Alexandra smiling and pointing up at the booking options

Prefer to start with a message? Email me at 
 alexandra@thefreelancebesties.com !

Most popular Free discovery call Let's see what support is best for you! Book now → Notion Notion discovery call Interested in Notion support? Let's chat! Book now → Notion session Notion Clarity Session Already know you want Notion help? Skip the chat and book the 60-minute session. €99 ex VAT Book now →

FAQ

Maybe you're wondering...

Who do you typically work with?

Established, founder-led coaches, consultants, course creators and community builders, who are brilliant at their work but overwhelmed by everything around it. I don't work with big corporate teams, hustle-culture brands, or clients who need 24/7 availability.

How quickly can we get started?

It depends on my capacity. I only work with a handful of founders at a time, and most of my collaborations last 2+ years, so spots don't open often. Get in touch and I'll tell you honestly when I could start.

What does an Operations Partner actually do?

As an Operations Partner, I take full responsibility for the parts of your business you're ready to hand over. Together we choose those areas (for example client onboarding, launches or your member experience) and agree what success looks like. From that point on, it's on me: I run them day to day, fix what breaks and keep them moving.

It's still your business, so you stay involved, you just step out of the day-to-day. I flag the decisions that need you, update you every week, and we review direction together on a set cadence.

Outside the main areas, I support you with ad-hoc work within the monthly hours we agreed on.

How much does it cost?

It depends on the kind of support you need. The Operations Partner retainer starts from €1,500 a month, custom projects from €950, and the Progress Sprint is €750 per quarter. Notion support starts at €99 for a Clarity Session. You'll find the full details on the Business Support and Notion pages, and after our call you get a clear proposal with no surprises.

What if I'm not sure which offer is right for me?

That's exactly what the discovery call is for. I'm often the first freelancer a founder brings in, so I'll guide you through the options and give you my honest advice. If I'm not the best fit, I'll do my best to connect you with someone in my network.

Do you work with clients outside the Netherlands?

I do! Everything is remote. Most of my clients are in the Netherlands and across Europe, and I'm happy to work with anyone in a time zone close to CET.

Still reading?

You already know what your business needs. Let's make it happen.

The best time to get support was six months ago. The second best time is now.

Book your free call Browse services
The Blog

Practical ideas for founders.

Real talk on systems, operations, Notion, and building a business that doesn't run on your constant presence.

New posts are on their way.

I'm writing new articles about how I think about operations and ownership. Subscribe below to be the first to read them.

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The Freelance Besties newsletter lands every two weeks. Practical, short, worth reading.

"Short, on point and full of resources and inspiration… both professional and warm and slightly vulnerable."

Andreea Birou, newsletter reader

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Privacy Policy

Last updated: 23 October 2026

At ALCIVE Studio (Alexandra Ciuca), we value your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your data when you visit our website (www.alexandraciuca.com), book a call, or work with us.

We comply with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable privacy laws.

1. Who We Are

ALCIVE Studio (Alexandra Ciuca) is run by Alexandra Ciuca-Verweij, based in The Hague, the Netherlands.

KvK: 87540991 · BTW: NL004433815B83

ALCIVE Studio is the "controller" of your personal data. This means we decide how and why your data is used, and we are responsible for looking after it.

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us at alexandra@thefreelancebesties.com.

2. What Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following personal data:

  • Contact details: name and email address (e.g., when you subscribe to the newsletter, download a resource, book a call, or email us).
  • Booking information: the answers you give when booking a call or session.
  • Billing details: name, business name, address, and VAT number (to send invoices).
  • Business information: details you share while we work together (e.g., company name, workflows, systems, and tools).
  • Call recordings: some sessions are recorded so you can watch them back (for example the Notion Clarity Session and Custom Workspace review and handover calls). We always tell you before a call is recorded.
  • Website usage data: IP address, device information, browser type, and the pages you visit (for analytics and performance).

