Benzinga - A successful person doesn't necessarily have to pass through the hallways of a college or a university.
Angelina Nguyen had just turned 18 when she became a notary signing agent, as a side hustle to support her income as a bank teller. Fast-forward seven years, and Nguyen is now a successful full-time notary, earning up to $150,000 per year through her business, Team Signings, reported CNBC.
A Career Without College
Nguyen’s father Chau, a successful real estate agent without a bachelor's degree of his own, instilled in her that she didn't have to go to college to be successful.
Nguyen listened to his advice, saving herself from having to take out expensive student loans. In fact, it was her dad who suggested that she become a notary signing agent.
"He built a career that he loved as a real estate agent, without a bachelor's degree, and always instilled in me that I didn't have to go to college to be successful," said Nguyen, according to the report.
Notary Signing Agents Vs. Notaries Public
Notaries, also known as notary publics, public witness and authorize the signing of important documents, but most can only charge what their state dictates. Notary signing agents, however, can charge more as they specialize in property records and loan documents.
More Than Just Verifying Signatures
Nguyen quickly realized there was more to notarizing than she initially thought — she was also walking people through some of the happiest, and saddest, moments of their lives.
She wanted to be the person who made people feel seen, heard, cared for, and understood in those important moments.
"I realized I wanted to be the person who made people feel seen, heard, cared for and understood in those important moments," said Nguyen, reported CNBC.
Building a Successful Business
Nguyen registered Team Signings as a corporation in November 2021 and immediately began building her clientele. She visited real estate agencies, made TikTok and Instagram pages to document her work, and asked friends to spread the word.
At the time of writing, her TikTok had nearly 29,000 followers. On her TikTok profile, Nguyen dishes out professional tips to her followers.
@teamsignings This is such an amazing career!!!! Thankful for this signing but even more happier that I got to meet this amazing Loan Broker!!!! So excited for what's to come!!!