Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Hill.
Hi Denise, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started First Choice Notary Services while I was still working full-time as a Deputy Chief Privacy Officer in healthcare. At first, it was just something I was curious about—something completely different from my day-to-day. I was drawn to the simplicity of the work, the structure, and the idea of helping people directly in moments that mattered.
Then I was laid off. It was sudden, and while that kind of change is never easy, it gave me the push I didn’t know I needed. I had already started to build this little business on the side, and suddenly I had the time—and the reason—to see what it could really become.
Since then, I’ve been figuring it out as I go. I meet people at interesting intersections in their lives—sometimes joyful, sometimes stressful. My job is to show up, be present, and help them get through that small but important task in front of them. It might seem like paperwork, but there’s often a lot happening beneath the surface.
This work has reminded me how much people value calm, care, and follow-through. And it’s reminded me, too, that starting over can be the beginning of something really good.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Transitioning from a long career in corporate leadership to running my own business meant learning everything from the ground up—things like marketing, pricing, and managing unpredictable workflows. None of it came with a playbook.
The timing was probably the hardest part. I had just started exploring this business on the side when I was laid off. It was abrupt, and I had to make a fast decision to commit to something that was still very new. There was a lot of uncertainty in those early weeks, and that can be overwhelming when you’re used to structure and stability.
Another challenge has been simply getting the word out—letting people know I’m here and what I offer. Building awareness takes time and consistency, and trust doesn’t happen overnight.
Even with all of that, I wouldn’t trade the experience. It’s tested me in ways I didn’t expect, but it’s also reminded me why I wanted to do this in the first place. There’s something deeply satisfying about building something of your own—even when it’s hard.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about First Choice Notary Svcs.?
What I’m most proud of is that people feel like they can trust me. When someone reaches out, they’re often dealing with something time-sensitive, emotional, or unfamiliar—legal forms, travel documents, healthcare directives, or end-of-life paperwork. It can be confusing, and not everyone knows what to expect.
My job is to meet them where they are, explain the process, answer their questions, and create a moment that feels calm and respectful. I want people to feel at ease, not rushed. That part matters just as much as getting the paperwork right.
First Choice Notary Services is a mobile notary business, but more than that, it’s a service built on reliability and care. I work with individuals, families, and professionals across the St. Louis area, and I specialize in high-stakes or sensitive signings—apostilles, I-9 verifications, power of attorney documents, real estate closings, and more.
What sets me apart isn’t just what I do—it’s how I do it. I bring years of experience in privacy and compliance, but more importantly, I bring presence and patience. I want people to feel like they’re in good hands.
That’s the core of the brand: dependable, human, and respectful service, every time.
What does success mean to you?
For me, success isn’t just about the financials—though of course, that matters. It’s also about how I show up for people. It’s knowing that when someone calls, they’re often dealing with something important, urgent, or unfamiliar—and I get to be a steady, reliable presence in that moment.
Success is feeling proud of the work I do and the way I do it. It’s building trust, staying honest, and making the experience feel a little easier for someone else. If a client walks away feeling less stressed and more confident because I took the time to help them, that’s success in my book.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.FirstChoiceNotarySvcs.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstchoicenotarysvcs/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Firstchoicenotarystl/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/firstchoicenotarysvcs/
