UndocuStartup™ with Juan Maya Hernandez

Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez

Business Entrepreneurship

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Episodes

140

Latest episode

May 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Overcoming epilepsy & obstacles as an undocumented/DACA immigrant, I launched my first business at 19 (without DACA) and scaled it to fund my UCLA studies. With $30,000 in grants from accelerator/entrepreneurship programs, I've set out to help undocumented students get jobs through entrepreneurship. Tune into my podcast as I share lessons building my company as an undocumented entrepreneur. 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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60 recent

June 15, 202618 min

Answering Your UndocuStartup Week 2026 Questions | Ep 141

In this episode, Juan answers your biggest questions about UndocuStartup™ Week 2026 while also sharing practical advice on entrepreneurship, LLCs, taxes, networking, and finding opportunities as an undocumented student. From what to expect during the 7-day boot camp to the mindset shifts that have helped students succeed, this Q&A episode is packed with actionable insights for aspiring founders. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:What UndocuStartup™ Week is, who it’s for, and what participants can expect.How to think about forming an LLC, finding tax resources, and getting started with your business.The advice Juan gives students most often—from challenging limiting beliefs to taking massive action.📣 Whether you’re a student with an idea, or an ally who wants to see undocumented students win — this episode is for you.📆 Join UndocuStartup™ Week 2026Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Apply for UndocuStartup™ Week, our free 7-day virtual entrepreneurship boot camp designed for undocumented students across the country. You’ll build your idea, connect with fellow founders, and pitch your venture by the end of the program.⚡ Learn more & apply: www.undocustartup.com/week🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me:Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLOPrograms & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.comTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahernBusiness 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/@jmayahernEmail → jmayahern@undocustartup.comWebsite → https://www.jmayahern.comFull 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.

May 24, 202627 min

What I Learned From Rich People as an Undocumented Entrepreneur | Ep 140

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez shares the biggest lessons he learned from wealthy entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, millionaire founders, and investors connected to companies like Grubhub, Snapchat, and Giphy. As an undocumented entrepreneur building UndocuStartup™, Juan reflects on how these experiences completely changed the way he thinks about money, entrepreneurship, marketing, leverage, focus, and long-term success. From meeting startup investors to studying billionaires like Henry Ford and John D. Rockefeller, Juan breaks down the mindset shifts that helped him stop thinking about survival and start thinking about scale, ownership, and impact. This episode is filled with practical entrepreneurship advice for undocumented students, Dreamers, DACA recipients, and first-generation founders who want to build wealth, create opportunities, and grow successful businesses. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:The biggest entrepreneurship and wealth lessons I learned from millionairesHow undocumented entrepreneurs can think bigger and build long-term successWhy focus, leverage, marketing, and mindset are critical for undocumented founders📣 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/mpzLOPrograms & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.comTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahernBusiness 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/@jmayahernEmail → jmayahern@undocustartup.comWebsite → https://www.jmayahern.comFull 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.

May 10, 202625 min

UndocuStartup Weekly #32: Pricing Tips for Undocumented Entrepreneurs | Ep 139

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez breaks down the biggest lessons he’s learned about pricing, sales, confidence, and building a sustainable business as an undocumented entrepreneur. From charging premium prices to understanding customer psychology, Juan shares real stories from growing UndocuStartup™ into a national entrepreneurship movement. He explains why founders should stop apologizing for charging what they’re worth, how presentation affects business opportunities, and why undocumented students must begin thinking beyond survival and toward long-term wealth creation and economic empowerment.🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:Why charging higher prices can actually attract better clientsHow to confidently price your services without fear or guiltThe mindset shifts undocumented entrepreneurs need to build wealth📣 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⚡ Learn more: www.undocustartup.com/tour🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me:Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLOPrograms & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.comTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahernBusiness 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/@jmayahernEmail → jmayahern@undocustartup.comWebsite → https://www.jmayahern.comFull 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.

May 3, 202645 min

Stop Waiting for DACA... Start Independent Contracting NOW! | Ep 138

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez is joined by speakers Beatriz Hernandez and Karen Nuñez for a powerful conversation on how undocumented individuals can build income, careers, and community, without relying on traditional employment pathways. From navigating life without DACA to leveraging independent contracting, reselling, consulting, and advocacy work, both speakers share their real-life journeys of resilience, creativity, and persistence. They break down how networking, mentorship, and mindset shifts opened doors, and how you can start building your own path today.🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:* How to generate income through independent contracting, consulting, and side hustles without work authorization* Why networking, mentorship, and community are critical to unlocking opportunities* How to reframe your skills and pivot your career path despite systemic barriers📣 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.

April 22, 202616 min

UndocuStartup Weekly #31: The $800 Tax Bill Nobody Warns Entrepreneurs About | Ep 137

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez shares the hard truth about entrepreneurship and taxes, lessons learned the expensive way. After making a simple mistake that cost him $200, Juan breaks down what every entrepreneur (especially undocumented founders) needs to know to avoid penalties, stay compliant, and build a business that actually lasts. From saving a percentage of every contract to using tools like QuickBooks and hiring a CPA, this episode is your wake-up call before tax season hits again.🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:The costly mistake that led to a $200 penalty—and how to avoid itWhy saving 20–25% of your income isn’t optionalThe tools and systems that make tax season easier (and less stressful)📣 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⚡ Learn more: www.undocustartup.com/tour🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me:Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLOPrograms & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.comTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahernBusiness 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/@jmayahernEmail → jmayahern@undocustartup.comWebsite → https://www.jmayahern.comFull 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.

