Today we’d like to introduce you to April Frazier.
Hi April, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
When I retired from the army at Fort Jackson in 2017, I knew I wanted to start my own business. The one thing I knew for sure, was that I wanted to help people. I spent 24 years in the army as a Military Police serving the community. My first business venture was a joint business with my son. GD Techwork is a hiring agency for telework customer service jobs.
I was recruited by the SC Attorney General’s Office to establish their Veteran and Armed Forces Legal Outreach Program (VALOR), I served as the program coordinator. During that time, I decided to start my own nonprofit organization to help the unsheltered homeless and those members of the community experiencing food insecurity. In January of 2019, I incorporated Galatians 6:2 Homeless & Hunger Outreach Nonprofit Organization. I began supporting the community by setting up mobile stations near unsheltered homeless communities to serve hot meals, distribute basic necessities and assist with benefits application and support services.
I eventually, opened my office in Elgin and started a community Food Pantry. In February 2020, I decided to use my skills as a notary and ordained minister to start my own Notary Signing and Wedding Officiant Business. So, I incorporated A Moments Notice LLC. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter the COVID Pandemic was to hold, and restrictions were imposed. I was unable to operate my notary business until September.
I was fortunate enough to have the support of the community to continue providing services to those in need through my nonprofit organization.
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 have definitely faced challenges on my journey. The biggest challenge for both my nonprofit and for-profit businesses has been financing. Starting a new venture of any kind is costly. Because there are so many phony organizations and businesses it is difficult to find backing and support.
Being in the service industry is even more difficult because you don’t really have a product to show investors. COVID-19 certainly didn’t help the situation and being a small organization and a small business with no employees and short business history, grants, loans are difficult to come by unless you are drawing in a large amount of revenue.
I love what I do and choose to persevere. My faith in God is a key element.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a National Notary Association and Loan Signing System Certified Notary Signing Agent. I am an Ordained Minister. I have an Associate’s in Criminal Justice, Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. During my 24 years in the army, I received certifications as an Instructor, Police Investigat0r, NOVA Certified Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, Army Inspector General, Whistle-Blower Reprisal Investigator.
I believe that what sets me apart from others is my passion and dedication. Everything that I do is because I genuinely want to help people and make a positive impact in my community and the communities that I serve. My motives and intentions are pure. I believe in working with others, cheering for my fellow man/woman. I’m not seeking fame, notoriety, or any of that. I just want to do my part.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk-taking?
I think that risks are necessary to succeed. We have to step outside of our comfort zone to make progress. Leaving the certainty of a well-paying federal job to start a nonprofit organization with no experience or financing was a big risk.
I self-funding the entire first year my organization was in operation, that’s how important my mission is to me. I have confidence in my abilities and I am not willing to compromise my values or beliefs. As I stated previously, my faith as a Christian allows me to see beyond what is in front of me. That is what risk-taking is to me, having faith. I don’t advocate carelessness. I think that research, education, and being informed play a major role in the decision to embark on a business venture or any journey.
I also think that my history as a Soldier also plays a part in my willingness to take risks. There is something to be said about knowing your options or better yet knowing that you have options. If your risk doesn’t pan out having a plan B, C, or even D makes it just a little easier to take the risk.
Pricing:
- Loan Signings- Start at $100
- Marital Services – Start at $50
- Personal Coaching – $50 per session
Contact Info:
- Email: april.frazier@galatians62.com aprilfrazier@amomentsnotice.org
- Website: https://galatians62.com https://amomentsnotice.org
- Instagram: @galatians_62 and @amomentsnoticenotary
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/62galatians https://www.facebook.com/amomentsnoticenotary
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/M7x_p_sbGGg
Image Credits
LH Photography and LadVan Photography
