Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacqueline Mahalhaes.
Hi Jacqueline, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Jacqueline and I am an immigrant from Brazil, my mother came to this country 40 years ago. Unfortunately, when I arrived in Queens NY, I did not get to go or be in school, I was 13 years old. Being a teenager full of life I soon started to roam the streets of NY city. The lights, the people, seeing people playing instruments inside the subway station, it all mesmerized me.
Soon I found myself too involved with substances that weren’t good for me but it filled a gap momentarily. As I found myself deeper into not wanting to face reality, life threw a bucket of reality into my lap – a child, my child! A boy that turned my teenage-depressed life into a spring of hope, the pure essence of love. At one point when I was 7, love was taken abruptly from me but now it was like the Universe had given all back plus much more. I cared about that baby with all my love but how would I put food in his mouth? I soon started cleaning houses and with that I raised him and two more jewels God granted me. In fact, one of these jewels became an American soldier and when he turned 21, while in the army, he became my sponsor and I was able to get legalized in the great United States of America.
Twenty plus years went by, I was still cleaning houses for a living but I was tired of being a house cleaner -although I will always be thankful for all the clients and strength I had during those physical labored years. But I knew I could do more.
I became a notary, worked as a secretary for two years and then the pandemic hit – and it hit hard! I lost my job.
Most of my children were grown and gone but I still had my youngest, the kindest teenager and young man I’ve ever known. What to do now??? I started brainstorming how to survive in a now world where too many were dying… I started helping my fellow Brazilians with unemployment – so many families who relied on construction work, cleaning jobs, baby-sitters, everybody was so desperate. Thankfully the government helped but many of the immigrants did not know how to go about and get these benefits that were so needed. That’s where I would come in. As I helped them I started to get a sense of accomplishment and happiness whenever I was able to lighten their burden. As the pandemic subsided I started to think that maybe I was ready to take the next step in my life and work for myself as a notary.
I then met someone who was a document preparer working for Brazilian people. This person turned out not to be so honest and in two months I realized that and even though I had given her $10.000 to teach me the job, I knew I would be better off losing the money than losing my reputation by association. Being with her for two months was enough for me to learn a bunch of things; even though she would often refer to me as dumb. I didn’t care about that, all I knew is that I had this hope in my heart to keep learning about this field and to get better as time went on. It’s been 5 successful years now! I have met so many beautiful people who appreciate my work so much. I am so happy when I sit down to work and even happier when I deliver the work that otherwise would have been impossible for them to do it.
I am now with a business that I have named after my late father – CARTORIO MAGALHAES. Its’ concentration is mostly Brazilian people who I help in many fields. I work with the Brazilian Consulate and get things done so they don’t have to deal with the bureaucracy and in many cases I even save them a trip to the consulate. Because I am a notary I am able to notarize their documents and they don’t have to take a day off to go there in person. They are always extremely thankful. making me so satisfied with what I do .
These are some of the many services I offer:
1. Renewing of Passports
2. Authorization for children to travel
3. Notarization/ Remotely and Online
4. Certified Translation
5. Apostille services – so an American document can be validated in their country of origin
6. Restate an expired Brazilian document – specially voter card and Brazilian social security number (CPF)
7. Power of Attorney
8. Certified copies of birth, marriage or death certificate
9. Consulate ID card
10. Fill out simple immigration forms
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a smooth road. The obstacle I face is when I am presented with a new document, apart from what I usually do. But I just try to learn, solve the problem and from then on, I know it will be a new way to make money.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
People mostly come to me because they need to renew their Brazilian Passport. What sets me apart is my care for the clients as individuals. I guarantee my work and I am an honest person, they can always count on my utmost dedication.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
no
Pricing:
- Passport Renewal $ 250
- Translation $80
- Apostille $220
- Power of Attorney $150
- Certified Copies $80
Contact Info:
- Website: https://cartoriomagalhaes4.wixsite.com/cartorio-magalhaes
- Youtube: Servicos Consulares Magalhaes
- Other: Google page Cartorio Magalhaes Deerfield Beach
