Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Lopez.
Crystal, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my notary career in 2007, at a time when the real estate market was undergoing massive change. Austin, like much of the country, was experiencing an unprecedented surge in foreclosures and refinances. Title companies were overwhelmed, and there simply weren’t enough professionals available to meet the growing demand for signings. That moment marked the early rise of mobile notary services, and I became one of the first mobile notaries in Austin.
At the time, I was working inside a title company, where I gained hands-on experience compiling and managing closing documents. That foundation gave me an intimate understanding of the urgency, precision, and compliance required in real estate transactions. As the workload increased, notaries were sent directly into the field to meet clients where they were, at homes, offices, hospitals, and businesses. That transition is what ultimately launched my mobile notary career.
Throughout this journey, I have always worked simultaneously as a Realtor. Balancing both roles gave me a unique perspective. I understood the transaction from every side, clients, lenders, title, and agents, allowing me to anticipate issues before they arose and move efficiently under pressure.
After my children graduated high school, I decided to take a leap of faith and formally open my own business. In hindsight, it felt less like a risk and more like fate. In today’s climate, my bilingual skills are not just an asset, they are essential. I quickly recognized a growing gap in accessible, trustworthy administrative support for individuals and families navigating time-sensitive and often emotionally charged documentation.
I taught myself the complexities of apostilles, document creation, and immigration forms, building systems that prioritize accuracy, speed, and clarity. What began as notary work evolved into a full-scale administrative consulting practice. My services now support clients across the United States and internationally, many of whom return repeatedly or refer friends, family, and colleagues.
People come to me because they need more than a signature. They need guidance, discretion, and urgency. Many of the documents I handle are sensitive, deadline-driven, or tied to life-changing events such as immigration, international travel, real estate transactions, or legal matters. Speed is not just a convenience in my business, it is a necessity. My ability to act quickly without sacrificing accuracy has become my specialty.
Although I am not an attorney and do not provide legal advice, with years of experience, deep administrative knowledge, and a reputation built on trust, I’m able and continue to serve as a reliable partner for clients who need things done correctly, efficiently, and with care.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t say the journey has been hard, but it definitely hasn’t been something you just set and forget. A lot of it required adapting as I went and figuring things out in real time.
When mobile notary work first started becoming more common, there really wasn’t a blueprint. Systems weren’t in place yet, and you had to learn quickly while still being accurate and professional. One of the biggest challenges early on was trust. People weren’t used to the idea of a stranger coming into their home to handle important documents. I had to work extra hard to make clients feel comfortable by being punctual, transparent, professional, and calm, especially during stressful transactions.
As my business grew, I also had to continuously learn new areas, like apostilles, international documents, and immigration forms. These aren’t things you can guess on or rush through, so I spent a lot of time teaching myself the details and creating systems to make sure everything was done correctly.
Probably the biggest ongoing challenge is speed. Most of the work I handle is time-sensitive and often tied to important life events. People come to me because they need things done quickly, but they also need them done right. Maintaining that balance has taken experience, discipline, and a lot of responsibility.
Looking back, those challenges didn’t slow me down, they shaped how I work today. They helped me build a reputation for being reliable, efficient, and someone people trust with sensitive documents.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Certified Society?
The Certified Society is an administrative consulting and notary services firm built around accessibility, efficiency, and trust. We specialize in mobile notary services, apostilles, document creation, and immigration-related forms, supporting clients locally, nationally, and internationally.
What sets my business apart, and what I am most proud of brand-wise, is that I am bilingual. Too often, individuals who speak another language are overlooked, rushed, or dismissed because of the extra time it takes to explain processes clearly. I have seen firsthand how intimidating and overwhelming paperwork can feel when there is a language barrier. Being able to communicate fully in both English and Spanish allows my clients to feel heard, understood, and respected throughout the entire process.
Many of the documents I handle are time-sensitive and emotionally significant, tied to immigration, international travel, real estate, or family matters. Speed is one of our specialties, but never at the expense of accuracy. Clients come to me because they need things done quickly, correctly, and with care. I am known for stepping in when deadlines are tight, circumstances are stressful, and there is little room for error.
My background in real estate, notary work, and administrative services allows me to guide clients through complex processes with clarity and confidence. I take pride in building systems that protect my clients while making the process as smooth as possible.
The most meaningful moments for me are when clients leave feeling relieved. There have been many times when someone has had tears in their eyes simply because they finally felt cared for and understood. That sense of trust and relief is what drives my work and what The Certified Society stands for.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice to anyone just starting out is to be patient with the process and committed to doing things the right way from the beginning. There is no substitute for experience, and confidence comes from repetition, not rushing.
One thing I wish I had known earlier is how important systems are. Talent and knowledge will only take you so far if you don’t have clear processes in place. Organization, follow-up, and consistency matter just as much as skill, especially when you’re handling sensitive or time-sensitive work.
I would also tell people not to underestimate the value of trust. Your reputation is everything. Showing up on time, communicating clearly, and doing what you say you will do builds credibility faster than any marketing strategy. People remember how you made them feel, especially when they are stressed or overwhelmed.
Another lesson I learned is not to be afraid to charge appropriately for your time and expertise. When you care deeply about your work, it can be easy to undervalue yourself, but professionalism includes knowing your worth.
Lastly, I would encourage anyone starting out to stay curious and keep learning. Industries evolve, laws change, and client needs shift. The willingness to educate yourself and adapt will set you apart and allow you to grow in ways you may not expect.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecertifiedsociety.com
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=3q-CiRNBC4ePPNwDv_WcWA
