Today we’d like to introduce you to Carmen Hunt.
Hi Carmen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In early 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everyday life, I was working as an office manager for an architecture firm. I didn’t love the job, but I loved the people—my coworkers made the workday worth it.
Then everything changed.
When we were sent home, my role suddenly became very small. We transferred the phone lines so I could answer calls remotely and stay connected with the staff, but there was little else I could do from my living room. Like so many people at the time, I started thinking hard about security, income, and what my future could look like. I wasn’t just looking for a side hustle—I was looking for a way to take control.
That’s when I saw a YouTube ad that said notaries could work for themselves and make good money.
It stopped me in my tracks.
I didn’t have a background in entrepreneurship. I wasn’t sitting on a big savings account. But I did have something powerful: focus. I went into research mode. I looked up the notary requirements in Maryland, and I was shocked by how straightforward the process was. I applied, followed the steps, and within days I was officially commissioned as a Maryland Notary Public.
And then I hit a realization that most new notaries experience quickly: getting commissioned is easy—building income is the real work.
So I kept going.
I studied what full-time notaries were doing differently. I watched videos. I joined Facebook groups. I took notes. I learned new terms, new workflows, and new expectations. I was excited, anxious, nervous—sometimes all in the same day—but I was also determined. With every new piece of information, the idea became clearer: this wasn’t just something I could do. This was something I could build.
Later that year, my position at the firm was eliminated. My boss called and explained that because the office would operate differently due to COVID-19, a full-time office manager was no longer needed.
That call could have felt devastating. For me, it was the moment the plan became real.
By then, I had already started preparing to become a notary loan signing agent, and I had a blueprint forming. My former boss was incredibly supportive and allowed me to create my own exit strategy. Over the next three months, I transitioned from full time to part time, and then officially ended my role with the firm.
That season taught me something I now tell every new notary: don’t treat this like “notary work.” Treat it like a business from day one.
In 2020, I launched Sign Here Notary LLC. Now, as I enter my fifth year, I’ve grown a busy, successful business that I genuinely love. It’s hard work—and it’s also one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve ever made.
And if you’re starting from zero like I did, I want you to know this: you can build this, too—if you approach it with the right mindset, the right steps, and a plan you can actually follow.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been easy. The work itself is straightforward, but building a business takes discipline and consistency. My biggest struggle has been marketing—especially as a solo business owner. When you don’t have employees, you’re doing the appointments, the admin work, and the promotion all at once. Getting known in the community has taken time, but I’ve learned that visibility is built through repetition: networking, leaving business cards, building relationships, and showing up consistently. It’s a process—but it works if you stick with it..
We’ve been impressed with Sign Here Notary LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m a mobile notary and notary loan signing agent—meaning I come to you. I serve clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C., and I’m known for professionalism, accuracy, and making the signing process smooth and stress-free.
In addition to loan signings, I work with attorneys to notarize estate planning documents. I hold a specialized credential as a Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent, which includes training in properly handling and notarizing trusts and estate plans. On the real estate side, I’m certified through the National Notary Association and trained to understand and manage loan documents. I also hold a TIPIC (Title Insurance Producer Independent Contractor) license, which is required in Maryland for notaries who handle real estate documents.
I work directly with local title companies to support their loan closings, and I’m also part of a large nationwide network of mobile notaries. Because of that, out-of-state title companies frequently contact me when they need a reliable notary to cover closings in the Maryland/DC area.
What sets my business apart is the experience I provide: clear communication, attention to detail, and a calm, client-centered approach—especially when documents are time-sensitive and the details matter. Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Sign Here Notary LLC has become known as a trusted, consistent service in my community—built through integrity, relationships, and showing up prepared every time.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m genuinely excited about the future of Sign Here Notary LLC. In the first quarter of 2026, I plan to become certified to perform Remote Online Notarizations (RON). This will allow me to serve clients remotely through a secure online platform—expanding my reach beyond in-person appointments and making notarization more convenient for people who can’t meet face-to-face.
I’ve also added In-Person Electronic Notarization (IPEN) to my services. With IPEN, the signing still happens in person, but the documents are executed electronically. Instead of printing and scanning paperwork, I can bring my laptop or iPad to the appointment and complete the signing digitally—making the process faster, more efficient, and more modern for clients and companies that prefer electronic workflows.
I’m also honored to have been selected as an Ambassador for the National Notary Association. I’m looking forward to learning more about what the role involves and using it as an opportunity to grow, serve the notary community, and continue raising the standard of professionalism in the work I do.
Ultimately, every step I’m taking is about making notarization more accessible, more efficient, and more trustworthy for the people and businesses who rely on me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://signherenotaryllc.com
- Instagram: sign_here_notary1
- Facebook: Sign Here Notary, LLC
- LinkedIn: Carmen D. Hunt
- Twitter: @signherenotaryllc
