UndocuStartup® with Juan Maya Hernandez

Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

152

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

I wasn’t supposed to have many opportunities. As an undocumented immigrant living with epilepsy, I built my first business at 19 without DACA, used entrepreneurship to help pay for UCLA, and later secured over $30,000 in grants to grow my mission. Now I’m building UndocuStartup to empower undocumented students through entrepreneurship. Follow along as I document the real journey of building a business without limits. Are you an undocumented student center looking to bring entrepreneurship programming for your undocumented students? Visit www.undocustartup.com, let's collaborate!

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October 25, 202632 min

Her Fortune 500 Job Was TOXIC… So This DACA Employee Started a Business | Ep 152

In this episode, we sit down with Gabriela, founder of GabulousLA , a California-based entrepreneur who turned her passion for jewelry into a growing e-commerce business. Gabriela originally believed that working for a Fortune 500 company and climbing the corporate ladder would provide the stability and success she wanted. But after experiencing a toxic work environment, she began questioning whether a traditional career was the right path for her. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to take a chance on something she had always loved: jewelry. Six years later, has built a jewelry brand specializing in hypoallergenic, tarnish-resistant pieces while developing a loyal community of customers through social media, in-person markets, and authentic relationships. In this conversation, she shares how she launched her business, secured funding through small business programs, learned to understand her finances, and discovered why building relationships with customers matters more than simply gaining followers. She also opens up about the challenges of e-commerce, finding reliable manufacturers, using Shopify, and why she stopped relying on paid advertising to grow her brand. Her biggest lesson? You don't need to have everything figured out. Start with your passion, take small steps, and don't be afraid to ask for help. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: How to turn your passion into an e-commerce business, find reliable suppliers, and access small business resources. How to use Instagram, TikTok, Shopify, and customer relationships to grow your brand without depending on paid advertising. How to manage your finances, avoid common startup mistakes, and prepare your business for long-term growth. 📣 Whether you’re a student with an idea, or an ally who wants to see undocumented students win — this episode is for you. 📆 Learn how to bring UndocuStartup™ to your campus: www.undocustartup.com 🚀 UndocuStartup™ Week: Ready to turn your ideas into a business? Join UndocuStartup™ Week, a FREE 7-day virtual entrepreneurship program designed for undocumented students across the country. 📅 November 9–16, 2026 💡 Develop your business idea and connect with fellow student entrepreneurs. 🏆 Pitch your business idea for a chance to win $525. ⚡ Limited to 20 student entrepreneurs. 👉 Apply now: www.undocustartup.com/week 🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me: Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLO Programs & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.com TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahern Business IG → https://instagram.com/undocustartup/ Personal IG → https://instagram.com/jmayahe/ LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/juanmayahernandez/ LinkedIn Newsletter → https://linkedin.com/newsletters/7011183488515129344/ Reddit → https://reddit.com/r/Undocumentedstudents/ Threads → https://www.threads.net/@jmayahern Email → jmayahern@undocustartup.com Website → https://www.jmayahern.com Full podcast archive → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/juan-maya-hernandez 🎤 Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez, founder of UndocuStartup™ — the leading entrepreneurship program for undocumented students. 🧠 Be motivated. Stay motivated.

