Today we’d like to introduce you to Svenya Elackatt.
Hi Svenya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
You know how they say “nothing in life is free”? Well, I learned that the sweaty, frustrating way.
In August 2024, I needed to get a document notarized. Easy enough, right? I went to my bank (they notarize certain documents for free, supposedly). Forty-five minutes later, I was still waiting while they “finished up with clients.” So, off I went to another bank we use – only to be told they could fit me in next week. Next week! My head was practically steaming.
So, I did what any desperate, slightly fuming adult does in August humidity, I marched to the local UPS store. I stood in line behind half of Missouri City returning Amazon packages, got to the counter, and the sweet young lady looks at me and says, “What do I need to do?” At that point, I was paying $10 to teach her how to notarize my document. Two plus hours later, I finally got home, sweating, exhausted, and questioning all my life choices.
I live in a neighborhood where a lot of people have side hustles, and I had often thought about starting something too, but I could not come up with anything since, well, I did not think I had many “money-making” talents. One thing I do love, though, is reading and learning about things instead of just believing what people say because, let’s be honest, half the time it’s not even true (or only half true). And, that’s where my side hustle dream died – or so I thought.
Fast-forward a bit, I was outside doing yard work when my lovely neighbor, who runs a bakery from her home, stopped by needing something notarized. I told her I had become a notary out of pure annoyance, notarized her document, and that was that… or so I thought again. She posted about me on our neighborhood Facebook page despite my polite “oh no, please don’t do that!”, and that is where Gemini Sign & Seal was born.
And, about that name – my husband and our currently eight year old twins all share the same birthday on June 14th. Yep, three Geminis under one roof! So, naturally, Gemini Sign & Seal felt like the perfect name – a little nod to my favorite trio who keep life interesting (and never quiet).
Since then, this little notary side hustle has grown into a beloved small business, thanks to our amazing Sienna and surrounding community. It all started with frustration, turned into laughter, and ended up becoming something I truly love.
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?
For the most part, yes – and I am so thankful for the amazing neighbors who have become like friends and spread the word about Gemini Sign & Seal without me even asking. Sienna is such a big and wonderful community, and people truly appreciate not having to drive out, battle traffic, and hunt for parking just to get a document notarized. There is something comforting about knowing your paperwork is handled by someone right in the neighborhood – someone who actually knows her stuff (if I may say so myself).
Now, that is not to say there have not been a few bumps along the way. In this line of work, you really need to know your rules, and stick to them. You cannot just stamp and sign everything that lands on your desk. Every now and then, someone will ask me to notarize something without the signer being present. And, as much as I love helping people, I am not about to end up in orange for anyone; I am a rule follower after all!
As I like to say, I am more than happy to bend my back to help a neighbor, but I am not breaking it (or breaking the law) and going to jail.
After all, even a Gemini knows when to draw the line – preferably right above the notary seal!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
First and foremost, this is a true side hustle – one that I absolutely love and that quite literally fell into my lap after a personal experience. By profession, I am a registered nurse with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and I am proud to serve the men and women who gave their all for this country. So, by day I am caring for Veterans, and by night (or sometimes lunch break – just kidding) I am sealing signatures.
What I am most known for is my friendly smile, flexibility, and the way I try to accommodate clients whenever and wherever I can. There are quite a few notaries in our neighborhood, but I think what sets Gemini Sign & Seal apart is the personal touch – it feels like asking a trusted friend for help, not just another transaction.
And, as for what I am most proud of? Without a doubt, our reviews. We have been blessed with all five-star Google and Facebook ratings – a perfect score! That’s something I don’t take lightly (and something I wish my family rated me on, too). Ha!
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success is not about fancy titles or dollar signs – it’s about connection. Life is short, and humans thrive in community. I did not start this notary business to become wealthy; I started it to meet my neighbors, lend a hand, and help make someone’s day a little easier.
And, if along the way it adds a little extra cash to the kids’ bank accounts – hey, I’m not complaining!
To me, true success is when people love you for who you are, wish you well, and you have a family to come home to that loves you right back. And, if you can make a little side money while doing something good? Well, that is just the cherry on top (or the seal on the signature). Ha!
Contact Info:
- Other: https://g.co/kgs/pDtidrZ
