Embracing Passion and Navigating Challenges: Emilio’s Unique Journey in Business

In the latest episode of the Business Is F’n Hard podcast, host Calvin Smith welcomes an international array of guests, including Emilio, an entrepreneur from Spain with a unique business model. Joining them are Kyndsie, the podcast’s community marketing manager, and Mauricio, a designer and longtime friend of Emilio. 

Introducing Emilio: A Passionate Entrepreneur

Emilio’s introduction paints a picture of a man driven by passion. With a million followers across Instagram and TikTok, Emilio has built a personal brand that complements his business ventures. His most notable project involves creating an immersive experience that simulates a journey through Mexico–without leaving Spain. Based in Valencia, Emilio explains that this city was chosen for its strategic importance in market research, serving as the ideal location to launch his unique venture.

The Business Challenge: Embracing Failure and Learning Quickly

When asked about the challenges he's facing, Emilio candidly shares that the entrepreneurial journey is like a "great school" where failure is a significant teacher. His approach involves testing various aspects of his business—from video styles to pricing and even the types of food served in his experiences. He believes in failing fast and learning quickly, a mindset that he admits is challenging but essential for growth.

The Power of Passion and Personal Branding

Kyndsie echoes Emilio's sentiments about the importance of learning from failures. She emphasizes that passion often fuels motivation, helping entrepreneurs navigate daily challenges. Emilio's uniform, a pilot's outfit, symbolizes his role in guiding customers through a simulated flight experience. This branding decision, he reveals, came after experimenting with different uniforms, including a failed attempt at a Cancun waiter outfit that didn't resonate with audiences.

Building a Business During the Pandemic

The journey hasn't been without its setbacks. Emilio started his business four years ago, but the pandemic put a hold on his plans, particularly in the travel sector. During this time, he pivoted to teaching marketing, leveraging his master's degree to help others digitalize their businesses. His personal brand became a valuable asset, allowing him to gain permits for filming in locations usually reserved for major media outlets like National Geographic and Discovery Channel.

Balancing Business and Personal Brand Growth

Balancing his business with his growing personal brand is a challenge Emilio acknowledges. While his focus has shifted towards establishing a franchise model for his immersive experience, he recognizes the importance of maintaining his online presence. The personal brand has been instrumental in opening doors, such as obtaining special permissions to record in other countries like Colombia, Chile, and Argentina.

The Role of Friendship and Support

Mauricio, a designer at SemperSmart, shares his perspective on Emilio's journey. He recalls their college days and Emilio's early efforts to create a brand that connected people from different regions. Mauricio admires Emilio's unwavering passion and energy, which have been evident since their first meeting. He also highlights the innovative nature of Emilio's projects, which are unlike anything he's seen before.

Scaling and Future Plans

Looking ahead, Emilio discusses his plans to scale his business through franchising. He explains that the viability of this model depends on the market's interest in the experiences he offers. For instance, while Valencia sends 200,000 people to Mexico annually, cities like Houston or Austin could send over a million, indicating a strong potential market.

In conclusion, Emilio's journey exemplifies the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. His story underscores the importance of passion, resilience, and the willingness to learn from failures. As he continues to build his business and personal brand, Emilio remains focused on his goal of providing unique, immersive experiences that transport people to new places without leaving their city.