Today we’d like to introduce you to Zamarie.
Hi Zamarie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey began when I moved from Puerto Rico to the United States in 2001. I still remember the frustration of not understanding English or being able to communicate. My sister helped me get a job as a teacher assistant in Passaic, New Jersey, but the language barrier made every day a challenge. I knew that if I wanted to finish college and become a teacher, I had to learn English.
With determination and a lot of hard work, I not only became fluent in English but also completed my college degree and earned a Master’s degree. I spent 21 years working as an educator, a career I truly loved.
When the pandemic changed everything, my family and I moved to Pennsylvania. Although I loved teaching, I knew I didn’t want to return to a traditional classroom. After about six months, I accepted teaching positions at Marywood University and Outreach. During my time at Marywood, I noticed how many immigrants struggled to find accurate information and trustworthy guidance. That inspired me to begin studying immigration processes, business services, and other topics so I could better serve my community.
About a year later, my life changed again when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because my mother passed away from breast cancer when I was just 14 years old, the diagnosis was devastating. I didn’t want my family to experience the same loss I had, so I chose to undergo a full mastectomy. That experience completely changed my perspective on life.
It became the motivation behind opening my own business, a place where people could find multiple services under one roof, while feeling safe, understood, and supported. I wanted to eliminate the frustration of having to visit multiple offices for help because I know how valuable people’s time is.
I officially opened my business on August 2, 2023. Since then, it has continued to grow every year as I expand the services I offer to meet my clients’ needs. I believe learning never stops, and neither does my commitment to helping others. Every challenge I’ve faced has shaped who I am today, and my mission is to continue empowering people by providing the guidance, resources, and support they deserve.
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 definitely has not been a smooth road, but every challenge has taught me something valuable. One of my biggest struggles was learning English after moving to the United States. There were many moments of frustration and self-doubt, but I refused to let the language barrier stop me from achieving my dream of becoming a teacher.
Starting a business was another major challenge. As a first-generation entrepreneur, I had to learn everything from scratch, from running a business and marketing to understanding regulations and building trust within the community. There were times when I questioned whether I was making the right decision, especially during the first year.
The most difficult challenge, however, was being diagnosed with breast cancer. Losing my mother to the same disease when I was 14 made the diagnosis especially emotional and frightening. Going through surgery and recovery forced me to rethink my priorities and reminded me that life is too short not to pursue your purpose.
As an immigrant, I’ve also had to work hard to prove myself. Sometimes people have underestimated me because of my accent or because English is my second language. Instead of letting that discourage me, I used it as motivation to keep learning, growing, and showing others what is possible.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change those struggles because they shaped the person and business owner I am today. They taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of creating a business where people feel welcomed, understood, and supported.
We’ve been impressed with ZGA One Stop Multiservice LLC, 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?
ZGA One Stop Multiservice was created with one mission in mind: to make life easier for individuals and families by providing multiple essential services under one roof. As an immigrant myself, I understand how overwhelming it can be to navigate paperwork, government processes, and everyday life in a new country. I wanted to create a place where people feel safe, respected, and confident that someone truly understands their needs.
We specialize in helping individuals, families, entrepreneurs, and small businesses through services such as immigration document preparation, notary services, tax preparation, bookkeeping, business formation, translations, real estate and lending guidance, ESL education, and professional coaching. We also offer educational workshops and digital courses that empower people to become more independent and informed.
What sets us apart is that we don’t just complete paperwork, we educate our clients. We believe that knowledge is power, so we take the time to explain every step of the process, answer questions, and build lasting relationships based on trust. Our clients know they can come to us for honest guidance and personalized support, regardless of where they are in their journey.
I’m especially proud that our business has become a trusted resource for the immigrant community and for aspiring entrepreneurs. Many of our clients come to us feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, and they leave feeling empowered and confident. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing someone achieve their goals because they finally had someone who believed in them and guided them through the process.
As our company continues to grow, our vision is to become more than a service provider, we want to be a community resource where people can access education, coaching, and opportunities that help them build successful lives. Whether someone needs help with immigration, starting a business, learning English, preparing taxes, or reaching personal and professional goals, we want them to know they have a trusted partner in ZGA One Stop Multiservice.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I’d definitely recommend finding organizations that genuinely invest in the success of small businesses. For me, joining the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. It has given me the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with other business owners, attend networking events, learn from experienced professionals, and become more involved in the community. Many of the connections I’ve made through the Chamber have turned into valuable partnerships, referrals, and friendships.
Another incredible resource has been the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at The University of Scranton. They provide free business consulting, guidance, educational workshops, and support for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Their expertise has been invaluable as I’ve continued to grow my business.
My advice is to never be afraid to introduce yourself, ask questions, and learn from people who have more experience than you. Building genuine relationships is far more valuable than simply collecting business cards. Be willing to give as much as you receive, stay curious, continue learning, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. You’ll be surprised how many people are willing to mentor and support you when they see your passion and commitment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zgaonestopmultiservices.com
- Instagram: @zgaonestopmultiservice
- Facebook: zgaonestopmultiservice
