UndocuStartup™ with Juan Maya Hernandez

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez shares 9 actionable ways that allies, Dream Centers, and institutions can support undocumented student entrepreneurs. Drawing from his experience with over 180 students across 9 campuses, Juan outlines simple but powerful strategies like hosting pitch competitions, bringing in UndocuEntrepreneurs, and offering seed funding—even on limited budgets. 🔑 In this ep...

In this episode, award-winning journalist Brian De Los Santos joins Juan Maya Hernandez for a raw, empowering conversation about navigating life and entrepreneurship without a valid work permit. Brian shares how losing DACA pushed him into survival mode—and how discovering Juan's content gave him clarity and hope. Juan opens up about his early struggles at UCLA, overcoming depression, and star...

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez drops one of his most powerful truths yet: no one is coming to save you—and that’s your greatest advantage . From failing classes at UCLA and battling depression, to applying to 108 jobs and walking away from a role that didn’t match his mission, Juan lays out how hitting rock bottom was exactly the wake-up call he needed. If you're undocumented, underestim...

In this episode, I break down the top 11 lessons I learned in my third year running UndocuStartup™, the #1 entrepreneurship program for undocumented students. From hiring mistakes and cash flow fixes to brand protection and staying motivated during hard times — this is the real, unfiltered behind-the-scenes of building a mission-driven business from scratch. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: Why hi...

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez breaks down eight powerful strategies undocumented entrepreneurs can use to protect their identities while starting and growing their businesses. From legal business structures to online privacy tools, Juan shares personal tips, real-life examples, and practical tools to help you stay safe while building something powerful. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: How...

In this episode, Juan shares seven raw and powerful lessons from a week full of sacrifice, hustle, and deep entrepreneurial reflection. From driving 10 hours for a one-hour gig with only $120 to his name, to rethinking what it means to accept help, cut costs, and hold standards—this episode is a crash course in staying resilient while building something from the ground up. 🔑 In this episode you’l...

In this episode, Juan shares a raw and reflective moment on his way to physical therapy, opening up about past injuries and the deeper costs of neglecting mental and physical health. From dislocating his shoulder to battling anxiety during college, Juan delivers a powerful message for undocumented students chasing success: health must come first. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: Why neglecting you...

In this episode, Juan shares real lessons from the trenches of building a UndocuStartup—from what flopped to what finally worked. He breaks down the six most powerful lessons he’s learned growing UndocuStartup™, including the exact strategies that helped him close premium deals, scale faster, and avoid rookie mistakes. Whether you’re testing your first offer or trying to land your next client, the...

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez breaks down the 4S Framework — Skill, Solve, Serve, Share — his personal method for how undocumented students can get paid opportunities on campus, even without DACA. Drawing from his own journey at UCLA, Juan shares stories of how photography, volunteering, and simply sharing his goals turned into internships, fellowships, and paid gigs. If you've ever bee...

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez breaks down the 7 key differences between being an employee and an entrepreneur—especially through the lens of undocumented individuals exploring independent work. From service structure and income flow to taxes and mindset, this episode offers a personal and practical take on navigating entrepreneurship without traditional work authorization. 🔑 In this episod...

In this episode, Juan reflects on key lessons from the frontlines of building UndocuStartup™, including how one cold email led to a proposal, why actions matter more than words in hiring, and how to make your business defensible against competitors. He shares honest thoughts on resisting the pull of a stable job, doubling down on what works, and extending belief in the entrepreneurial journey—desp...

In this episode, Juan walks through key safety strategies for undocumented freelancers and creators—from what to do if a client asks for your ID, to setting up a contract with protective clauses like NDAs. He also answers listener questions about EINs vs. ITINs, payment structures, and the two main ways to monetize your content. Whether you're freelancing on Upwork, starting a YouTube channel,...

In this episode, we dive deep into how to legally start and protect your business as an undocumented entrepreneur. Whether you're freelancing, launching a tech app, or growing your service hustle, this episode breaks down exactly how to navigate business formation, identity protection, and working within state-specific laws — all while undocumented. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: The 5-step...

