PODCAST · business
UndocuStartup® with Juan Maya Hernandez
by Juan Maya Hernandez
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!
Episodes
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Her Fortune 500 Job Was TOXIC… So This DACA Employee Started a Business | Ep 152
In this episode, we sit down with Gabriela, founder of GabulousLA, a California-based entrepreneur who turned her passion for jewelry into a growing e-commerce business. Gabriela originally believed that working for a Fortune 500 company and climbing the corporate ladder would provide the…
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She Built a MARKETING Agency Without a Work Permit (Here's How) | Ep 151
In this episode, we sit down with Brittany Ortiz, founder of Monarca Marketing, a bilingual marketing agency helping small businesses, Latino entrepreneurs, and contractors grow their online presence. As a first-generation college graduate from the University of Central Florida (UCF), Brittany's...
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43 Life Lessons at 27, My Biggest Regrets & What I'd Do Differently | Ep 150
In this episode, I talk about why you should stop chasing people, why thinking bigger costs absolutely nothing, why making more money matters, and why entrepreneurship is an infinite game that most people aren't prepared to play.I also share how my faith in God has helped me navigate uncertainty,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.…
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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,...
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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...…
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UndocuStartup Weekly #24: 2026 Resolutions, Big Vision & Bootcamp Focus | Ep 125
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.…
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In 2026, I’m Finally Done Forcing What’s Not Meant for Me | Ep 124
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...
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Saving my Business With a Part-Time Job | Ep 123
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…
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I Went MIA For 3 Years. Here’s Where I Was (And Why I’m Back) | Ep 122
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...
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UndocuStartup Weekly #23: What No One Tells You About Hiring Freelancers | Ep 121
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…
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A Week In My Life Building UndocuStartup | Ep 120
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...
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UndocuStartup Weekly #22: Lessons from the UndocuStartup Bootcamp Tour | Ep 119
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.…
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The HIDDEN FORMULA for Empowering UNDOCUMENTED Student ENTREPRENEURS! | Ep 118
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...
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If you LOST your DACA... DO THIS TO MAKE MONEY! | Ep 117
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...
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If You’re Undocumented and Struggling, Watch This | Ep 116
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...
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11 Lessons from Year 3 of UndocuStartup | Ep 115
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...
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You CAN Run a Business (Undocumented) Without Risking Your Identity | Ep 114
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…
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UndocuStartup Weekly #21: Driving 10 Hours for a Client | Ep 113
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...
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STOP neglecting your HEALTH as an Undocumented Professional | Ep 112
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…
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UndocuStartup Weekly #20: What Worked, What Flopped, and Why It Matters | Ep 111
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...
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DON’T GO TO CAREER FAIR If You’re Undocumented, Do THIS Instead to Land A JOB | Ep 110
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…
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7 Differences Between Contractor vs Employee [Undocumented Edition] | Ep 109
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...
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UndocuStartup Weekly #19: Choosing Dreams Over Stability, Again and Again | Ep 108
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...
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Q&A on Legalizing Your Business While Undocumented | Ep 107
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…
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How Undocumented Students Can LEGALIZE Their Business [Step-by-Step Guide] | Ep 106
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…
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How Undocumented Students Are SECRETLY Being Held Back (And Don’t Even Know It) | Ep 105
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...
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Throwback: Life Advice I Wish I Heard as an Undocumented Student | Ep 104
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...
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Sales Strategies That Actually Worked for Me as an Undocumented Entrepreneur | Ep 103
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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!
HOSTED BY
Juan Maya Hernandez
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does UndocuStartup® with Juan Maya Hernandez have?
UndocuStartup® with Juan Maya Hernandez currently has 151 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is UndocuStartup® with Juan Maya Hernandez 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...
How often does UndocuStartup® with Juan Maya Hernandez release new episodes?
UndocuStartup® with Juan Maya Hernandez publishes regularly with 151 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to UndocuStartup® with Juan Maya Hernandez?
You can listen to UndocuStartup® with Juan Maya Hernandez on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts UndocuStartup® with Juan Maya Hernandez?
UndocuStartup® with Juan Maya Hernandez is created and hosted by Juan Maya Hernandez.
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