Hey, everyone! Today, I want to share some pivotal steps that completely changed my life for the better here in Medellin, Colombia. My life has taken a fantastic turn, and I’m here to show you that this transformation is possible for anyone. From being undocumented in the United States to facing deportation and now owning businesses, multiple properties, and enjoying the freedom to travel—it’s been a 13-year journey.
My story serves as inspiration for you to pursue your happiness persistently. So, let’s jump into it!
1. Deported from USA
Deported from the USA in 2010, my life in Colombia began with a significant event. My family immigrated to the United States illegally in 1985 as a child. However, it wasn’t until 2010 that I was caught due to a lack of proper documentation. Facing a judge for traffic violations and an expired license, I could pay $5,000 in fines or spend a weekend in the local jail.
Choosing the latter, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) unexpectedly intervened during my short jail term, leading to my detention and eventual deportation. Unaware of ICE’s existence, my previous run-ins with the law were before its establishment in 2003. Despite six years of a clean record and steady employment, the deportation process took about three months.
Arriving in Colombia in 2010 with no money, just a suitcase of clothes and a borrowed laptop, I found temporary shelter with a newfound cousin. Starting anew, I secured a job at an English-speaking call center downtown, earning a modest wage of around $3 or $4 per hour.
Despite the challenges, I utilized my free time to assist others in building websites, leveraging my basic skills in WordPress. I gradually attracted clients by taking online programming and digital marketing classes on platforms like YouTube, initiating a positive shift in my circumstances.
2. Medellin Entrepreneur Society
The Medellin Entrepreneur Society on Facebook significantly impacted my business journey. At first, we met every week for coffee at different local places, making connections with over 6,000 members. Although we don’t meet every week now, this group was where I found a business partner.
This partnership was a game-changer for me in Medellin. He had a corporate background, which balanced my lack of university education. We waited to become business partners; we started as friends, hanging out on weekends at places like Parque Lleras.
Over time, we began talking more about business, and our partnership grew naturally. It worked well—he focused on plans and proposals, while I liked jumping into challenges and figuring things out as I went along. This experience taught me how important it is to be careful when choosing a business partner.
3. Hiring Locals
Hiring local talent was crucial for our success. We needed skilled individuals to handle client work efficiently and professionally. Our journey in hiring locals began in 2016. I vividly remember our first hire—a young person fluent in English with previous experience living in the United States.
Working out of our living room in our apartment, hiring people became crucial. I had to navigate and understand the nuances of hiring in Colombia, such as the differences between independent contractors and salaried employees compared to the United States. Learning these intricacies was a solo journey, but if you’re considering coming to Medellin for a new life or to establish a business, you must familiarize yourself with these aspects.
4. COVID 19
In the past 13 years, another significant life-changing event for me was COVID-19. The pandemic impacted the entire world, prompting a shift in business operations. Thankfully, my work in digital marketing allowed me to adapt quickly. We closed our office in El Poblado, transitioning all our employees to remote work. Surprisingly, this change improved the efficiency of our business. COVID-19 altered the global business dynamic, and it certainly transformed ours.
As a digital marketing agency focusing on mental health and drug and alcohol rehab centers in the United States, the pandemic increased the demand for our services. With insurance coverage aiding many individuals, we experienced growth during and after COVID-19. This journey has been both unique and rewarding. Helping clients expand while contributing to the assistance of those dealing with addiction and mental health issues feels genuinely gratifying.
5. Social Circle
Choosing my social circle has been crucial. I realized that the income of your five closest friends often mirrors your own. So, I intentionally surrounded myself with successful people, seeking to learn and grow. These weren’t just networking connections; they became genuine friendships. I attended their gatherings, even when I couldn’t afford the places we went. Having the certainty that any challenge was better than my past struggles, I embraced every opportunity to enjoy life.
6. Be part of the good
Medellin attracts diverse individuals, not just those seeking casual relationships. Entrepreneurs drawn to lower expenses and business opportunities, like buying and Airbnb-ing property, are part of the community. Through my social circle, I now own renovated apartments. Medellin’s growth continues to attract more people for various reasons—tourism, business, marriage, and charity work. My decision to embrace positivity has shaped my life, and I share this to encourage anyone facing challenges. Regardless of your current situation, you can overcome obstacles and build a fulfilling life.