The life of an entrepreneur can often be one of endless coffee runs, sleepless nights and days spent alone perfecting your craft. No one said it would be easy, least of all Miguel, 28, who stands at the head of three entirely separate businesses. The first of which is a clothing brand, named Ala Verb. The second is a non profit organisation relating to youth soccer in San Antonio, whilst the third, Nexo Revolution, is an advertising agency operating out of the United States.
Having become an entrepreneur just five years ago, aged 23, Miguel has a strong understanding of just what it is to be an entrepreneur;
“It’s what I was meant to do, and who I’m meant to be. Even though this wasn’t the path that I followed as a kid, later on I knew that it was what I wanted to do. It’s my passion, it’s the thing I’m best at, and it’s what I know.”
Entrepreneurship certainly doesn’t come without sacrifices, something that Miguel knows all too well;
“I’ve had to sacrifice a lot. Time with friends and family is the main thing that I’ve had to give up a lot of the time. Specifically time with friends, when they are all hanging out together and I’m stuck at work. Getting up at 5am every day makes it tough as well, with that commitment I can’t stay out all night the way my friends do. For me, family always comes first in these situations, but sometimes business is just too important to prioritise anything ahead of it.”
The best entrepreneurs always find that these sacrifices do yield success, though his view of success is perhaps not what you would expect from the everyday entrepreneur;
“It’s a very different point of view for me; it’s all about the journey. A lot of people will tell you that it’s the end goal, the destination that really defines their success. But I’ve always found that it’s the personal development and the growth that define my success. The hunger, the sacrifices, the wins and even the losses. All of that put together really sums up my success. I’m successful now because I’m doing my best at what I love to do.”
Competition is another crucial ingredient for any successful self-styled business owner. Miguel is no different;
“Competition drives me forward. If it isn’t someone else that I’m competing with, then it’s myself. I always want to be the best at what I do. It takes guts, sacrifices, and a lot of losses, but I’ willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.”
Currently, he is focusing on Nexo Revolution, a business he takes a great deal of pride in, particularly due to its modest beginnings;
“Nexo means connection, and Nexo Revolution is a Facebook advertising agency. Our job is to connect our clients (business owners) with their target audience, with the aim of boosting their sales and revenue.
“Nexo started with just me. I was learning the craft of advertising through Facebook, and I came across some awesome people and great training whilst I was doing that. I started investing myself, and further down the line my success meant that I was getting calls from other people, which facilitated the growth of the company into what it is today.”
His mission statement is a simple one, though inspirational in its efforts;
“I always give my best. Passion and energy are magnified when you make a connection with somebody. When someone sees me, they see my failures, they see my successes, and my story. They can see where I’m going from where I came from, my passion drives me forward. I hope that through my actions – not what I say – people will aspire to do the same for themselves.”
But like any self-styled business owner, Miguel understands the important role that failure plays in development;
“I believe that everybody fails at something. I do not necessarily have a fear of failure, but I know that everyone fears something. Being ‘fearless’ is stupid. I believe in moving past fear, and using it to spur you on to success, rather than allowing it to consume you. Fear motivates me, and I will beat it every time. It’s a mental game. I know that I will fear again, but that fight against fear is one that I am determined to win.”
Growing up, he always wanted to be a professional soccer player, something that his South American roots stirred in him. But he doesn’t regret a thing about the path he has taken;
“I pursued other things, and I’ve made mistakes in my life. One of those was not pursuing my dreams when I was younger, but without those decisions I wouldn’t be the person I am today, and I’m having the time of my life right now, so no, I don’t regret a thing.”
