Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katherine Vargas. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Katherine , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
I began Mrs. Katherine Vargas Notary and Networking as a way to cope after my youngest daughter passed away from a genetic disorder.
I was reading a book about Goddess Energy, which is not the type of book I would typically read (it was suggested by a friend). I read this powerful section asking to tap into two things. First, acknowledge who/what depletes your energy. Second, acknowledge what GIVES your energy.
Many years ago I had a small stint in PR and was asked to assist on a Fashion Documentary. I even had a small gig helping with Kirstie Alleys opening of her nutrition store. People that knew me asked how the heck I got these opportunities because I never sought them. I just like talking to and authentically connecting with people and doors opened. I love connecting with people.
I had previously THOUGHT about becoming a notary and loan signing agent. I had sat on the idea too long so I just executed and named my LLC Mrs. Katherine Vargas Notary and Networking. My marketing style is through connecting, networking and collaboration with people I meet via groups and creating workshops for other people interested in becoming a small business owner. It brings me joy and energy and I want to help others tap into that.
Katherine , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My background is mostly in healthcare administration, my bachelors is in healthcare administration. I was working from home as a software support analyst for three years straight and hardly left my house beyond family events and taking my eldest daughter to and from school. I needed to get out again. For my mental health, I needed to get out again.
I married a homebody, and going out is expensive. So, creating a business for myself I am able to go network with people at nice places and write it off as a business expense. I get to connect with people and enjoy myself. As a mom it’s nice to have that time to be myself and not just always be in mom or wife mode. I am a business owner too and all of the fruits of my labor goes back to the business and my home, most of all my mental health.
I grew up with two hardworking immigrant parents. I was their “admin” from a very young age. I had to learn invoicing and had to learn how to use a professional voice when speaking to or writing to my parents clients. I host networking events and I bring my daughter along as often as possible. She is about to turn 5. So if she has a tantrum, oh well…I’m still a mom and that’s what being a mom looks like. Sometimes she herself turns into a social butterfly. She is learning how to “network” and I love it. She has her own style and her own rules.
Anyone that works with me needs to learn that your style and your own rules is the way to go. I once read “What’s true for your is not true for everyone else”. Someone may not like that I occasionally have a kid at my meetings, oh well… my business my rules. Someone may only like doing upscale events that cost a lot to contribute to or attend,…. it’s their business it’s their rules. So anyone that works with me or collaborates with me must know that I had no formal training, I just “go with it”. In our economy you need to be flexible. My first marketing idea was to host a dog rescue event. People asked me “what does a dog rescue have to do with notary services? ” I said “Nothing, but now you know me as the notary who hosted a dog rescue! Now you know my heart and my industry.”
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
Being part of different networking groups. When you find the right ones the members become like friends and want to do whatever they can to support you. I am not the biggest fan of the “referral based” type of networking groups. I do best in groups that focus on getting to know one another. It’s less pressure, more genuine and easier to work with the person you know not the business you are being pressured to sell.
I am on the Board of Directors of The National Association of Women Business Owners.
I am the ambassador of Social Register Network.
I just recently became a member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
I am also an affiliate for the Orange County Realtors association and an affiliate for the womens orange county realtors association as well.
Those groups are enough to keep me busy and keep me in a group among some quality business owners.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
Don’t quit just because the audience didn’t show up. My first event that was a dog rescue was awesome. The second one was a health and wellness fair and I felt like I let down the other businesses I brought to that event to market themselves. It was a total flop. I guess people care more about rescue dogs than they do of health haha. Just kidding. I felt so let down but the director at the venue where I had the events sent me the best message of encouragement. It took a while to get back on it but I did. Now I stay thankful with a big audience or small.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mrskatherinevargas.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Mrskatherinevargas
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088957831819
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrskatherinevargas/
Image Credits
Photo credit TNKPhoto.com