October 23, 202632 min

She Built a MARKETING Agency Without a Work Permit (Here's How) | Ep 151

In this episode, we sit down with Brittany Ortiz, founder of Monarca Marketing , a bilingual marketing agency helping small businesses, Latino entrepreneurs, and contractors grow their online presence. As a first-generation college graduate from the University of Central Florida (UCF), Brittany's entrepreneurial journey was anything but traditional. From facing barriers to pursuing her original dream of becoming a veterinarian because of her immigration status, to completing unpaid internships and eventually launching her own marketing agency, Brittany shares how she turned obstacles into opportunities. With 20 clients and over 30 projects launched , Brittany opens up about what it really takes to build a business from scratch — even when you don't have big-name companies on your résumé, years of experience, or all the answers. We discuss how she landed her first paying customer, built her clientele through networking and referrals, learned to price her services confidently, and uses AI tools without losing the human creativity that makes her work stand out. Brittany also shares her experiences with imposter syndrome, balancing entrepreneurship with learning opportunities, and why undocumented students shouldn't wait until they feel completely prepared to start building something of their own. Her message is simple: Start with what you have, use your community, and remember that your story is your competitive advantage. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: How to start a business as an undocumented student, find your first paying clients, and turn your existing skills into real opportunities. How to price your services, build a portfolio, network strategically, and use tools like Canva, Claude, ChatGPT, and CapCut to grow your business. How to overcome imposter syndrome, embrace your unique story, and build confidence as an entrepreneur without waiting until everything is perfect. 📣 Whether you’re a student with an idea, or an ally who wants to see undocumented students win — this episode is for you. 📆 Learn how to bring UndocuStartup™ to your campus: www.undocustartup.com 🚀 UndocuStartup™ Week: Ready to turn your ideas into a business? Join UndocuStartup™ Week, a FREE 7-day virtual entrepreneurship program designed for undocumented students across the country. 📅 November 9–16, 2026 💡 Learn entrepreneurship, develop your business idea, and connect with fellow student entrepreneurs. 🏆 Pitch your business idea for a chance to win $525. ⚡ Limited to 20 student entrepreneurs. Applications close October 25, 2026. 👉 Apply now: https://www.undocustartup.com/week 🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me: Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLO Programs & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.com TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahern Business IG → https://instagram.com/undocustartup/ Personal IG → https://instagram.com/jmayahe/ LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/juanmayahernandez/ LinkedIn Newsletter → https://linkedin.com/newsletters/7011183488515129344/ Reddit → https://reddit.com/r/Undocumentedstudents/ Threads → https://www.threads.net/@jmayahern Email → jmayahern@undocustartup.com Website → https://www.jmayahern.com Full podcast archive → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/juan-maya-hernandez 🎤 Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez, founder of UndocuStartup™ — the leading entrepreneurship program for undocumented students. 🧠 Be motivated. Stay motivated.

October 9, 202656 min

43 Life Lessons at 27, My Biggest Regrets & What I'd Do Differently | Ep 150

In this episode, I talk about why you should stop chasing people, why thinking bigger costs absolutely nothing, why making more money matters, and why entrepreneurship is an infinite game that most people aren't prepared to play.I also share how my faith in God has helped me navigate uncertainty, why I've committed to building UndocuStartup™ for the long term, and why learning to say NO might be one of the most important skills you can develop.If you're in your twenties, building a business, navigating uncertainty, or feeling behind in life, this episode is for you.You don't have to have everything figured out.You just have to keep moving forward.🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:- 43 lessons I wish I knew sooner: Why you should stop chasing people, set boundaries, embrace rejection, protect your energy, and fall in love with the person you're becoming.- The uncomfortable truths about entrepreneurship and money: What I've learned from going months without contracts, changing marketing strategies, thinking bigger, making more money, and committing to building a business for the next 10–15 years.- How to build a life you're actually proud of: Why faith, gratitude, discipline, relationships, health, and having a purpose bigger than yourself matter more than external validation.📣 Whether you’re a student with an idea, or an ally who wants to see undocumented students win — this episode is for you.📆 Bring UndocuStartup™ to Your Campus: Want to inspire the next generation of undocumented entrepreneurs? Bring UndocuStartup™ to your college or university and help students turn their ideas into businesses through entrepreneurship education, mentorship, and real-world experiences.🚀 Learn more: www.undocustartup.com🌍 UndocuStartup™ Week: An initiative dedicated to empowering undocumented students through entrepreneurship, innovation, and community.Discover how we're helping students explore entrepreneurship, develop their ideas, and build pathways toward financial independence—regardless of immigration status.Whether you're an undocumented student, educator, campus leader, or ally, discover how you can get involved and help create more opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs.⚡ Learn more: www.undocustartup.com/week🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me:- Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLO- Programs & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.com- TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahern- Business IG → https://instagram.com/undocustartup/- Personal IG → https://instagram.com/jmayahe/- LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/juanmayahernandez/- LinkedIn Newsletter → https://linkedin.com/newsletters/7011183488515129344/- Reddit → https://reddit.com/r/Undocumentedstudents/- Threads → https://www.threads.net/@jmayahern- Email → jmayahern@undocustartup.com- Website → https://www.jmayahern.com- Full podcast archive → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/juan-maya-hernandez🎤 Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez, founder of UndocuStartup™ — the leading entrepreneurship program for undocumented students.🧠 Be motivated. Stay motivated.

