UndocuStartup™ with Juan Maya Hernandez

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 u...

In this episode, Juan answers the final round of questions about the first-ever UndocuStartup Week Bootcamp. He shares how participant privacy is protected, explains what students will learn about starting a business with an ITIN, discusses language accessibility, mentorship opportunities, alumni support, and the story behind why he founded UndocuStartup. He also invites everyone to attend the upc...

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 founder...

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, leverag...

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...

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 jo...

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 to...

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...

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 pl...

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 movi...

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 durin...

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 do...

In this episode, I break down the biggest lessons I learned building UndocuStartup™ over the past year — from operating in survival mode to refining my sales strategy, pricing structure, and long-term partnerships. I share why you always need more clients than you think, how closing deals for next year changes the game, and why experimenting with cold calls helped me reduce friction and land propo...

In this episode, Juan shares a raw and transparent look into what it really feels like to build a company while navigating heartbreak. After landing new contracts and pushing through cold calls, he opens up about feeling numb despite business wins. He reflects on anxiety, patience, comparison, and the emotional cost of both entrepreneurship and love. From making 100 sales calls to taking cold show...

In this episode, Juan shares the top lessons learned after making 100 cold sales calls over two weeks—pivoting from cold emails to direct outreach to institutions. From refining his intro script to landing faster contracts, Juan walks through what worked, what didn’t, and how undocumented founders can improve their sales game with confidence and clarity. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: How cold c...

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez shares the untold story of how UndocuStartup™ came to life. From discovering his undocumented status in high school to launching bootcamps that have helped over 350 students, Juan breaks down the journey—failures, pivots, and personal challenges included. You’ll hear how he turned academic probation and job rejections into a national program with real impact....

In this episode, Juan kicks off the first vlog of 2026 with raw reflections on entrepreneurship, personal challenges, and a relentless drive to build new partnerships. From grocery runs and laundry hacks to calling potential partners (and getting ghosted), this episode captures the messy, motivating grind behind UndocuStartup™. Juan shares a powerful takeaway from the book The Dip and reminds us t...

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez shares a personal and powerful reflection: the unexpected lessons entrepreneurship and dating have in common. From not begging for attention to celebrating small wins, he draws out 8 core similarities between building relationships and building a business... all rooted in self-worth, strategy, and long-term thinking. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: Why lead ge...

In this episode, Juan kicks off the first UndocuStartup™ Weekly of 2026 by sharing his 8 powerful business resolutions for the year. From not chasing clients to focusing on one offer, he reflects on the lessons from 2025 and sets the tone for a more focused, expansive, and resilient year ahead. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: Why chasing clients is over—and what to do instead How to combat negati...

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez reflects on the top 12 lessons from 2025, sharing what worked and what didn’t in the journey of growing UndocuStartup™. From rebranding wins and hiring mistakes to bold reflections on money, mindset, and personal sacrifice — this episode is an honest look at what it takes to build while undocumented. Juan also shares his personal New Year’s resolution for 2026:...

In this episode, Juan reflects on a rollercoaster week filled with physical healing, scary freeway moments, and a major financial wake-up call. From wrapping up months of physical therapy to nearly crashing into a trailer during a rainstorm, and making the tough decision to take on a part-time job — this episode captures the reality of building UndocuStartup™ while navigating life’s unpredictabili...

In this episode, Juan shares a raw and reflective behind-the-scenes look at entrepreneurship as an undocumented founder. From nearly landing his biggest contract yet to navigating media consent in community programming, Juan keeps it transparent. He also opens up about his health journey, how he lost 20 pounds, and why he's recommitting to vlogging after years of pause.🔑 In this episode you’l...

In this episode, Juan shares 6 powerful lessons from scaling UndocuStartup™, including what’s working now in content strategy, how to build a reliable freelancer system, and why investing in quality talent pays off. If you’re an undocumented entrepreneur or a campus ally aiming to scale smart, this one’s packed with insights you can act on today. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: Why content with a...

In this vlog-style episode, come along for a full week behind the scenes as Juan builds UndocuStartup™. From prepping and running a national bootcamp, to documenting the chaos and clarity of pitch day, to managing 5AM routines and media safety for undocumented students—it’s all here. This is the real, unfiltered journey of building something that matters. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: What a re...

In this episode, Juan shares raw and honest reflections from the recent UndocuStartup™ Bootcamp Tour. From tech failures and marketing gaps to national student demand and lessons in leadership, this behind-the-scenes recap is packed with takeaways for anyone building programs from the ground up. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: Why student selection matters more than quantity for program success T...