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 hiring based on “need” instead of skill can slow your momentum

• How using debt strategically helped me survive a cash crunch

• What it means to make your brand and systems defensible 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

🌍 Quick Tour Mention:
This year, UndocuStartup™ Tour is stopping in CA, NY, TX, FL, IL, and NJ.
⚡ 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 → [email protected]

• 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.

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 to use EINs, DBAs, and LLCs to protect your personal information

• Tips for setting up virtual addresses, business emails, and secondary phone numbers

• Why registered agents and co-ops can shield your identity while running your business

📣 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

🌍 Quick Tour Mention:
This year, UndocuStartup™ Tour is stopping in CA, NY, TX, FL, IL, and NJ.
⚡ 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 → [email protected]

• 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.

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’ll learn:

• Why three years of runway is a smarter goal than just six months

• How to stay lean and cut non-essential spending in tough seasons

• Why uncertainty, sacrifice, and “free” all require mindset shifts to grow

📣 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

🌍 Quick Tour Mention:
This year, UndocuStartup™ Tour is stopping in CA, NY, TX, FL, IL, and NJ.
⚡ 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 → [email protected]

• 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.

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 your health can sabotage your mission

• How mental health struggles showed up during Juan's UCLA days

• The simple reminder that could change how you hustle

📣 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

🌍 Quick Tour Mention:
This year, UndocuStartup™ Tour is stopping in CA, NY, TX, FL, IL, and NJ.
⚡ 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 → [email protected]

• 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.

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, these lessons are straight from the journey of an undocumented founder learning through trial and error.

🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why focusing on one simple offer can grow your business faster

• How speed and urgency turn conversations into paying clients

• How bundles and storytelling increase your value and credibility

📣 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

🌍 Quick Tour Mention:
This year, UndocuStartup™ Tour is stopping in CA, NY, TX, FL, IL, and NJ.
⚡ 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 → [email protected]

• 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.

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 been told you can't get hired because of your status, this episode is a must-listen.

🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:

• How undocumented students can land paid opportunities without DACA

• The power of turning your skills into services and real income

• Why talking about your goals can lead to unexpected job offers

📣 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

🌍 Quick Tour Mention:
This year, UndocuStartup™ Tour is stopping in CA, NY, TX, FL, IL, and NJ.
⚡ 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 → [email protected]

• 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.

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 episode you’ll learn:

• The biggest legal and logistical differences between employment and freelancing

• How to invoice, save for taxes, and onboard clients as an undocumented entrepreneur

• Why mindset shifts from "security" to "abundance" are critical for thriving

📣 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

🌍 Quick Tour Mention:
This year, UndocuStartup™ Tour is stopping in CA, NY, TX, FL, IL, and NJ.
⚡ 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 → [email protected]

• 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.

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—despite uncertainty.

🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:

• How cold emailing and simple math can scale your client base

• Why vetting through assignments beats relying on interviews

• How to build systems and belief that future-proof your 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

🌍 Quick Tour Mention:
This year, UndocuStartup™ Tour is stopping in CA, NY, TX, FL, IL, and NJ.
⚡ 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 → [email protected]

• 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.

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, or selling art on Etsy, this episode will help you protect your identity and get paid fairly.

🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:

• How to spot freelance scams and what to include in your contract

• What kind of business setup (EIN, address) you need to get paid

• Simple ways to monetize content with or without platform approval

📣 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

🌍 Quick Tour Mention:
This year, UndocuStartup™ Tour is stopping in CA, NY, TX, FL, IL, and NJ.
⚡ 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 → [email protected]

• 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.

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 LEGAL framework to start your business, from vision to permits

• The difference between sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships, and corporations — and which is right for you

• How to protect your identity while building and marketing your business, from virtual addresses to EINs

📣 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

🌍 Quick Tour Mention:
This year, UndocuStartup™ Tour is stopping in CA, NY, TX, FL, IL, and NJ.
⚡ 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 → [email protected]

• 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.