August 23, 202617 min

STOP Believing YOU HAVE NO OPTIONS Because You’re Undocumented | Ep 149

REPOST: In this episode, I break down five things that can hold us back as undocumented students: doubting ourselves, not knowing what’s legally possible, staying silent, getting trapped in survival mode, and feeling like we’re alone. I share parts of my own journey—from taking an $11-an-hour under-the-table restaurant job because I thought that was one of my only options, to navigating UCLA, asking for help, finding resources, and eventually building UndocuStartup™. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that being undocumented doesn’t mean we have to stop dreaming. Sometimes we have to speak up, find the right people, learn what options actually exist, and build with what we have. Your circumstances may shape your path, but they don’t have to determine how far you can go. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: How to recognize when fear, self-doubt, and survival mode are keeping you from thinking bigger. Why learning your options, asking for help, and understanding entrepreneurship can open new paths for undocumented students. How I learned to speak up, “recycle my struggle,” and use my experiences to build something meaningful. 📣 Whether you’re a student with an idea, or an ally who wants to see undocumented students win — this episode is for you. 📆 Learn how to bring UndocuStartup™ to your campus: www.undocustartup.com 🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me: Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLO Programs & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.com TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahern Business IG → https://instagram.com/undocustartup/ Personal IG → https://instagram.com/jmayahe/ LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/juanmayahernandez/ LinkedIn Newsletter → https://linkedin.com/newsletters/7011183488515129344/ Reddit → https://reddit.com/r/Undocumentedstudents/ Threads → https://www.threads.net/@jmayahern Email → jmayahern@undocustartup.com Website → https://www.jmayahern.com Full podcast archive → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/juan-maya-hernandez 🎤 Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez, founder of UndocuStartup™ — the leading entrepreneurship program for undocumented students. 🧠 Be motivated. Stay motivated.

August 20, 202612 min

UndocuStartup Weekly #35: Lessons from UndocuStartup Week | Ep 148

In this episode, I break down eight lessons from running UndocuStartup™ Week, a free seven-day entrepreneurship program designed to make entrepreneurship more accessible to undocumented students across the U.S. After receiving 55+ applications with only one month of marketing, I’m reflecting on what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change. I share why stronger systems and follow-up matter, why future cohorts may need a more selective application process, what getting zero sponsors taught me, and how word of mouth could become a major distribution channel. I also explore the possibility of themed cohorts and what it would take to make this program recurring and less dependent on me personally. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: Why systemizing applications, onboarding, reminders, delivery, and post-program follow-up could make UndocuStartup™ Week easier to scale. What 55+ applications, participant commitment, and organic word of mouth revealed about marketing and selecting future cohorts. How sponsorship strategy, delegation, and themed cohorts could shape the next version of the program. 📣 Whether you’re a student with an idea, or an ally who wants to see undocumented students win — this episode is for you. 📆 Learn how to bring UndocuStartup™ to your campus: www.undocustartup.com 🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me: Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLO Programs & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.com TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahern Business IG → https://instagram.com/undocustartup/ Personal IG → https://instagram.com/jmayahe/ LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/juanmayahernandez/ LinkedIn Newsletter → https://linkedin.com/newsletters/7011183488515129344/ Reddit → https://reddit.com/r/Undocumentedstudents/ Threads → https://www.threads.net/@jmayahern Email → jmayahern@undocustartup.com Website → https://www.jmayahern.com Full podcast archive → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/juan-maya-hernandez 🎤 Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez, founder of UndocuStartup™ — the leading entrepreneurship program for undocumented students. 🧠 Be motivated. Stay motivated.