We only collect the data necessary to deliver our services, communicate with you, and improve your experience.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal data to:

  • Reply to your messages and booking requests
  • Deliver the services, sessions, and products you purchase
  • Send newsletters, resources, and updates (only if you opt in; you can unsubscribe at any time using the link in every email)
  • Send invoices and manage client accounts
  • Improve our website and services through analytics
  • Fulfil legal and accounting obligations

We never sell your data to third parties.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your data under these lawful bases:

  • Consent: for newsletters, freebies, and marketing communication
  • Contract: when we prepare a proposal for you or deliver paid services and products
  • Legal obligation: for invoicing, tax, and accounting
  • Legitimate interest: for replying to enquiries, improving our website, keeping it secure, and preventing fraud

5. Tools We Use

We use trusted providers to run our business. They only process your data to provide their service to us:

  • Notion: client work and project management
  • Google Workspace: email, documents, and video calls (Google Meet)
  • Zoom: video calls, when we use it
  • Kit (formerly ConvertKit): our newsletter
  • TidyCal: booking calls and sessions
  • Lovable: hosting our website and visitor analytics
  • WhatsApp: support messages, if you choose to contact us there
  • Our bank, accountant, and bookkeeping tools: payments, invoicing, and tax

We choose providers that offer GDPR-compliant data processing agreements.

6. Data Transfers Outside the EU

Some of these providers are based in, or store data in, countries outside the European Economic Area (such as the United States). When that happens, we rely on providers that are certified under the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework or that use the European Commission's Standard Contractual Clauses, so your data stays protected.

7. Data Storage & Retention

We use appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your data against unauthorised access, loss, or misuse.

We keep your data only as long as necessary:

  • Invoices and financial records: 7 years, as required by Dutch tax law
  • Newsletter subscriptions: until you unsubscribe
  • Client and project information, including call recordings: while we work together and up to 2 years afterwards, unless you ask us to delete it sooner or the law requires us to keep it longer
  • Enquiries and discovery calls that don't lead to working together: up to 1 year

8. When We Handle Your Clients' Data

When we support your business operations, we may have access to personal data of your clients, members, or team (for example in your Notion workspace, inbox, or community platform). In that case, you are the controller of that data and we process it only on your instructions. We keep it confidential and are happy to sign a data processing agreement (verwerkersovereenkomst) with you.

9. Your Rights

Under GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Request correction or deletion
  • Restrict or object to processing
  • Withdraw consent at any time (for example, for marketing)
  • Request a copy of your data (data portability)

To exercise your rights, contact alexandra@thefreelancebesties.com. We will reply within one month.

If you are unhappy with how we handle your data, you can also file a complaint with the Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens) at autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl.

10. Cookies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to make the site work and to understand how visitors use it. If we use cookies that require your consent, we will ask for it first. You can also manage or delete cookies in your browser settings.

11. Third-Party Links

Our site includes links to external websites, tools, and social platforms. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those third parties.

12. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date.

Contact Us

If you have questions about how we handle your data, contact alexandra@thefreelancebesties.com.

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: 23 October 2026

Welcome to ALCIVE Studio (Alexandra Ciuca) ("Provider"), run by Alexandra Ciuca-Verweij, The Hague, the Netherlands (KvK: 87540991 · BTW: NL004433815B83).

By booking, purchasing, or accepting a proposal for any of our services, sessions, or products, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.

1. Purpose

ALCIVE Studio (Alexandra Ciuca) offers business operations support, Notion services, templates, and educational content to help founders and small teams create clarity and structure in their businesses.

These Terms form a binding agreement between the Provider and you (the "Client").

2. Who These Terms Are For

Our services are designed for businesses, freelancers, and founders acting for their business, not for consumers. If you are a consumer and mandatory consumer law gives you additional rights, nothing in these Terms limits those rights.

3. Services & Products

We provide:

  • Operations Partner: an ongoing monthly retainer
  • Custom Projects: one-off projects with an agreed scope
  • Progress Sprint: a 3-month accountability programme
  • Notion Clarity Session: a 60-minute strategy session
  • Custom Notion Workspace: a done-for-you Notion build
  • Educational content via newsletters, events, workshops, or online sessions

The Notion Fundamentals Course is sold through The Modern VA Academy, and their terms apply to that purchase.

The scope, deliverables, and price of each 1:1 service are set out in your proposal or on the booking page. If your proposal and these Terms differ, the proposal applies.

The Provider may improve or change its offerings at any time. Changes do not affect work you have already agreed to.

4. Operations Partner Retainer

  • The retainer has a minimum commitment of 3 months.
  • After the first 3 months, it continues month to month. Either party can end it with 30 days' written notice (email is fine).
  • The retainer is invoiced monthly, in advance.
  • Your monthly hours are agreed in your proposal. Up to 3 unused hours roll over to the following month only; any other unused hours expire at the end of the month.
  • Extra hours are available on request, agreed in advance, at the rate stated in your proposal.

