Meet Barbara Balderas | Notary Public

We had the good fortune of connecting with Barbara Balderas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Barbara, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
Our doors are open to anyone who needs them. However, life has diverted our customer base to primarily those recently arriving in the United States.
We offer our customers empathy, compassion, and knowledge; they all make a difference.
I can relate to what it feels like to leave everything behind and start all over again; life has never allowed me to forget where I come from and the struggles I have lived through. Although I was born in the United States, I faced homelessness in the past. Looking back, I wish someone had taught me things I had to learn the hard way.
So today, as I sit in the office with my clients, I explain the service they requested that day as if it were a miniature course. I know they will one day realize why this course was essential. Often, people return and say, “We paid attention in class.”

What should our readers know about your business?

Nothing in life is easy. Papeles Y Mucho Mas was born when the world was falling apart. I used my computer skills to help family, friends, and ex-colleagues. It was a chance encounter, and helping Roberto free of charge, someone I did not know but for whom I will be forever grateful for pushing me to open the doors to a full-blown business. I didn’t even own a computer when he asked for permission to give my phone number to others who needed help. I helped everyone from my phone until my eyes could not hold the strain; with a credit card, I upgraded the phone to a tablet. Within a month, I started hiring family members to help.
I worked with my nephew, niece, and a childhood friend. Then I bought a laptop. Within the next month, three full-time employees worked on my kitchen table. I worked seven days a week because the demand was so high. By July of 2020! I named the company and registered with the state. It took three months for me to decide this had to be done. I upgraded my computer to a desktop and bought a desk, chair, and office supplies. My living room was now my office. On February 14, 2021, I moved into our new home and made one of the rooms an office. I became a notary and got certified in taxes with the IRS. Two months later, the office became too small. In April 2021, we rented our first location and have continued to grow since then. Today, we continue incorporating different services and serving our community and people worldwide.

I have worked long hours, studied at night to keep up with immigration changes, and skipped meals to attend to all the customers who reach out to me and try to leave no one behind. I have learned that working with the public can be difficult. However, I give the best of myself and have learned to accept that not everyone will always be happy or satisfied with what I perceive to be my best.

Customer service in most places is a thing of the past. Four years after we started, I still pick up the phone and call those customers who want to speak to me directly. That one on one for many is priceless. If a client calls to ask if I do a specific procedure before I say no, I investigate. I do not limit myself to servicing one area of a need. They write to me on social media, and I answer. People want interaction, and they want to know you are there; therefore, we present ourselves to them with a motto: “Changing lives one approval at a time.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Miami is a big city with many places to see and much to do. So, I can’t limit myself to one place. I recommend various locations, such as Schnebly Redlands Winery’s fantastic weekend brunch and wine tasting. I recently took my employees to a Friday night dinner. To Nando Grill, It was outdoors; they had karaoke, and it felt very family-oriented. I also like a small place in Key Largo called Gilbert’s Resort, They have a great Tiki Bar and usually have live bands, the beach is within walking distance, and they have a hotel.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
At the age of 4, I was adopted by my grandparents, and shortly after, my grandfather passed away. Somehow, my grandmother, after losing her longtime partner, with two small children who weren’t hers and a son who had epilepsy, always found a way to help others. She bought groceries for the neighbors and made hot meals for the postal worker Marie, who had lunch in our home daily. My grandmother also gave hours of service to the church, and her cooking was often the talk of every gathering. She instilled in me that helping others is a reward! My resilience comes from her. So first and foremost, I thank God, then my grandmother for showing me to never give up, my children for giving me the desire to continue, my husband for never trying to cut my wings, my coworkers for helping with the work overload, and every single client that puts their trust in our hands.

Website: https://www.papelesymuchomas.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/papelesymuchomas/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/papelesymuchomas?mibextid=JRoKGi

Image Credits
Quinceañera Photography by Chic Lemonade