Exploring Life & Business with Karen Avila of AG Signing Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Avila.

Karen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I founded AG Signing Services in May 2023 with a vision to make trusted, bilingual professional services more accessible, inclusive, and community-centered.

With over a decade in the financial-services industry, I’ve built my career in roles that connect people, processes, and purpose. Those experiences taught me that true success comes from leading with empathy and service—a lesson that continues to guide my work every day. My background in finance and human resources fuels my passion for creating solutions that make a difference—not just in business, but in people’s lives.

AG Signing Services began with a simple but powerful idea: that everyone deserves access to compassionate, reliable support, no matter their language or circumstances. The idea took shape while I was working in financial services, where I saw firsthand how many people struggled to complete important documents due to language barriers, limited mobility, or simply not knowing where to turn for help. I started volunteering my time to provide notary services for seniors and homebound individuals—making house calls, visiting senior care facilities, and guiding people through paperwork during some of life’s most stressful moments.

Those small acts of service quickly turned into something much bigger. My bilingual skills became a bridge for Spanish-speaking clients who needed someone they could trust to help them understand and complete critical documents. That’s when I realized there was a greater need for a service built on empathy, accessibility, and cultural connection.

Today, AG Signing Services is a bilingual social enterprise offering notary, translation, interpretation, and document-support services—both in person and virtually—to individuals, families, and organizations statewide. Every service is rooted in compassion, professionalism, and clarity.

Looking ahead, my vision for AG Signing Services is just getting started. I hope to expand opportunities by employing first-generation students and helping them gain meaningful experience that builds confidence, skills, and career pathways. What began as a one-woman venture has grown into a mission-driven journey grounded in purpose—proving that small acts of service can lead to lasting impact.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but it’s been an incredibly meaningful one. Balancing a full-time career in corporate America, graduate school, family life, and community commitments while building a business from the ground up has been one of my biggest challenges. There’s no handbook for entrepreneurship, especially when you’re creating something that blends both business and social impact. Much of it has been learning through experience, trusting my instincts, and being willing to grow along the way.

There were nights I’d clock out from my corporate role, dive straight into coursework for my MBA, and then spend the late hours building AG Signing Services — creating materials, refining processes, and coordinating appointments. It’s been a constant balancing act between structure and flexibility, discipline and heart.

Along the way, I’ve had to adapt to evolving client needs, changing technologies, and the realities of running a business that serves both in-person and virtual clients across the state. But every challenge has reinforced my belief in the mission — that accessible, compassionate service can truly make a difference. The journey has taught me to give myself grace, celebrate small wins, and stay grounded in purpose rather than perfection.

We’ve been impressed with AG Signing Services, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
AG Signing Services is a bilingual social enterprise offering mobile, virtual, and in-office notary, translation, interpretation, and document-support services across Michigan. We specialize in serving seniors, caregivers, and Spanish-speaking clients, helping them navigate important paperwork.

What sets us apart is our heart-centered approach — every interaction is guided by empathy, professionalism, and cultural understanding. We take the time to ensure each client feels supported and informed, not just serviced.

I’m especially proud that AG Signing Services operates with a social impact mission. A portion of our proceeds supports local animal welfare efforts, providing preventative care, food, and shelter for abandoned and stray animals. We also offer reduced-cost services to ensure that language or financial barriers never prevent someone from accessing trusted support.

At its core, AG Signing Services is about empowerment — creating clarity, building trust, and making professional services more accessible to everyone.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Michigan — and Metro Detroit in particular — is the sense of community and resilience. There’s a genuine spirit of collaboration here; people show up for one another, whether it’s supporting small businesses, volunteering, or celebrating local culture. I also love the diversity of our neighborhoods — you can meet people from all walks of life, enjoy amazing food, and experience a mix of traditions that make our region feel both vibrant and welcoming.

If I had to pick a “least favorite,” it would be how under-recognized many of our small business owners and community organizations still are. There’s so much incredible work happening quietly behind the scenes, and I wish more people knew about it and supported it. That’s why I appreciate platforms like Voyage Michigan — they shine a light on the people and stories that make Michigan special.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://agssmi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agssmi/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093540992893
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-a-ab174884/
• Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/100935005