Today we’d like to introduce you to Zakariya Alshawi.
Hi Zakariya, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey begins when I first arrived in Knoxville, Tennessee. I’ve always liked the idea of owning a business since I was a kid, and I’ve always loved the concept of being self-sufficient and not relying on others for help.
My first source of revenue was when I began a vending machine business in middle school. I bought coke and snack machines and placed them in various locations such as office buildings, industries, and laundry mats, producing a passive income.
As I grew older, I desired a business that would not only make me money but also benefit my community by providing convenient notary services. After conducting extensive research, I discovered that the community was in desperate need of a mobile notary, as other notaries in the area did not provide such services, so I decided to open Zaks Notary.
I went through the process of becoming a notary public, which involved being elected by the Knox County board of commissioners, having my notary certificate signed by the Secretary of State and the governor, and taking an oath.
I began once everything had been finalized and I started offering mobile services in hospitals, nursing homes, and retirement facilities due to the fact that most of the institutions that I mentioned do not provide particular notary services.
Elderly individuals for example are unable to travel outside of their facilities because of being handicapped or too unwell to visit a notary office. Zak’s Notary, on the other hand, brings the office right to your living room.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Initially, marketing can be difficult. However, with so many social media platforms to choose from, it was surely helpful in getting things started. COVID-19 had a huge impact on us, there’s no doubt about that. Nonetheless, we persevered.
For the first six months, we broke even, but knowing that we aided our community during those trying times is a profit I gained in my heart. Knowledge was the most important aspect of developing a brand. I knew going in that quitting wasn’t an option because I had set a goal for myself.
My goal was to help the community.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Zak’s Notary proudly offers fast and simple Notary Services for Loan Signing and General Notary work to Knoxville and surrounding areas all over East Tennessee. Clients can schedule an appointment with us and we will gladly travel to the location of your convenience during and after normal business hours.
Our mobile notary services give clients the opportunity to sign important legal documents when and where they need them. By relying on technology and experience, we gladly take every opportunity to make their notary experience effortless. Clients can call, text, email, or visit our website!
Zak’s Notary offers 20% off any notary service for active duty and veterans, we also offer a 15% discount for all students.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I’ve always liked the healthcare sector since it entails assisting those who are in need of medical treatment, which is why I opted to major in biology in order to become a general surgeon.
I don’t want to live in a world where we don’t look out for each other, not just for the people that are close to us, but for anybody who needs a helping hand.
I can’t change the way anybody else thinks or what they choose to do but I can do my bit to help.
Contact Info:
- Email: zaknotary@gmail.com
- Website: zaksnotary.square.site
- Instagram: instagram.com/zaknotary/
- Facebook: facebook.com/zaknotary
- Yelp: yelp.com/biz/zaks-notary-knoxville
- Other: thumbtack.com/tn/knoxville/notary-public/zaks-notary/service/432008193300504579
