I am a Paralegal and Notary Signing Agent. In 2021, I received my first big girl job at a Family Law Firm. Around this time, the world was slowly opening back up from COVID-19. I was a recent graduate and instead of going straight to Law School, I decided to work as a Paralegal while obtaining my Master’s Degree. During my interview, the attorney suggested that I become a Notary due to the high volume of documents that would need to be notarized, so I did. About a month in at the firm, I noticed just how much I was notarizing documents without ever seeing a dime from it. I was getting up every morning to put more money in my boss’ pockets while I depended on my salary alone. This thought sparked something inside of me, but I didn’t take any action on it just yet. I had a conversation with a family friend about this one night and she brought up the idea of starting a Notary Business. At first, I laughed at the idea because I knew nothing about running a business. I didn’t even see myself owning a business, at that time. I had one plan: Go to Law School and become a Lawyer. After that conversation, I was curious and decided to do my research on the industry. I even reached out to my brother in New York for advice and tips because he’sa businessman himself. After videos, podcasts, and reports on the notary business, I decided to execute on a business plan. A couple of months later, I passed my Notary Signing Agent Exam and submitted my documents to obtain my LLC. For about 2-3 months, business was slow, which was expected. However, it was still discouraging in a way, but I didn’t throw in the towel. I took advantage of this down time by getting a Mentor and connecting with other Notaries who were in the industry longer than I was while also marketing in the community to local Title companies and Signing Agencies.  With patients and lots and lots of prayers, the clients finally started to come my way. Ngadiene Notaries Services, LLC will be three years old this year and I am proud that I did not throw in that towel. Back then, I used to have a way of talking myself out of things due to fear, uncertainty, and simply because it didn’t align with the plans I had for my life. But we’ve all heard the saying, “God laughs when you make plans.” The purpose of my business is “to assist individuals and companies execute their legal documents smoothly, make notarizations more convenient, and provide a variety of inexpensive services to those who cannot afford legal representation.” Working as a Paralegal, I’ve witnessed a lot of individuals represent themselves and get turned around just because of the lack of knowledge they had while filling out these legal documents. In civil court, it is reported that almost 70% of cases have at least one Pro Se party. I wanted to be a useful resource to those individuals who were denied service due to their lack of knowledge and funds, which is why I added Paralegal services to the business. This allowed me to provide my assistance to those who need help filing for Divorce, setting up an Estate and drafting POAs. There are many misconceptions on this industry, specifically that it doesn’t create any revenue. In just the two years of being in the industry; I can say that my business has a great possibility of creating financial freedom. Over the years, I’ve learned that if you’re not making money in your sleep; you’re going to work until you die. And that’s the goal: to have the ability to make money in my sleep. I’m also mindful that in order for me to reach this level of success, I must first submit every single detail to God and apply myself because faith without works is completely dead.