Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiaja Harley.
Hi Tiaja, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey has been shaped by both structure and entrepreneurship. By trade, I’m a civil engineer, and I currently work as a Cost Engineer on a major Amtrak infrastructure project in Baltimore. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from NJIT in 2018 and later returned to complete my Master of Science in Construction Management in 2022. My engineering career gave me a strong foundation in organization, compliance, attention to detail, and accountability – skills that would later become essential in my business.
I started TYH Notary Co. after recognizing a gap in accessible, professional, and client-focused notary services, especially for busy professionals, families, and small business owners. What began as a side venture quickly grew into something much bigger. I realized that people weren’t just looking for a stamp- they were looking for clarity, reliability, and someone they could trust during important life moments.
Building my notary business while working full-time and raising my daughter taught me how to move with intention and discipline. I leaned heavily on systems, education, and consistency, and I made it a priority to stay compliant while also creating a warm, approachable experience for clients. Over time, TYH Notary Co. expanded to include mobile, remote online notarization, and specialized services, allowing me to serve a broader community across Maryland and beyond.
Today, I see my work as more than a business. It’s about service, education, and empowerment. Whether through notarizations, community engagement, or mentoring other notaries and entrepreneurs, I’m passionate about showing that it’s possible to build something meaningful while balancing career, family, and personal growth. My journey is still unfolding, but every step has reinforced my belief that alignment, preparation, and purpose make all the difference.
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 definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. One of my biggest challenges was simply finding the time to start my business in the first place. I was already working a full-time, demanding career, and like many people, the idea of adding “one more thing” felt overwhelming. There were moments where I questioned whether I had the capacity to build something new at all.
Once the business began to grow, the next challenge became balance. Running a business while managing a household, raising a family, and maintaining a full-time job required constant adjustment. There were long days, late nights, and moments where I had to be very intentional about how I used my time and energy. I quickly learned that balance doesn’t mean everything gets equal attention every day – it means knowing what needs you most in each season.
What helped me push through was structure, boundaries, and giving myself permission to grow at my own pace. I stopped trying to do everything perfectly and focused on consistency instead. Over time, I built systems that supported both my business and my personal life, allowing me to show up fully in each role. Those challenges ultimately strengthened my discipline, resilience, and confidence, and they continue to shape how I lead and grow today.
We’ve been impressed with TYH NOTARY CO., 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 am the founder of TYH Notary Co., where I provide professional, reliable, and client-centered notary services. I specialize in mobile and remote online notarizations, as well as more detailed notarization needs that require accuracy, discretion, and a strong understanding of compliance. Many of my clients come to me during important life moments – real estate transactions, estate planning, business matters, and personal documents – and I take that responsibility very seriously.
What I’m known for is creating a notary experience that feels both efficient and reassuring. Notarization can feel intimidating or confusing, so I focus on clear communication, preparedness, and professionalism from start to finish. My background as a civil engineer has shaped how I run my business- I’m detail-oriented, process-driven, and intentional about doing things correctly the first time.
What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built within my community. Many of my clients come through referrals or return for future services, which tells me that the experience I provide truly matters. I’m also proud of building a business that operates with integrity while still being approachable and accessible.
What sets me apart is my ability to combine structure with empathy. I understand that behind every document is a person, a family, or a business navigating something important. Being able to show up professionally while still being human is something I value deeply, and it’s the foundation of everything I do.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was passionate, assertive, and deeply determined. My family often joked that I should become a lawyer because I was always confident in my voice and firm in my beliefs. I wasn’t the type who needed to be the center of attention, but I was very aware of my capabilities. I was the quiet underdog — the one who consistently set goals and followed through on them.
I had a wide range of interests and was very much a jack-of-all-trades. I loved theater, performing poetry, and creative expression, and those experiences helped me develop confidence, communication skills, and emotional awareness that still serve me today. As the oldest child, I naturally took on responsibility early, which shaped my leadership style and sense of independence.
I grew up in a single-parent household, and the reality I lived in showed me both the challenges and the possibilities of life. It taught me that while circumstances don’t define your future, they can absolutely fuel your drive. I was determined to create a better reality for myself and my family
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tyharley.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tiajayvonne
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/tyh-notary-baltimore-6
Image Credits
Jeff Brooks & Frederick L. Nunley II
