As an accounting professional, I consider myself a life long learner and interested in learning more about difference aspects that make our world turn. Especially in the recent budgeting series, I wanted to use this time to demonstrate a few ways of making money outside of the typical 9 to 5 job; AKA, the side hustle in a gig economy. In this next series we turn to individuals within my network who are proven to be successful in their side hustle.
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First up, a former colleague of mine who graciously agreed to be interviewed: meet Velincia Ellis. Velincia has performed notaries for over ten years, and she shares a few experiences with us. But, first, what is a notary?? Google dictionary defines notary as: a person authorized to perform certain legal formalities, especially to draw up or certify contracts, deeds, and other documents for use in other jurisdictions.

Me: Would you please introduce yourself?
My name is Velincia Lee Ellis. I was born and raised in Los Angeles California. I have two military sons and a daughter with a LVN pursuing her RN bachelor's degree. I currently work at Southern California Public Radio (KPCC 89.3) as a Financial Analyst.
Me: What is it that you do for your side hustle?
I wear lots of hats now: Financial Analyst, Accounts Payable Supervisor, but the most fulfilling is being a Notary Public. I obtained my commission on April 2005 and it is rewarding to me. I love helping people with their legal documents and see the smiles on individual faces when I perform the notary.
Sometimes people get confused on what a Notary Public can do. I have come across people who’ve wanted me to travel with them to jail to have the inmate sign over his life to someone that does not have their best interest in mind. I have had people come to me with a bus pass with their picture on it to perform a notary. A man with his supposed grandmother who was in a rest home and had no identification and no Power of Attorney, and he thought that’s what I provided. He didn’t have proper identification either. And the best one yet; a lady wanted me to perform a notary for a Power of Attorney for her mom who had dementia. I explained that I could do that, but I would have to come and observe her first. She stated that her Mom would be okay if I came at that time, but she goes in and out of reality. Since I kept reiterating the observation, she never came back to me for a notary.
Me: How do you balance working your full-time job and your side hustle?
Well it is a great balance. I use my Gmail Calendar and an app called Wunderlist. I set appointments so it does not interfere with my regular job. The same goes for when I’m at home. I do not carry my Notary Journal with me everyday, so that is why I have to schedule my appointments. You have to be real cautious when you are using Public Transportation. Taking or stealing my journal is like hacking your bank account. Identities can be stolen.
Me: What is the process for a Notary to be filed?
People have to keep in mind the process for a completed Notary to be filed. I request the following documents at the time of notarization: Current California ID, or California Driver’s License.. California will let you perform a Notary with an expired ID, no more than 5 years. Additionally, one could use a current Passport.
I also let individuals know that you may be fingerprinted in my Notary Journal depending on the type of document which includes:

• Deed of Trust

• Power of Attorney

• Durable Power of Attorney

• Anything dealing with money or monetary value

Me: What is the Notary Journal?
The Notary Journal is where I document the notary performed. It consists of the individual's identification, type of notary performed, date and time. If fingerprints are needed, those are included as well. It is always good to keep a Notary Journal just in case the courts or legal matters arise and they need the information provided in the notary journal. Remember that we are always commissioned by our said state, and no we are not lawyers.
Me: Would you please let the readers know how they can get in contact with you if they need a notary?
I am not mobile as I would like to be, but that is in the works. If you are in need of a Professional and understanding Notary Public you can reach me at velincia45@gmail.com. My prices align with the State of California, and I do offer senior discounts, and veterans are free.​
Me: Thank you so much for your time, Ve!