5. Fees & Payment

  • All prices are excluding VAT unless stated otherwise. VAT is added where applicable.
  • Payments are made by bank transfer.
  • Invoices are due within 14 days of the invoice date, unless stated otherwise.
  • Notion Clarity Session: paid in full before the session.
  • Custom Notion Workspace: 75% before the project starts and 25% at handover.
  • Custom Projects and the Progress Sprint: as stated in your proposal.
  • If an invoice is not paid on time, the Provider may pause work until it is paid. Statutory commercial interest (wettelijke handelsrente) may be charged on late payments.
  • All payments are non-refundable, except as required by law or under Section 6.

6. Refunds & Cancellations

  • Services: Once work begins, payments are non-refundable. If the Client cancels before work starts, partial refunds may be issued at the Provider's discretion (minus administrative fees).
  • Operations Partner: the retainer can be ended as described in Section 4. Months already invoiced are not refunded.
  • Digital products: Due to their downloadable nature, all template and resource sales are final.
  • Sessions and workshops: Cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice may not be refunded or rescheduled.

7. Calls & Recordings

Some sessions are recorded so you can watch them back (for example the Notion Clarity Session and Custom Workspace review and handover calls). We always tell you before a call is recorded, and recordings are shared only with you.

8. Confidentiality & Data

Both parties agree to keep any business or personal information shared during the collaboration strictly confidential.

Client data and project details will not be shared with third parties without consent, except as required by law.

When the Provider handles personal data of your clients, members, or team, it does so only on your instructions, and a data processing agreement (verwerkersovereenkomst) can be signed on request. See our Privacy Policy for more details.

9. Intellectual Property

  • Work made specifically for you (such as your custom Notion workspace, documents, processes, and systems) belongs to you once it has been paid in full.
  • The Provider keeps ownership of its own templates, frameworks, methods, courses, and know-how, including those used to create your work. You receive a personal, non-transferable licence to use them for your own business.
  • Templates, courses, and resources sold as products may not be copied, redistributed, or resold without prior written consent.
  • The Provider may reuse general knowledge and skills gained during the work, but never your confidential information.

10. Client Responsibilities

Clients agree to:

  • Provide accurate and timely information and access needed to complete the work
  • Communicate respectfully and professionally
  • Use materials and systems responsibly and ethically
  • Pay for their own software subscriptions and tools (such as Notion plans), unless agreed otherwise

Delays in providing information, access, or approvals may extend delivery timelines.

11. Limitation of Liability

  • The Provider does not guarantee specific business outcomes (e.g., revenue growth or client acquisition).
  • Templates and digital products are provided "as is".
  • To the extent permitted by law, the Provider's total liability is limited to the fees paid in the 30 days before a claim.
  • The Provider is not liable for indirect, consequential, or incidental damages.

12. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The latest version will always be posted on this page. The version that applied when you accepted your proposal or made your purchase stays in force for that agreement.

13. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Netherlands. Any disputes will be handled by the competent court in The Hague, the Netherlands.

Contact Us

For any questions about these Terms or your purchase, please contact alexandra@thefreelancebesties.com.

← Back to blog Productivity

Why Your Week Feels Chaotic (And How an Ideal Week Template Changed Everything)

By Alex · The Freelance Besties

If someone asked you right now how your week is going, what would you say?

What I hear a lot is: "I'm busy."

It used to be my default answer for most of 2025. Busy with work. Busy with life. Busy with everything and everyone. And while it wasn't untrue, it started to make me pause.

Because being busy isn't the real issue. What we choose to prioritise is.

2025 taught me that when something truly matters to me, I do find the time. Not magically, but intentionally. And the tool that helped me see that most clearly? Designing my ideal week.

What is an ideal week, exactly?

An ideal week is a template of how you'd like your week to look if you had full control over your schedule. Not a rigid timetable, more like a map of your priorities, visualised in time blocks.

I first built mine when I realised my weeks felt chaotic not because I had too much to do, but because I had no structure guiding when I did things. Client work bled into business growth time. Admin crept into mornings I'd meant to keep protected. Before I knew it, I was reactive all week, never proactive.

Sound familiar?

My ideal week vs. my realistic week

Here's something I'll be honest about: my ideal week is not my realistic week. Not even close; at least not yet.

When I designed my ideal week, I included things like:

  • A protected hour for myself every week, less than what I wish for, but more than I gifted myself for the last 15 months. Small steps.
  • 90 minutes for a yoga class; I love going to the studio, especially for a hot yin class, but never make the time. (I hadn't been to a gym class in 16 months at that point. Sixteen!)
  • A split between client work blocks and ALCIVE Studio blocks, so I could truly make time to grow my business, not only work in it.

