As some of you may know, I’ve been working for the Business Source of LA through a non-profit organization called ICON. Here I’ve have gotten the possibility to meet and learn from various entrepreneurs and owners of established businesses. I have been able to interact with people getting loans of a few thousands to launch their business to meeting with people who have gotten loans worth up to $3 Million to expand their business.

I started in June and have learned a lot about starting, running and expanding a business. Three very distinct subjects. Also, I’ve been able to learn how to effectively market a product, merchandize a store, write up financial projections, and learn about the different financial assistance programs there are in the Los Angeles area among other things. I can say this has been my “Business school”, except I don’t have someone on my ass asking me for homework or assignments that are 70% useless and time wasting. Also, I get to see everything implemented in the real world! In other words, I’m not learning from theory but from practical practice.

Anyways,  I’m really grateful that I’ve been surrounded by very motivated individuals. Individuals who have come to the United States searching of the so-called “American Dream” and succeed. For example, I met “Chava”, Mexican-native who migrated to the United States in his twenties once his career as a male model ended. He arrived in the land of the free with the dream of becoming a hair stylist. He worked odd jobs for two years until he saved enough money to pay for his beauty school. Once he finished the 12 year program, he began cutting hair for free at parks during the summer to gain experience. He became so good that once he was hired at a beauty salon it only took him about 3 months to become the main stylist. Fast forward 8 years until now, he is  owner of three very profitable beauty salons in the San Fernando Valley and is launching a boutique out in Santa Monica who he partnered with Mitzy Designs (well known Mexican designer) to run it. Incredible story!

Another story that was a little more captivating and inspiring was the life of Jesus from VIP Collision. He was born and raised in Honduras and was abandoned by his family at a young age. He started being an entrepreneur selling gums to get by until he was old enough to learn how to paint cars. Once he became extraordinary in the trade he decided to migrate to the United States in 1998. As he states in the video, “I only came to United States with one thing in mind; which was, to paint cars.” He worked for Ford for a few years until he was confident enough to apply at the Santa Monica Ferrari dealership. He became certified in fixing, painting and detailing exotic cars that he decided to open his own shop in Reseda. That was two years ago. His business has been very profitable and he now employs 6 people and is married with 2 kids.

His story not only motivated me but also moved me into starting my own web design business. This happened after he showed me his website and I told him that I could do a better job. All he told me was, “entonces aslo” (“then just do it”).

Also, ever since I read, “Think and Grow Rich”, I’ve looked for different ways of income and tried not to rely on just one. This will be another source of income and I’m glad I came across it during this summer.

So that’s where I’m at.  I will start a web design business targeting mostly those Latino owned businesses here in the San Feranndo Valley.

I’ll start by just offering a website then eventually add other type of features. I’m smart enough to provide a way better service than any of my competition.

I’m very confident that I could have several clients. Every small business nowdays should have a website or online identity and I mean it. Need a good reason? Look at how developing countries have access to $33 smartphones! Pretty soon, if your business is not online or simply doesn’t have an online identity (Yelp, Social Medias) you are practically not going to be a as profitable as you could be, or worse: not be taken serious.