Life & Work with Karla Arevalo of WestLA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karla Arevalo.

Hi Karla, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into business started earlier than most in elementary at the school playground. I was the kid selling Game Boys and trading video games with classmates. I still remember pulling out my debit card with my name on it and showing it off to proof that I meant serious business. I loved the thrill of buying, selling, and reinvesting. Looking back now, that was my first taste of entrepreneurship.
As a first generation American growing up in Inglewood, I watched my parents work tirelessly to provide for our family. At 11, I was already working and helping my mom run her business. Growing up in a city as diverse as LA also meant seeing people from all walks of life. The money I earned from selling games wasn’t just spending money, it was something I reinvested to buy more games and to give back to my community.Every month,I donated toys to children with cancer at Saint Elizabeth Hospital.That experience grounded me and taught me that business wasn’t only about profit, it was about purpose.I understood early that not everyone had the same opportunities.
As I got older, my interest in business grew. My parents relocated to Dallas so I could attend the best school district they could find. During college, I began working in banking and soon entered the world of finance, managing investment portfolios for advisors. Over time, I worked my way up, eventually collaborating with senior managers and directors sharing feedback, training new employees, and continuing to learn the intricacies of wealth management,but as I climbed the corporate ladder, I realized that the corporate path wasn’t where I saw my future long term. I was grateful for the opportunities and the knowledge I was gaining, but the stress and pressure of the industry, combined with the lifestyle that often came with it, began to take a toll on me.I felt ready for a new challenge, something that required risk and offered growth in a different direction. So I stepped away from finance and moved back to Los Angeles to explore new opportunities.
The next chapter of my life became one of exploration. I worked across several different industries from caregiving to studying cybersecurity at Riot Games and working for social lights and celebrities.Each experience taught me something new, but none of them felt like my true calling.Eventually, I stepped back and reflected on my journey. I thought about the kid on the playground selling and trading games, the lessons I learned from my parents, and the entrepreneurial spirit that had always been part of me.That reflection brought me back to banking,not to climb the ladder again, but to tap into the resources, knowledge, and networks that help businesses grow. With my finance background, I started connecting with entrepreneurs in a different way. I didn’t just talk to them about banking products.I understood cash flow, investments, scalability, and the financial realities behind building something from nothing. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, those conversations felt natural and meaningful.I stumbled across the opportunity to earn a notary license. I saw it as a chance to return to something I had always loved by running my own business again.
What started with selling Game Boys at recess,eventually turned into a pursuit of independence, growth, and service to others.In many ways, my journey is just getting started.I’m committed to building meaningful relationships, supporting small businesses, and continuing to forge my own path as an entrepreneur.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The reality is that nothing in life is truly easy, even when opportunities are handed to you. Achieving what you want doesn’t automatically bring peace or fulfillment. Learning how to manage success can be just as challenging as achieving it in the first place.My journey has definitely included setbacks. But those moments forced me to slow down, reflect, and grow. Because of those challenges, I’ve been able to move forward with more discipline, motivation, and clarity about what I truly want. Struggle builds character, and I believe those difficult moments often shape us the most.During my career in finance, I was very good at what I did. One of my biggest setbacks was that I hadn’t yet experienced enough outside of that environment. Stepping away and moving to truly challenge myself as a person was a risk I took on to grow beyond what was comfortable.I’ve learned that the best teacher in life is your own experience. None of us fully understand who we are until we face failure or adversity. Those moments force you to reevaluate, adapt, and evolve.Looking back, if I hadn’t gone through those failures and challenges, I wouldn’t be where I am today.Sometimes the most important thing you can do is accept what happened, learn from it, and keep moving forward.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a mobile notary serving the West Los Angeles area.Providing notary services during evenings and weekends when many people are unable to visit traditional offices. What I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built with the people I serve. My work allows me to help individuals and families year round. What sets me apart is my flexibility and my professional background. Having previously worked in banking and financial institutions, I bring a strong sense of trust, attention to detail, and an understanding of financial and legal documentation. That experience allows me to confidently guide clients through the process of notarizing signatures and administering oaths

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Never pass up a potential opportunity, no matter how big or small. You never know where it might lead. Building connections across different industries and backgrounds is incredibly valuable, and people are often willing to help when you least expect it.Focus on what you already know and the resources you currently have, and learn how to build from there. Put your ego aside,growth often comes from listening, learning, and being open to opportunities that may not look the way you expected.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://quicksignk.de/
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/-KX1IU_6gN