In this episode, Juan shares five subtle but powerful ways undocumented students are held back — inspired by a powerful prompt given to ChatGPT. From internalized doubt to survival mode, Juan dives deep into real stories, including his first under-the-table job, the impact of speaking up, and how others are building businesses from their struggles. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, stayed sile...

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez reflects on turning 25 and shares the 11 life lessons he wishes he had known earlier in his journey as an undocumented student and entrepreneur. From raising your standards to prioritizing your health, Juan opens up about his college experience, mental health struggles, business challenges, and the mindset shifts that helped him grow. 🔑 In this episode you’ll...

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez shares real-world sales lessons from charging $10 all the way to over $10,000—pulled straight from his journey growing UndocuStartup™ and his personal side hustles. From pricing strategies to following up like a pro, this episode is packed with tactical advice undocumented entrepreneurs can use to build and sell with confidence. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:...

In this episode, Juan shares a raw and real moment from his entrepreneurial journey—facing four straight months of zero revenue. Instead of quitting, he leaned into mindset shifts and personal strategies that helped him push forward. This solo episode walks you through 9 powerful reminders to keep going, even when the money isn’t coming in. Whether you're just starting or you're in a dry s...

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez shares the six powerful reasons that pushed him to become an entrepreneur. From facing academic probation without DACA, to discovering his love for marketing—and realizing the limits of a 9 to 5—Juan breaks down how necessity, vision, and a hunger for growth led him to where he is today. He talks about financial independence, building confidence through daily c...

In this episode, I break down the #1 question I get asked: “How can I raise money for my business if I’m undocumented?” After raising over $30,000, I’m sharing exactly how I did it — from fellowships to accelerator programs to young entrepreneurship grants. I’ll walk you through where to find these opportunities, how to apply, and what I’ve learned from rejections and wins. Plus, I share how I’ve...

In this episode, I kept it real about something I’ve been saying a lot lately: no one is coming to save us—and that’s exactly why we have to move. I shared 8 tough but necessary lessons that I’ve been learning as I build UndocuStartup™, work with schools, and push my own limits. If you’re undocumented and trying to build a future, this one’s for you. No fluff, just straight talk. 🔑 In this episod...

In this episode, I answer your live questions about starting a business as an undocumented student. From LLCs and EINs to AI tools and creative marketing, I share what’s worked for me—and how I’ve kept going even during three months with no income. I also open up about the role of faith, free resources, and what I’ve learned helping others launch their own businesses. 🔑 In this episode you’ll lea...

In this episode, I’m taking you inside what I call my UndocuStartup™ year #2 —a 12-week chapter that felt like a full year of lessons, emotions, and growth. Some lessons cut deep: learning to say “no” to clients who didn’t value my work, realizing I’d lost momentum in areas that once fueled me, and confronting the bad habits that bled into my health and focus. Others filled me with hope: watching...

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez opens with a deeply personal story of rejection, being nearly hired for a growth marketing internship at UCLA, only to be held back by his undocumented status and lack of DACA. Fueled by that setback, he shares how he pivoted into entrepreneurship, launching ventures like headshot photography to fund his education, and ultimately founding UndocuStartup™ , the l...

In this episode, Juan reflects on seven powerful lessons shaping his personal growth and the UndocuStartup™ journey—from fixing sleep and quitting energy drinks, to asking for what you're worth and building a scalable movement. If you're an undocumented student or ally chasing a vision, this is your weekly spark to finish strong, one habit at a time. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: How to...

In this episode, Juan Maya Hernandez shares 9 powerful, proven ways that Dream Centers, student clubs, and undocumented student allies can support the next generation of undocumented entrepreneurs. From pitch competitions and seed funding to fireside chats and public markets, you’ll learn practical and actionable strategies from real-world experience helping 180+ students launch and grow ventures....