UndocuStartup® with Juan Maya Hernandez

Juan Maya Hernandez
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  • Entrepreneurship
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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!

  1. 23 Aug

    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.

  2. 20 Aug

    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.

  3. 17 Aug

    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 here⁠Follow 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/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.

  4. 1 Aug

    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.

  5. 22 Jul

    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/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.

  6. 17 Jul

    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.

  7. 9 Jul

    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/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.

  8. 28 Jun

    Answering Your UndocuStartup Week Questions Part 2 | Ep 142

    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 upcoming UndocuStartup Week Pitch Competition and support the next generation of undocumented student entrepreneurs. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: How UndocuStartup protects participant privacy and gives students control over what information is shared publicly.What to expect from the bootcamp, including business formation, ITINs, office hours, mentorship, and alumni support.The personal journey that inspired Juan to create UndocuStartup and build an entrepreneurship ecosystem for undocumented students.📣 Whether you’re a student with an idea, or an ally who wants to see undocumented students win — this episode is for you. 🏆 Sign up for the UndocuStartup Week Pitch Competition and support the incredible founders from our inaugural cohort. Come cheer on undocumented student entrepreneurs as they pitch their business ideas and celebrate everything they’ve built during the program: https://luma.com/5lhr5cul 🚀 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.

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About

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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