Then I took that ideal week and asked myself: what does a realistic version of this look like for right now?

Because here's the thing: while time-blocking helps me stick to my planning, I also see it as a flexible structure, not a rigid framework. Maybe the yoga block ends up on Wednesday. Maybe a buffer gets used for a midday appointment. It's more about the weekly time split than the rigid schedule.

The goal isn't perfection. The goal is intention.

Why this matters if you're a founder

If your business is you, your time, your energy, your expertise, then how you protect and structure your time is directly tied to how sustainable your business is.

I've spoken to a lot of founders who are working hard, delivering great results for clients, and simultaneously feeling like they're never getting to the things that would actually move their business forward. The newsletter. The offer they want to launch. The content they know they should be creating.

Usually, it's not a motivation problem. It's a structure problem.

When everything is equally urgent, nothing gets prioritised. And when your schedule has no shape, the loudest, most reactive tasks always win.

Your ideal week is the antidote to that.

Where to start

You don't need a fancy tool. You need 30 to 60 minutes and a willingness to be honest with yourself.

  1. List your non-negotiables. What has to happen every week? Client work, yes, but also: what about you? Rest, movement, the one hour of creative work that actually lights you up?
  2. Think in categories, not tasks. Deep work, admin, growth, rest. Assign rough blocks of time to each category.
  3. Build your ideal week. What would it look like if it all went according to plan?
  4. Then build your realistic week. Given your actual commitments right now, what's achievable? This is the version you use.
  5. Track it. I use Toggl to track how my weeks actually go, and review it regularly. The gaps between ideal and actual are where the most useful insight lives.

A question for you

Have you ever designed an ideal week?

If you have, I'd genuinely love to see it; it's fascinating how different (and how similar) our planning can look. And if you haven't, this might be the week to try.

And if you're the kind of person who knows exactly what your ideal week looks like but keeps struggling to actually live it? That's often where having a bit of outside support, whether that's accountability, structure, or someone helping you organise your systems, makes all the difference.

That's exactly the kind of work I do with founders. If it resonates, let's chat.

Your Freelance Bestie,
Alex

Want someone in your corner to make that week happen?

See the Progress Sprint
← Back to blog Notion

The Notion Setup That Helped Me Run My Business Without Dropping the Ball

By Alex · The Freelance Besties

Let me tell you something about Notion that took me a while to learn:

Notion isn't the point. The mental load is.

I say that as someone who uses Notion every single day, for my business, for my clients, for my grocery lists, for packing lists before every trip. I'm a Notion Certified Admin and Notion Official Ambassador. I've built Notion workspaces for dozens of founders. I teach it. I genuinely love it.

And still: the goal was never Notion. The goal was always a clearer head, a calmer week, and a business that doesn't rely on me holding everything in my brain at once.

Why founders drop the ball (hint: it's not you)

Running a solo business means you are, at any given moment, the CEO, the project manager, the delivery team, the content creator, the bookkeeper, and the customer support rep.

That's a lot of plates spinning.

And when everything lives in different places: this deadline in your email, that client update in a WhatsApp, the invoice reminder in your head, things fall through the cracks. Not because you're disorganised. Because your system is disorganised.

I felt this acutely in a month where everything was going well on paper: new clients, new projects, growing newsletter, and I still felt like I was failing. I was overcommitting, messages were going unanswered, work was delivered slower than I wanted. My inbox-zero had 41 emails waiting for action.

The house was messy. The laundry wasn't folded. Self-care was paused until further notice.

The lows are low. And we don't talk about them enough.

What helped me get back on track, and what's helped me stay on track since, is having a workspace that holds the information so my brain doesn't have to.

What's actually in my Notion setup

I don't systemise everything; overtracking steals joy, and I firmly believe systems should support life, not control it. But here's the core of what I use Notion for in my business:

Client work: Each client has their own space. Current projects, action items, meeting notes, and shared deliverables, all in one place. I give my clients access to their portal, which means no more "what's the status on X?" emails.

My task database: A simple database linked to clients and projects. Filtered views for today, this week, by client. I combine it with time tracking in Toggl, and together they give me a clear picture of where my time is actually going.

Content and newsletter: All my TFB newsletter issues, social media posts, and content ideas live in Notion. I can see what's drafted, what's scheduled, what's gone out. No more scattered Google Docs.

My ideal week template: A visual map of how I want my week to look, and a realistic version I actually plan against.

Business admin: Finances, expenses, rates, and notes from my own business reviews, all tracked. Because if you don't track it, you can't improve it.