August 17, 202652 min

I Wanted to End My Life: A Story I Never Shared | Ep 147

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez joins Beatriz from the Sin Papeles Podcast to share the deeply personal journey that shaped his mission to empower undocumented students through entrepreneurship. From surviving childhood bullying, depression, and the challenges of growing up undocumented, to navigating UCLA on academic probation and eventually founding UndocuStartup™, Juan reflects on the mentors, community, and resilience that helped him persevere. He also shares why entrepreneurship became his path forward and how he’s now helping undocumented students across the country launch businesses, create opportunities, and redefine what’s possible. Follow the Sin Papeles Podcast on Spotify here ⁠Follow the Sin Papeles Podcast on Apple Podcast here⁠ 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: Why asking for help can be the turning point that changes your life. How resilience, mentorship, and community can overcome even the toughest obstacles. How entrepreneurship creates opportunities for undocumented students beyond traditional career paths. 📣 Whether you’re a student with an idea, or an ally who wants to see undocumented students win — this episode is for you. 📆 Learn how to bring UndocuStartup™ to your campus: www.undocustartup.com 🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me: Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLO Programs & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.com TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahern Business IG → https://instagram.com/undocustartup/ Personal IG → https://instagram.com/jmayahe/ LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/juanmayahernandez/ LinkedIn Newsletter → https://linkedin.com/newsletters/7011183488515129344/ Reddit → https://reddit.com/r/Undocumentedstudents/ Threads → https://www.threads.net/@jmayahern Email → jmayahern@undocustartup.com Website → https://www.jmayahern.com Full podcast archive → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/juan-maya-hernandez 🎤 Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez, founder of UndocuStartup™ — the leading entrepreneurship program for undocumented students. 🧠 Be motivated. Stay motivated.

August 1, 202613 min

UndocuStartup Weekly #34: The Marketing Playbook Behind UndocuStartup | Ep 146

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez shares the biggest marketing lessons he's learned while building UndocuStartup™ from an idea into the leading entrepreneurship program for undocumented students. From choosing the right name and crafting a compelling message to earning trust, building community, and pricing your services, this episode breaks down the principles that have shaped UndocuStartup's growth. Whether you're launching your first business or looking to strengthen your brand, these practical lessons will help you market with more confidence and purpose. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: Why words, branding, and messaging shape how people understand your business. How to sell the transformation instead of just promoting your product or service. Marketing strategies for building trust, creating a movement, and pricing your business for long-term growth. 📣 Whether you’re a student with an idea, or an ally who wants to see undocumented students win — this episode is for you. 📆 Learn how to bring UndocuStartup™ to your campus: www.undocustartup.com 🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me: Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLO Programs & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.com TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahern Business IG → https://instagram.com/undocustartup/ Personal IG → https://instagram.com/jmayahe/ LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/juanmayahernandez/ LinkedIn Newsletter → https://linkedin.com/newsletters/7011183488515129344/ Reddit → https://reddit.com/r/Undocumentedstudents/ Threads → https://www.threads.net/@jmayahern Email → jmayahern@undocustartup.com Website → https://www.jmayahern.com Full podcast archive → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/juan-maya-hernandez 🎤 Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez, founder of UndocuStartup™ — the leading entrepreneurship program for undocumented students. 🧠 Be motivated. Stay motivated.

July 22, 20261 min

UndocuStartup Weekly #33: Announcing One-on-One Coaching | Ep 145

📆 Ready to take the next step?Book a FREE 15-minute coaching call: https://calendly.com/jmayahern/15min-coach⁠ In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez announces the launch of the very first UndocuStartup™ one-on-one coaching program. After helping more than 400 undocumented students nationwide build businesses, Juan shares why he's expanding into personalized coaching and how the new 12-month program is designed to help founders turn an idea into a legally established business with paying clients. He also explains how AI tools, business strategy, and ongoing accountability can help entrepreneurs launch and grow faster. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: How one-on-one coaching can help you move from an idea to your first paying client. Why understanding business structures and AI tools can accelerate your entrepreneurial journey. What to expect from the new 12-month UndocuStartup™ coaching experience. 📣 Whether you’re a student with an idea, or an ally who wants to see undocumented students win — this episode is for you. 📆 Ready to take the next step? Book a FREE 15-minute coaching call : tinyurl.com/ustartupcoach 🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me: Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLO Programs & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.com TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahern Business IG → https://instagram.com/undocustartup/ Personal IG → https://instagram.com/jmayahe/ LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/juanmayahernandez/ LinkedIn Newsletter → https://linkedin.com/newsletters/7011183488515129344/ Reddit → https://reddit.com/r/Undocumentedstudents/ Threads → https://www.threads.net/@jmayahern Email → jmayahern@undocustartup.com Website → https://www.jmayahern.com Full podcast archive → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/juan-maya-hernandez 🎤 Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez, founder of UndocuStartup™ — the leading entrepreneurship program for undocumented students. 🧠 Be motivated. Stay motivated.

