Meet Melissa Garner | Global Notary Solutions Provider

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

Hi Melissa, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The success of my business isn’t tied to just one “thing.” It’s truly a combination of qualities, character, and attitude. I’ve learned a great deal from mentors like Bill Soroka, who always emphasizes, “Focus on the relationship, and the rest will follow.” That philosophy has become a core principle in how I serve.

Too often, business owners get caught up chasing the bottom line. But I believe that when we place greater value on the service we provide to people and for people, the possibilities become endless.

Beyond that foundation, what’s kept me going is perseverance, dedication, and determination. Challenges will come—there’s no avoiding them—but the key is not to quit. Yes, it’s easier said than done. But the most rewarding achievements rarely come easy.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Here is where I get to share my story, my beginning, and where the love for what I do started.

Back in 2020, when we were reeling from COVID, I worked for Leon County government. I was fortunate in that during the shutdown periods, I was still able to draw a paycheck thanks to my position as a government employee. The downside, however, is that government work is often taxpayer-funded, and when things opened back up, many budgets that funded projects, positions, and salaries had taken a massive hit. Positions were frozen or eliminated. I was grateful that even though my position was eliminated, I wasn’t left entirely without a job.

But as a single mom with two young children and no other parental support, my availability was limited to traditional weekday hours. I had no after-school care options, having just bought my home and missing the summer enrollment deadline for local programs. On top of that, the new manager I would be working under was a micromanager I hadn’t had a good experience with before. I was told my hours would change, and with so many red flags, I made the tough decision to leave the security of a job that only amounted to a mere paycheck. But when it comes to my children, the decision is never really tough. I resigned from the County with no job on the horizon. Later in my notary career it has become widely known that not all money is good money and that statement applied to even the job I had at the County. The things that I would have to sacrifice and change, the hours I wouldn’t be available for my children, could not be replaced by my bi-weekly pay.

I went two and a half months unemployed. It was one of the most difficult times of my life, both financially and emotionally. I had once donated to charities during the holidays, but now I was on the receiving end just so my kids could have Christmas.. Eventually, I accepted a contract job—at a $14K pay cut. I was relieved to have something, but I wasn’t out of the woods.

I’m not sure what prompted me to renew my notary commission in 2019. I had heard the buzz about becoming a loan signing agent and the potential income, but I knew little about it. I enrolled in Mark Wills’ Loan Signing System course, started it, then drifted away before completing it in 2021. During the probation period of my new job, I continued applying and praying for better opportunities. I had many interviews and was often a top candidate, but time after time I was passed over. It was disheartening.

Out of the blue in early 2021, I decided to start a business. I had no idea what I was doing. I formed my LLC in October 2021, started showing up consistently on LinkedIn, completed the LSA course, took the Remote Online Notarization (RON) course, and knocked out 20 grueling credit hours of the NMLS course. I was doing everything I could to stand out—not to be better than anyone else, but to be visible, professional, and prepared.

I applied for Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation, thinking it would add legitimacy. I was initially told I needed to be in business for at least six months, so I waited—impatiently, but I waited. I reapplied, went through the vetting process, and today, three years later, I proudly hold an A+ rating.

I completed Judi Lawrence’s apostille course and regularly attended Bill Soroka’s TNT (Tuesday Notary Titans) meetings—now hosted by Laura Biewer and Jenn Neitzel. That combination of learning and networking pushed my business into high gear.

I’ve had my fair share of “God-breaks” along the way—being in the right place at the right time, meeting the right people, saying yes more than no, and continuing to hustle every single day. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m incredibly grateful for every person and opportunity that’s helped me get here.

Fast forward a few years, I am fortunate to have experienced nonstop growth. Over the last two years, I’ve built my business into a six-figure company, with 50% growth just last year alone from the year prior. But it’s not the income that I love most. Yes, the numbers on paper are affirming, but no amount of money can compare to the priceless relationships and friendships I’ve been blessed to form.

