How I Built a Thriving Online Notary Business While Navigating Marginalization, Misunderstanding, and Disability and now I’m helping other marginalized individuals D.I.Y. Their Independence

Nate Smith-Manley

--

I was never meant to fit neatly into the boxes society lays out for people. As a neurodivergent gay man with essential tremor, I have spent much of my life being misunderstood, underestimated, and forced to navigate systems that weren’t built for me. Yet, against these odds, I carved out my own space in the world — one where I not only thrive but also help others do the same.

My journey to becoming a successful Remote Online Notary (RON) wasn’t just about learning how to notarize documents. It was about survival. It was about adaptation. It was about proving, again and again, that people like me — who don’t fit the mold — can still create something meaningful, valuable, and lasting.

From an early age, I understood that the world didn’t always know what to do with people like me.

As a gay man, I’ve been subjected to the quiet exclusions, the hesitations in people’s voices, the feeling of being tolerated but not truly accepted in professional spaces. There’s always the underlying expectation that I should assimilate, that I should soften parts of myself to make others more comfortable.

Being neurodivergent compounds this struggle. I see the world differently. My brain processes things in a way that is direct, structured, and often hyper-focused. In some environments, this is seen as an asset. In others, it’s viewed as being “difficult” or “rigid.” I’ve had employers who misinterpreted my need for clear communication as rudeness. I’ve had colleagues who mistook my preference for routine as inflexibility.

Then, there’s my essential tremor — a neurological disorder that causes involuntary shaking, primarily in my hands. It’s often mistaken for Parkinson’s. It makes everyday tasks that others take for granted — signing my name, holding a cup of coffee, typing — more challenging. It adds another layer of scrutiny, another reason for people to doubt my abilities.

There’s a unique kind of exhaustion that comes from constantly needing to prove that you are capable, that you are competent, that you are worthy of the same opportunities as everyone else.

I’ve worked in environments where I was not just misunderstood but actively dismissed. I’ve had jobs where I was micromanaged because my straightforward communication style was mistaken for insubordination. I’ve had bosses who saw my tremor as a liability rather than a neutral fact of my existence.

So, I did what so many marginalized people do: I built something for myself.

Remote Online Notarization (RON) became my way forward. It was an industry that allowed me to work on my terms. I didn’t have to force my body into uncomfortable situations. I didn’t have to mask my neurodivergent traits to fit in at an office. I could focus on my work — on helping people — without the unnecessary barriers imposed by traditional work environments.

When I first started, the field was still evolving. I had to learn the nuances of digital security, legal compliance, and industry best practices. But for the first time in my professional life, I was in control. My success was dictated by my skill, my knowledge, and my willingness to innovate — not by whether or not a hiring manager “liked my personality.”

One of the most transformative moments in my journey came when I joined BlueNotary’s Blue Mastermind program in 2024. This wasn’t just a training program — it was an opportunity to refine my skills, learn from the best, and position myself as a leader in the field.

I absorbed everything. The business strategies, the marketing techniques, the legal intricacies of online notarization. More importantly, I found a community. Other notaries who, like me, wanted to build something lasting. Other professionals who valued skill and knowledge over superficial first impressions.

By the time I completed the program, I wasn’t just another notary — I was a mentor, a resource, someone who could guide others toward success.

Now, I use my platform to help other marginalized professionals break into the industry. Whether it’s other LGBTQ+ individuals facing discrimination, neurodivergent people struggling with workplace misunderstandings, or disabled individuals looking for accessible career options, I want them to know that success is possible. Not in spite of who they are, but because of it.

My notary business isn’t just about notarizing documents. It’s about accessibility and inclusion.

I provide a service that is not just efficient but also welcoming. I work with clients who have their own barriers — whether they’re disabled, lack transportation, or live in states with restrictive notary laws. My goal is to make notarization easier, fairer, and more accessible for everyone.

I’ve also made it my mission to mentor others in this space. The online notary industry is still growing, and there’s room for people from all walks of life. I help others navigate the licensing process, understand digital security requirements, and build a sustainable business model.

If you are someone who has felt overlooked, underestimated, or excluded from traditional career paths, I want you to hear this: there is a place for you.

You don’t have to change who you are to succeed. You don’t have to fit into someone else’s mold. There are opportunities out there that will work with you, not against you — you just have to be willing to find them or create them yourself.

Being a gay, neurodivergent, disabled entrepreneur isn’t easy. The world still operates with biases. But I’ve found power in carving out my own space, in building something that reflects my values, and in helping others do the same.

And that, to me, is success.

Unlock Your Potential as a Remote Online Notary — Start Your Journey with BlueNotary

If you’ve ever wanted a career that offers flexibility, financial independence, and the ability to work from anywhere, Remote Online Notarization (RON) might be the perfect fit for you. I know firsthand what it’s like to struggle in traditional workplaces that weren’t built for people like me. But I also know that success is possible when you find the right tools, training, and support system.

That’s why I highly recommend BlueNotary — the platform that helped me build my thriving notary business. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your services, BlueNotary provides everything you need to succeed in the world of online notarization.

Why BlueNotary?

✔ Earn More, Work Smarter — RON allows you to complete notarizations faster, eliminating travel time and paperwork hassles. You set your own schedule and scale your business as you grow.

✔ Full Training & Support — If you’re new to the industry, BlueNotary’s resources, including the Blue Mastermind Program, can guide you through the process and help you become a top-tier notary.

✔ Secure, Compliant, and Trusted — With state-of-the-art security and legal compliance, BlueNotary ensures that every notarization you complete meets industry standards and is legally recognized.

✔ Work from Anywhere — Whether you want a side hustle or a full-time career, RON gives you the freedom to work from home or on the go — no more commuting, no more office politics.

Take the First Step Toward Your New Career Today

Becoming a Remote Online Notary changed my life. It gave me the independence I needed, the income potential I wanted, and the opportunity to help others in a meaningful way. Now, I want to help you get started.

If you’re ready to take control of your future and start a high-demand, flexible, and profitable career, sign up for BlueNotary today using my referral link:

➡ Join BlueNotary Now for free: https://app.bluenotary.us/business/register?referralCode=i56jiqqx2i

This is your opportunity to step into a growing industry that is revolutionizing the way notarization is done. Whether you’re looking for financial freedom, a new career path, or simply a way to work on your own terms, this is your chance.

Click the link, start your journey today, and see where RON can take you!

--

--

No responses yet