July 17, 202618 min

I Pitched my Business to a College District… Here’s What Happened | Ep 144

In this episode, Juan takes you behind the scenes of building UndocuStartup™—from preparing and delivering a pitch to a California community college district, to sharing lessons about entrepreneurship, negotiation, persistence, and solving problems in real time. He reflects on the importance of creating win-win partnerships, helping undocumented students build businesses through action-based learning, and why consistency is one of the greatest competitive advantages any entrepreneur can have. Along the way, Juan also shares everyday moments from life on the road, reminding us that entrepreneurship is about continuously adapting, learning, and moving forward.🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:* How to pitch partnerships by focusing on shared value instead of personal gain.* Why action-based entrepreneurship helps students gain confidence and make their first dollar.* How persistence, consistency, and problem-solving create long-term business opportunities.📣 Whether you’re a student with an idea, or an ally who wants to see undocumented students win — this episode is for you.📆 Learn how to bring UndocuStartup™ to your campus: www.undocustartup.com🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me:* Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLO* Programs & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.com* TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahern* Business IG → https://instagram.com/undocustartup/* Personal IG → https://instagram.com/jmayahe/* LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/juanmayahernandez/* LinkedIn Newsletter → https://linkedin.com/newsletters/7011183488515129344/* Reddit → https://reddit.com/r/Undocumentedstudents/* Threads → https://www.threads.net/@jmayahern* Email → jmayahern@undocustartup.com* Website → https://www.jmayahern.com* Full podcast archive → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/juan-maya-hernandez🎤 Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez, founder of UndocuStartup™ — the leading entrepreneurship program for undocumented students.🧠 Be motivated. Stay motivated.

July 9, 202646 min

UndocuStartup Week Pitch Competition | Ep 143

In this episode, you’ll hear the inspiring final pitches from the top founders of UndocuStartup Week after 55 applicants competed for a spot in the program. Each entrepreneur shares how they’re solving real-world problems—from making STEM education more accessible and helping immigrant-owned businesses grow online, to increasing access to educational resources, simplifying college navigation for undocumented students, and preserving culture through community-centered food entrepreneurship. You’ll also hear live audience Q&A, founder feedback, and practical insights into validating business ideas, pricing services, marketing, storytelling, and building businesses rooted in community impact. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: How undocumented founders identify meaningful problems and turn them into scalable businesses. Practical lessons on pitching, pricing, marketing, and validating your startup. Why community-centered entrepreneurship creates lasting impact beyond profit. 📣 Whether you’re a student with an idea, or an ally who wants to see undocumented students win — this episode is for you. 📆 Learn how to bring UndocuStartup™ to your campus: www.undocustartup.com 🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me: Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLO Programs & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.com TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahern Business IG → https://instagram.com/undocustartup/ Personal IG → https://instagram.com/jmayahe/ LinkedIn → https://linkedin.com/in/juanmayahernandez/ LinkedIn Newsletter → https://linkedin.com/newsletters/7011183488515129344/ Reddit → https://reddit.com/r/Undocumentedstudents/ Threads → https://www.threads.net/@jmayahern Email → jmayahern@undocustartup.com Website → https://www.jmayahern.com Full podcast archive → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/juan-maya-hernandez 🎤 Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez, founder of UndocuStartup™ — the leading entrepreneurship program for undocumented students. 🧠 Be motivated. Stay motivated.