The mindset shift that made it work

Before I had a real system, I was using Notion, but it wasn't actually working. I had pages everywhere, databases I never opened, colour-coded things I couldn't find.

The shift came when I stopped trying to build the perfect system and started building the useful one.

I use work principles in my personal life too now:

  • Move fast, test, iterate. My Notion setup has changed a hundred times. That's fine. The system evolves as my business does.
  • Boundaries by design. A good system makes the boundaries automatic. If deep work time is blocked in my calendar and my task database, it's much harder to accidentally give it away.
  • Review, then react. Before I make changes, I look at the data. Slow month? Open Toggl and Notion before panicking. Usually there's more there than I thought.

What this could look like for you

You don't need to build what I've built. Your version should fit your business, your clients, your working style, your brain.

But if you're currently keeping too much in your head, losing track of where projects are, spending time looking for information instead of doing the work, or feeling like your tools are working against you, then a Notion setup that's actually built for you could change a lot.

I set up Notion workspaces for founders, from a 60-minute Notion Clarity Session where we map out what you need, to a full custom workspace that becomes the brain of your business.

If you're curious, let's talk. I promise it doesn't have to be as complicated as it sounds.

Your Freelance Bestie,
Alex

Ready for a Notion setup that holds it all for you?

See Notion options
← Back to blog Pricing

Why Founders Undercharge (And How to Know If You're One of Them)

By Alex · The Freelance Besties

I recently joined an online networking event. In one breakout room, a freelancer was introducing herself and her work. With every sentence, her voice got quieter.

If you listened to her words, she sounded experienced. Skilled. Clearly good at what she does.

But the way she spoke didn't reflect that at all.

It reminded me how much trust starts with us. And how closely that trust is linked to what we charge.

The undercharging loop

Here's how the loop usually goes:

You're not sure your work is worth more, so you charge less. Because you charge less, you need more clients to hit your income goal. Because you have more clients, you have less time. Because you have less time, you have less capacity to do great work or grow your business. And because you're stretched thin and underpaid, your confidence takes a hit.

Round and round it goes.

I know this loop because I've been in it. A lot of the founders I speak to are in it right now, often without fully realising it.

The break-even moment that changed how I think about pricing

Last year, I launched my first course. Before the sales went live, I did something that felt both practical and slightly terrifying: I tracked every hour that went into building it.

Total time tracked 78 hours
My rate at the time €75/hour
Time investment value €5,850

Then I asked myself: based only on the time invested, how many sales would I need to break even?

With a course price of £197 and a 50% revenue share, I'd need roughly 52 sales.

Is that a lot? I honestly wasn't sure. What I did know was that I'd never thought about my work that way before. The full cost, in time, in mental energy, in the learning curve, of creating something from scratch.

Most founders don't track this. Which means most founders are chronically undervaluing their time without even knowing it.

"But what if people won't pay more?"

This is the fear, isn't it.

I want to share something I've noticed: the moments when I felt least confident about my rates were usually the moments when my systems and positioning weren't strong enough to back them up. Not the moments when clients actually pushed back.

When you can clearly articulate the value you bring, when your onboarding is smooth, your communication is professional, your client experience is consistent, raising your rates stops feeling like a risk and starts feeling like the obvious next step.

And here's the honest truth: the clients who are right for you will pay your real rate. The ones who won't? They were going to be difficult anyway.

How to know if you're undercharging

A few honest questions to sit with:

  • Do you feel a little relieved when a potential client says yes without negotiating?
  • Have you raised your rates in the last 12 months?
  • If you tracked every hour you spent on a client (including emails, admin, thinking time) and divided your fee by those hours, would you be happy with that number?
  • Do you know your break-even point? Your actual hourly rate?
  • When you describe your work to someone new, does your voice get quieter?

If any of these made you wince a little, that's useful information.

What to do about it

Start with the numbers. Track your time for one month, all of it. Client work, admin, content, networking. Then look at what you're actually earning per hour. The gap between what you're charging and what your time is worth is where the work begins.

Then: build the systems that back up your rates. A professional client experience, a clear onboarding process, reliable communication, a business that looks and feels like the premium service it is.

This is exactly the kind of transformation I support founders through, whether that's building the operational backbone of their business, getting their Notion workspace to actually reflect the quality of their work, or simply having someone in their corner keeping them accountable to the goals they keep putting off.

Because confidence and systems aren't separate things. They build each other.

If this resonated, I'd love to hear from you.

Your Freelance Bestie,
Alex

Want the systems that back up your rates?

Let's chat