It’s taken an immense amount of hard work—more than I ever put into any W-2 job. That’s because MK Notary Services LLC is mine. All mine. Built from the ground up. I didn’t get here overnight, and I certainly didn’t get here without help and support. But I wake up each day and get to say, “I started a business.” What I’ve created, I’ve built brick by brick, one notarization at a time.

There is such a profound sense of pride in being able to step back and say, “I did that.” But even beyond that, the real joy is in helping others. With every notarization, I may be helping someone buy their first home, adopt a child, travel the world, get a tattoo, or return a loved one to their home country for final rest. Being a notary is profound and limitless. I am continually in awe of just how important and impactful our work is.

It’s an honor and privilege when other notaries reach out to me for guidance or questions. Even as I write this, I get emotional thinking about how deeply I love what I do and how lucky I am to meet people from all walks of life, helping them along their journeys.

My dad often tells me he had no idea how valuable a notary could be. He’s proud of me—and that means the world to me.

Through everything, there’s one message I always want to share with aspiring notaries: If I can do it, you can too. I started with nothing—no business degree, no prior experience. Just an idea that became a dream come true. Do not belittle your dreams or let anyone else.

Believe in yourself. Believe in what’s possible. And don’t quit. Keep going. Don’t stop. And whatever you do, don’t let the naysayers dim your light. Listen to them, but don’t let their words define you. Use them as fuel to keep going—so one day, you can say, “Look here—I proved you wrong.”

When I think about the legacy I want to leave—both personally and professionally—I hope to be remembered as someone who was kind, who showed up, and who inspired others along the way. I want people to say that I always tried to help, to encourage, and to motivate, even in small ways.

I’m not going anywhere any time soon, but my hope is that the work I do leaves a positive impact and that I’ve carried out my responsibilities with integrity, compassion, and purpose. We stand at our tallest when we kneel to lend a helping hand—and if I’ve done that, then I’ve done something right.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Tallahassee offers a mix of hidden gems, outdoor beauty, and cozy spots that are perfect for making memories with a best friend. Cascades Park for instance is great for a picnic, walk-and-talks, or catching a concert at the Capital City Amphitheater. There is a restaurant, the Edison, which offers casual dining, outdoor seating, and light atmosphere. If my bestie and I were venturing for a longer getaway, nothing beats the beach so long as there is a golf course close by. I would say we would have to flip a coin to decide if we were going to lively Panama City or Destin or a little further toward Pensacola or Ft. Walton. Something a little more small scale and quaint like St. George Island might be in order too. Of course, going and just hanging out on a houseboat on the Flint River is probably one of my all time favorites. I have some very special and fond memories from my time spent there with my best friend and soul partner.

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?
I’ve often said that I’m thankful—not just for my clients who place their faith, confidence, and trust in me—but for everyone who has played a part in my journey.

From fellow notary colleagues serving alongside me in the local community, to friends, neighbors, and loved ones. From the hundreds of notaries I’ve had the privilege of networking and collaborating with—many of whom have become lifelong friends—to the businesses I’ve worked with, including law offices, signing services, title companies, and translation providers.

My success isn’t solely the result of my own efforts. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the people I’ve crossed paths with. I genuinely believe in the power of community over competition. We can rise by lifting each other, and I’ve witnessed that firsthand in this industry.

As much as I love what I do, I know I won’t be doing it forever. That’s why I hold deep gratitude for every relationship, every opportunity, and every moment I’ve been given.

I’m especially thankful to God for the doors He closed—doors that closed for reasons I didn’t understand at the time. But in looking back, I see how every closed door made space for something far greater. I wouldn’t have stepped through so many incredible open doors had it not been for the ones that shut first.

To every single person who’s been part of this journey—from day one to today—you are seen, valued, and appreciated. Each of you holds a special place in my heart. I only wish there were a way to express how much you mean to me.

Website: https://www.mknotarysvcs.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-g-0a4a7a222/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081171445339

Image Credits
Betsy Barfield