April 17, 202618 min

UndocuStartup Weekly #30: How I Completed 3 Programs in One Month | Ep 136

In this episode, Juan shares a major milestone: completing three programs in one month through UndocuStartup™. He breaks down the biggest lessons learned while scaling the company, including planning for complexity, building repeatable systems, protecting your health, handling small problems like a founder, and staying focused on long-term growth. Juan also talks about payment structures, building a pipeline a year in advance, and realizing he is much closer to his goals than he once believed. This is a real behind-the-scenes look at entrepreneurship, momentum, and what it takes to grow while serving undocumented students nationwide. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:Why growth gets messy — and how to prepare for complexity before it happensHow repeatable systems help you scale programs, clients, and impact fasterWhy health, consistency, and mindset matter just as much as revenue📣 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/mpzLOPrograms & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.comTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahernBusiness 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/@jmayahernEmail → jmayahern@undocustartup.comWebsite → https://www.jmayahern.comFull 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.

April 5, 202614 min

UndocuStartup Weekly #29: Why I Started Using Debt (And It Changed Everything) | Ep 135

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez shares one of the biggest factors behind his growth from side hustle to full-time entrepreneur: using debt and credit strategically. He breaks down real examples of how he’s leveraged borrowed money to manage cash flow gaps, cover essential expenses, invest in business tools, and fund travel for programs—all while maintaining discipline and a clear repayment plan. This episode reframes debt as a tool for growth when used intentionally, not a lifestyle.🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:How to use debt as a “strategic bridge” during cash flow gapsWhen it makes sense to invest in your business using creditThe difference between using debt for growth vs. unnecessary expenses📣 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/mpzLOPrograms & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.comTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahernBusiness 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/@jmayahernEmail → jmayahern@undocustartup.comWebsite → https://www.jmayahern.comFull 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.

March 29, 202615 min

This Could’ve ENDED My Business | Ep 134

In this episode, Juan takes you behind the scenes of building UndocuStartup™—from hosting fireside chats and information sessions to making cold calls, handling rejection, and preparing for back-to-back programs. He shares the real, unfiltered journey of growing an ecosystem for undocumented entrepreneurs, including the financial investments, tech failures, and mindset shifts required to keep moving forward. This episode highlights the importance of consistency, resilience, and learning to embrace the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:How to navigate rejection and stay motivated while doing outreach and salesWhat it takes to run and scale multiple programs in a single weekWhy investing in your business (time, money, and systems) is essential for 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🌍 Quick Tour Mention:🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me:Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLOPrograms & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.comTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahernBusiness 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/@jmayahernEmail → jmayahern@undocustartup.comWebsite → https://www.jmayahern.comFull 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.

March 9, 202618 min

UndocuStartup Weekly #28: My Bank Account Hit $0… Here’s What I Did Next | Ep 133

In this episode, Juan opens up about one of the hardest realities of entrepreneurship: the moments when your bank account hits zero. He shares personal experiences navigating months without incoming revenue while building UndocuStartup™, and the mindset shifts and actions that helped him keep moving forward.Instead of letting fear or stress take over, Juan breaks down the strategies he uses during these difficult moments—from controlling what he can control, cutting unnecessary expenses, and actively creating new opportunities, to maintaining faith, optimism, and persistence. This episode is a raw and honest look at the emotional and financial ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and a reminder that setbacks are often stepping stones toward something bigger.🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:How to respond when your business income drops to zeroPractical ways to cut costs and manage expenses during tough monthsWhy taking action and adopting an abundance mindset can help you overcome financial uncertainty📣 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⚡ Learn more: www.undocustartup.com/tour🚀 12 Ways to Connect With Me:Newsletter → https://shorturl.at/mpzLOPrograms & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.comTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahernBusiness 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/@jmayahernEmail → jmayahern@undocustartup.comWebsite → https://www.jmayahern.comFull 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.

March 6, 202625 min

My Client CANCELLED After Saying Yes | Ep 132

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez shares a behind-the-scenes look at the real day-to-day grind of building UndocuStartup™. From cancelled contracts and unanswered calls to sending proposals and chasing new partnerships, Juan reflects on the emotional roller coaster of entrepreneurship. He talks openly about rejection, resilience, and why founders must stay optimistic—even when momentum slows down. Through real moments from his workday, he explains how persistence, faith, and disciplined action are the keys to continuing forward when building something new for undocumented students.🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:Why rejection and cancelled opportunities are part of entrepreneurshipHow consistent outreach (calls, emails, proposals) moves your startup forwardThe mindset founders need to stay optimistic and keep building despite setbacks📣 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/mpzLOPrograms & Speaking → https://www.undocustartup.comTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@jmayahernBusiness 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/@jmayahernEmail → jmayahern@undocustartup.comWebsite → https://www.jmayahern.comFull 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.