Inspiring Conversations with Shanika Douglas of Cheerful Notaries LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanika Douglas.

Hi Shanika, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started as an Account Executive for a private home care company. My boss needed an important document notarized by 5pm. I went to our regular notary located within walking distance from us but their assistant said that they were not available right now and to come back later. This happened a total of 3 times. Finally after the third time that day the assistant said; “I don’t think he will have the time today.”. Knowing that I didn’t have much time left, I had to quickly find another notary. Unfortunately, by the time that I had found another notary it was already past 5pm and I ended up submitting the document late. This was my push to become a notary that will keep my word with my clients and always be there in their time of need.

Once I started getting more clients, I created Cheerful Notaries LLC. I figured the name reflected my bright spirit when I meet people and crack a joke just to brighten their day. Soon after, I found a mentor online named Kimberly Nunnally. She had courses on how to be the best notary. Through her online notary group I can stay up to date with the latest changes to the notary world and also help fellow notaries in my area. Over the past two years, I’ve come a long way, and I owe a lot of my progress to the support of my mentors and family, especially my mom. Their encouragement has played a huge role in helping me get to where I am today.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I first started, I wasn’t making much—only around $50, which was pretty discouraging. I knew I needed to figure out how to grow my business and get my name out there. That’s when I realized that promoting myself in every room I entered was key, along with handing out my business cards. It was all about putting myself out there and making those connections.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Coming from a hardworking Jamaican background, I always ensure my clients are completely satisfied. If they forget to print something, I’ll take care of it for them—and if needed, I’ll even organize it and put it in a binder. I’m very detail-oriented and want my work to reflect that. I make it a point to go through documents carefully, combing through every detail to ensure nothing important is missing. I’m also known for providing quick services, even when documents can be long and complex. I cover most of Metro-Atlanta, including Clayton, Fulton, DeKalb, Rockdale, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Douglas Counties. And if clients need me after hours, I’m there—because I understand how hectic life can get. Having a mobile notary like me offers them some much-needed relief.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
What people might not know about me is that I was born in the British Virgin Island to two wonderful Jamaican parents, but I grew up in New York for most of my life. My mother was the one who decided we should move, mainly because the housing market was cheaper at the time. I come from a complex background, so when people ask me where do I come from, I always answer “All over”.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://cheerfulnotariesllc.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheerfulnotariesllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Cheerful-Notaries-LLC/61559019392533/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cheerful-notaries-riverdale-2
• Other: https://www.bbb.org/us/ga/riverdale/profile/mobile-notary/cheerful-notaries-0443-91846619

Image Credits
Shanika Douglas