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Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Monica Aguilar of N. Pinellas County

We recently had the chance to connect with Monica Aguilar and have shared our conversation below.

Monica, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Spending time with my family brings me so much joy. There’s nothing like creating memories that remind me of what truly matters. No matter how busy life gets, being with them grounds me and fills my heart with love and gratitude.
Also, running has been bringing me so much joy. It’s my time to clear my head, challenge myself, and soak in those little wins—whether it’s hitting a new distance, enjoying the sunrise miles, or just feeling strong and grateful to move.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Monica Aguilar, and I bring love stories to life as a bilingual wedding officiant. I specialize in creating personalized ceremonies that reflect each couple’s unique journey, whether on the beaches of Florida or in intimate settings filled with family and friends. Being bilingual allows me to seamlessly blend English and Spanish, honoring cultures, traditions, and the beauty of love without language barriers.

What makes my work special is the connection—I take the time to truly get to know my couples, learning how they met, what they love most about each other, and what dreams they share for the future. Then, I blend their story into a ceremony that feels genuine, warm, and unforgettable.

MFA Notary Services is more than a business—it’s my passion and my privilege. Right now, I’m continuing to grow my reach in the Tampa Bay area, offering not only officiant services but also personalized guidance in creating a ceremony script that feels authentic and meaningful to each couple. Every ceremony is a reminder of why I do what I do: to celebrate love in all its forms, in both languages, and with a whole lot of heart.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was someone who followed the “safe” path—spending over 20 years in corporate finance. It was stable, it paid the bills, and on paper it looked like success. But as the years went by, I realized that stability wasn’t the same as fulfillment. My work no longer lit me up inside, and I found myself craving something more—something that mattered not just to me, but to the people I served.

As I got older, I knew I wanted my days to be filled with purpose, connection, and joy. Stepping away from corporate life allowed me to create a career that celebrates love, honors relationships, and brings happiness to others. Now, I get to do work that not only fills my heart, but leaves a lasting imprint on the lives of the couples I meet.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes—there was a time I almost gave up. Starting a business you love is one thing, but marketing it yourself can feel overwhelming and sometimes discouraging. There were moments when I questioned whether I could make it work. But just when I needed it most, people came into my life who reminded me why I started.

I was fortunate to connect with other women-owned businesses who believed in collaboration over competition. We partnered, supported each other, and shared opportunities that helped me build my portfolio and my confidence. Those connections not only helped my business grow—they reminded me that community and relationships are just as important as the work itself.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. What you see is what you get. The version of me you see online is the exact same person you’d meet in real life—genuine, approachable, and passionate about what I do. I believe in showing up authentically in every space, whether I’m behind a screen or standing with a couple on their wedding day.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing? 
I would regret not doing the things that make me happy and truly fulfill my life. I’m a connector of people—it’s in my nature. I love bringing people together, helping them find opportunities, and creating meaningful connections. If I ever stopped doing that, I know I’d feel like I was missing a part of who I am.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
David Bell
Kristina Sanchez

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