UndocuStartup™ with Juan Maya Hernandez

Juan Maya Hernandez
  • 5.0 (4)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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!

  1. 8H AGO

    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 zero Practical ways to cut costs and manage expenses during tough months Why 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/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.

    18 min

  2. 2D AGO

    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.

    25 min

  3. FEB 18

    10 Lessons from Year 4 of UndocuStartup | Ep 131

    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 proposals faster. I also talk about paying for quality, defining contractor standards, writing down sales objections, using tiered pricing, and focusing on reps over short-term profit. This episode is about consistency, scaling with intention, and building something ethical, sustainable, and long-term — especially as an undocumented entrepreneur navigating growth. 🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: Why you must keep marketing even when you’ve “already eaten” How to close deals for the future and build recurring partnerships The sales and pricing shifts that helped me increase revenue and leads 📣 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/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.

    23 min

  4. FEB 13

    I’m 26 and I Feel Behind in Life… Here’s the Truth | Ep 130

    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 showers and working side jobs to stay afloat, this episode is a reminder that growth is rarely linear. It’s about learning to love your “becoming self,” staying committed to the long game, and trusting that your timeline is yours alone.🔑 In this episode you’ll learn: Why reducing friction (cold calling, emailing) can unlock new partnershipsHow to handle heartbreak without losing momentum in your businessThe power of patience and focusing on your own timeline📣 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 →   / jmayahern  Business IG →   / undocustartup  Personal IG →   / jmayahe  LinkedIn →   / juanmayahernandez  LinkedIn Newsletter →   / 7011183488515129344  Reddit →   / undocumentedstudents  Threads → https://www.threads.net/@jmayahernEmail → jmayahern@undocustartup.comWebsite → https://www.jmayahern.comFull podcast archive → https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...🎤 Hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez, founder of UndocuStartup™ — the leading entrepreneurship program for undocumented students.🧠 Be motivated. Stay motivated.

    40 min

  5. JAN 29

    UndocuStartup Weekly #27: 10 Sales Lessons from 100 Cold Calls | Ep 129

    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 calls can reduce friction and speed up contract timelines Why having a credibility-driven intro script makes a difference The importance of optimism, timing, and voicemails in outreach 📣 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/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.

    13 min

  6. JAN 16

    UndocuStartup Weekly #26: Founder Story of UndocuStartup® | Ep 128

    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 you’ll learn: How Juan’s early entrepreneurial experiences at UCLA shaped UndocuStartup™ The legal and financial challenges of building for undocumented founders Why failure, persistence, and iteration are at the core of the program’s 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.

    29 min

  7. JAN 14

    A Flat Tire Tried to Stop Me... You Won’t Believe What Happened Next! | Ep 127

    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 that progress often hides behind persistence.🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:Why staying consistent during “the dip” is key to long-term winsHow cold calling plays a role in scaling UndocuStartup™ partnershipsThe reality of managing side gigs and personal setbacks while building a vision📣 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:Programs & 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.

    15 min

  8. JAN 9

    UndocuStartup Weekly #25: Finding Clients Like Finding Love | Ep 126

    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 generation in business is just like putting yourself out there in dating How to avoid chasing the wrong clients (or people) The importance of value alignment and walking away from what no longer serves you 📣 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/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.

    10 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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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