Flat vector illustration of a young Black female remote online notary conducting a Remote Online Notarization session on a laptop, with digital documents, a webcam, notary seal, calendar, checkmarks, and connected clients in a clean blue and white design.

How Remote Online Notarization Helped Deja Build a Full-Time Career

July 02, 20265 min read

How Deja Spears Built a Full-Time Notary Business Before 25

When I first met Deja Spears of Notary by Deja, I knew she was someone to watch. As a member of my mentorship community, she has consistently shown what can happen when you stay focused, keep learning, and commit to growing your business.

Today, Deja has reached exciting milestones, built a thriving notary business, and continues to inspire other notaries by openly sharing her journey.

In this interview, she talks about how she got started, why she chose Remote Online Notarization (RON), and the lessons she's learned along the way.

A TikTok Changed Everything

One of my favorite parts of Deja's story is how ordinary her beginning was.

She discovered the notary profession after seeing a TikTok that claimed someone was earning great money notarizing documents. Instead of scrolling past it, she decided to research the opportunity.

At just 18 years old, she became a commissioned notary.

While attending college as a Division I athlete, she needed flexible work that fit around classes and cheerleading. Mobile notarizations gave her exactly that. She could complete appointments between her busy schedule without committing to a traditional part-time job.

What started as a side hustle eventually became something much bigger.

Choosing a Notary Business Over a PhD

After graduating with a degree in exercise science, Deja worked as a personal trainer while continuing to grow her notary business.

Eventually she faced a major decision.

Should she pursue a PhD or continue building her notary business?

After comparing the financial realities, the answer became clear.

She realized she was already earning close to what an entry-level career after graduate school would pay, while working fewer hours and enjoying more flexibility.

Instead of returning to school, she committed to becoming a full-time notary.

Today, she says she has no regrets.

One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was that there wasn't any secret formula behind her success.

She simply stayed consistent, followed proven strategies, and fully committed instead of treating the business like a hobby.

Why Remote Online Notarization Changed Her Business

One area where Deja has experienced tremendous growth is Remote Online Notarization (RON).

Like many notaries, she initially focused on in-person appointments.

Over time, she began educating clients about remote notarization and gradually helped many of them transition online.

She shared several reasons why she now loves RON:

  • Less driving and fewer vehicle expenses

  • More flexibility throughout the day

  • Ability to work from home

  • Easier scheduling

  • Freedom to relocate without rebuilding a local client base

For Deja, remote notarization allows her to spend more time serving clients instead of sitting in traffic.

While educating clients about RON can take time, she believes the long-term benefits are absolutely worth it.

Should New Notaries Start With RON?

One question I asked Deja surprised many people.

Would she recommend that brand-new notaries jump straight into Remote Online Notarization?

Her answer was no.

She believes new notaries benefit from first gaining experience with traditional in-person appointments.

Working face-to-face helps new notaries become comfortable with:

  • Different loan packages

  • Notarial certificates

  • Proper stamping procedures

  • Document flow

  • Building confidence with signers

Once those fundamentals become second nature, transitioning clients into remote notarization becomes much easier.

It's practical advice that many new notaries can benefit from.

Social Media Keeps You Top of Mind

Another reason Deja's business continues to grow is her commitment to social media.

She posts consistently, shares real experiences, and focuses on authenticity rather than perfection.

During our conversation, she shared that she recently gained over 1,000 followers in less than a week.

More importantly, those followers turned into conversations with potential clients, aspiring notaries, and industry professionals.

Her biggest advice?

Stop trying to make perfect videos.

Instead, share your real experiences.

People want to see what your day actually looks like, what challenges you face, and how you solve problems.

That authenticity builds trust.

It also keeps you top of mind when title companies, attorneys, and other professionals need a reliable notary.

Celebrating Business Milestones

One of my favorite moments from our conversation was hearing about Deja's biggest closing to date.

She completed three back-to-back loan signings for one client at the same location.

Instead of traveling between appointments, she stayed in one place, completed all three closings, and earned $450 in about an hour.

She joked that the title company even bought her a sandwich and a cookie, making the experience even better.

Stories like this help show what's possible in the notary profession while also reminding people that every successful business is built one appointment at a time.

The Value of Mentorship

One of the most meaningful parts of our interview had nothing to do with revenue.

It was about community.

Deja shared how mentorship gave her the confidence to pursue direct clients, expand into Remote Online Notarization, and grow beyond signing services.

She also emphasized something I deeply believe.

There is room for everyone in this industry.

When notaries collaborate, refer work to one another, and openly share knowledge, everyone benefits.

Watching members of our community help each other succeed has become one of the most rewarding parts of my own journey.

What's Next for Deja?

Like many ambitious entrepreneurs, Deja isn't finished growing.

Her next major goal is reaching a $10,000 month.

Considering everything she's accomplished already, I wouldn't be surprised to see her achieve it soon.

Beyond financial goals, she's also passionate about helping other notaries build successful businesses of their own.

That willingness to give back is one of the many reasons she's become such a respected voice in the notary community.

Final Thoughts

Deja Spears proves that success in the notary industry doesn't happen overnight.

It comes from consistency, education, building relationships, and staying committed even when growth feels slow.

Whether you're considering becoming a notary, exploring Remote Online Notarization, or looking for ways to attract more direct clients, her journey offers plenty of inspiration.

I'm incredibly proud of everything she's accomplished and excited to see what comes next.

If you'd like to connect with Deja, be sure to follow Notary by Deja on Instagram and TikTok, where she regularly shares practical tips, behind-the-scenes insights, and encouragement for fellow notaries.

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