How Emerald Built a Six Figure Remote Online Notary Business as a Single Mom

One of the reasons I love interviewing notaries is because every journey looks different. Some stories stand out not just because of the income milestones, but because of the why behind the work.

When I sat down with Emerald Castelo, her story immediately resonated. She is a single mom of five who built a thriving remote online notary business while prioritizing her children, her health, and her time.

From In Person Notary to Remote Online Success

Emerald became a notary in 2022 and started with traditional in person notarizations. Like many new notaries, she did not begin with a clear long term plan. What she did have was determination.

In mid 2023, she transitioned into remote online notarization. That shift changed everything. Within a year, Emerald reached six figures, earning approximately $125,000 primarily through RON work.

For her, remote notarization was not just about convenience. It was about survival and sustainability.

Why She Chose Entrepreneurship

As a single mother, Emerald needed flexibility. One of her children has special needs, and a previous job offered no grace or understanding when family responsibilities came first.

That experience pushed her to create something of her own. Remote online notarization gave her control over her schedule and the ability to work without sacrificing her role as a parent.

She shared that discovering notary work started with a TikTok video by Irene Rea of Phoenix Notary Pro. From there, she invested in education through the Loan Signing System and began taking her business seriously.

How Emerald Built Momentum

Emerald did not wait to feel ready. She attended notary meetups, introduced herself to signing services, and openly shared that she was new but committed.

She uses platforms like SigningOrder, Notary Every Day, and Notary Dash to receive work, while also marketing directly to title companies, law firms, paralegals, and document preparers.

Her primary RON platforms are Blue Notary and Proof.

What stood out most was her consistency. Emerald prepares every signer ahead of time through phone calls, texts, or emails. She explains the RON process clearly, verifies ID readiness, and confirms technology requirements before the session begins.

That preparation allows her to handle high volume efficiently.

A Realistic Look at Her Workflow

Emerald completes roughly 150 signings per month, averaging 12 to 13 signings a day, especially during busy periods like the end of the month.

She structures her workday around her children’s schedules and makes time daily for herself, including exercise and mental resets. This balance is something many notaries overlook until burnout hits.

Her story proves that high income does not have to mean chaos.

Encouragement for Other Notaries

One of the most powerful parts of Emerald’s story is her willingness to share real numbers and real challenges. She believes transparency helps other notaries believe success is possible, especially single parents who feel boxed in by traditional employment.

She encourages new notaries to market widely, stay consistent, and not disqualify themselves before trying. Growth comes from showing up, even when you are still learning.

Emerald also makes herself available to help others, sharing her experience openly within the notary community.

Final Thoughts

Emerald’s journey is a reminder that remote online notarization can be more than a side hustle. With education, consistency, and courage, it can become a sustainable business that supports both income and family life.

Stories like hers deserve to be told, because they show what is possible when flexibility meets commitment.