Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Kaplan.
Hi Amy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been drawn to the legal field, though I never felt compelled to pursue the path of becoming an attorney. After studying law in college, I began my career as a paralegal; and before I knew it, more than a decade had flown by. For all those years, I spent my days inside a towering high-rise, rarely leaving my desk except for a trip to the copier or the break room. Many times I’d glance out the window and catch myself daydreaming about being outside; enjoying a sense of freedom I didn’t yet have.
I soon became a commissioned Notary Public at the request of the law firm where I worked. They simply needed someone available to handle the occasional client notarization, which were few and far between.
After my son was born in 2012, my priorities shifted. Working full-time as a paralegal was never going to allow me to fulfill my new role as a Mom and all of the responsibilities that go with it. I also strongly desired to be fully present for all of my son’s milestones. I tried different jobs outside of the legal field, including working as a personal assistant, but I still found it difficult to balance them with the demands of motherhood.
Then one day a letter arrived for me from the State that my Notary commission was up for renewal—and it hit me. My license was just sitting there, unused. I decided to put it to work, thinking that even if only one person called me for a notarization, it would be worth it.
That small, simple step became a turning point. What began as an idea to try to obtain the flexibility I needed evolved into a thriving mobile notary business—one that gives me the independence I always longed for. It also has given me the priceless opportunity to connect with my neighbors, and with people from all walks of life. By being a mobile Notary, I get to do meaningful work within my community while enjoying the freedom I used to dream about from my office window.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like most small business owners, my biggest challenge in the beginning was building a customer base. I quickly realized that I wasn’t the only mobile notary in town—far from it. There was a LOT of competition, and standing out was harder than I anticipated. I created a simple website and listed my business on as many platforms as possible, all while sticking to a very limited budget.
In those early months, the phone hardly rang. If I received one call every three weeks, I considered it a success. It was discouraging at times, but I refused to give up. I believed that if I kept my fees consistently lower than other Notaries, and provided excellent service to every client I met, things would eventually grow.
Ironically, it was the COVID-19 pandemic that changed the course of my business. With so many people staying home, the need for mobile notaries skyrocketed. Clients were looking for someone they could trust to come to them safely, and I was ready to meet that need. Around that same time, I was also retained as the go-to Notary for a local law firm, handling all of their estate planning signings. Between working there several days a week and steadily gaining repeat clients of my own, everything started to fall into place.
It was during that period that I realized this thing that the very thing that once felt like a side project had grown into something meaningful, sustainable, and deeply fulfilling. Looking back, every slow week and quiet phone line was worth it, because it led me to exactly where I was meant to be.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I believe what sets me apart from other as mobile Notaries is the depth of my professional and personal experience with legal and financial documents. My 15 plus years working in law firms—drafting and reviewing everything from corporate filings to estate planning documents—instilled in me an unwavering attention to detail. That background has proven invaluable as a Notary, where accuracy and thoroughness are essential.
Beyond my professional training, I believe that I bring a sense of empathy and understanding to my work shaped by my own life experiences. I went through a lengthy divorce which exposed me to the stresses (and the related paperwork) of the family court system. I witnessed a series of tragic battles and losses to cancer —including my Sister, Father, and Mother-in-Law – and as a result, I found myself stepping into the role of a Trustee, thus gaining knowledge relating to the administration of estates. Going through those experiences gave me not only a stronger knowledge of various legal documents, but also a sincere compassion for clients who are navigating emotional or stressful situations.
I have also experienced the complexities of buying and selling real estate as well as obtaining loans, which has given me a practical understanding of the mortgage and escrow documents I handle. These experiences allow me to bring more than just a stamp and a signature to my work—I try to bring a blend of professionalism, empathy, and insight that hopefully helps my clients feel confident and cared for.
What’s next?
After more than twenty-five years of living in Orange County, I recently relocated with my teenage son to Los Angeles County—a big change both personally and professionally. In many ways, it feels like I’m starting my business all over again, building new connections and introducing my services to a whole new community.
While it’s always a challenge to begin anew, I’m genuinely excited to explore my new surroundings and meet the wonderful people who call this area home. I’m focusing on serving the areas of Calabasas, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, and Thousand Oaks, and I can already tell this community is filled with warmth and friendly people.
With this move, I have continued to keep reminding myself of how fortunate I am to have made the transition away from the corporate world. Becoming a mobile Notary gave me the ability to adapt, grow, and continue doing what I love, wherever life takes me.
Pricing:
- $15 Per Notarized Signature
- $5 to $40 Travel Fee Based on Distance
- Capped Fees & No Travel Fee for Multi-Document Estate Plan Signings
- Capped Fees & No Travel Fee for Multi-Document Loan Package Signings
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.amysmobilenotary.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/californianotary/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/amys-mobile-notary-thousand-oaks
