Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexia Seba-robles. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alexia, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

The biggest risk I’ve ever taken continues to shape my life, even decades later. It forever changed how I see myself—for the better. Like most 19-year-olds, I thought I had it all figured out. My hometown felt fake and suffocating, like I had to wear a mask every day just to get by. I was young, rebellious, and restless—but far from free. All I wanted was to escape my strict parents’ rules and start fresh.

The idea consumed me. I daydreamed endlessly about where I could go, imagining myself in New York City, though it was far too expensive. Then a friend suggested Portland, Oregon, because it rained all the time. That was all my angsty teenage self needed to hear: moody gray skies and a city as far away from Florida as I could get. Without hesitation, I bought a plane ticket that same day, found a room for rent on Craigslist, and two weeks later, I was on a redeye flight to Portland with $200, a suitcase, and a backpack.

When I arrived, I was euphoric—high on freedom and adventure. Every week brought new experiences, challenges, and lessons. I had to learn how to take care of myself, manage my time, and face the harsh reality of living paycheck to paycheck. I made countless mistakes, but I also grew exponentially. I met people from every walk of life—different cultures, families, and ages—and slowly built a community from scratch.

It was incredibly difficult, but it was also profoundly empowering. At 19, I proved to myself that I could survive—and thrive. I learned not to fear risk because I had the resourcefulness, creativity, and resilience to navigate anything that came my way. That year, I transformed from a sullen, angsty teen into a young adult with the confidence to carve my own path, no matter the obstacles.

Looking back, I owe much of my success to that impulsive, fearless version of myself. Without realizing it, she laid the foundation for a life where I trust my ability to take risks and embrace challenges. That leap taught me that I already had everything I needed to succeed.

To this day, I will always choose adventure. As Hunter S. Thompson once said, “Buy the ticket, take the ride.”

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m the Founder, Lead Instructor, Curriculum Developer, and general “everything” person at Urban STEAM Lab, a science learning center I started in Brooklyn, NY, back in 2019. At Urban STEAM Lab, we offer a wide range of programs including afterschool sessions, camps, birthday parties, field trips, and outreach initiatives. What started as an informal science class has now grown into a vibrant community hub for both kids and parents in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Since opening our first location, we’ve expanded with a second in Brooklyn (2022) and a third in Staten Island (2024).

The path to building and running Urban STEAM Lab has been far from a straight line, and I believe that’s what makes it so unique and successful. We embrace the messiness, the process, and the inevitable failures that come with trying new things. We empower kids to take ownership of their creations, often giving them the freedom to experiment in ways they may not have had before. My belief is that when learning is hands-on and led by the students themselves, they gain far more than just science knowledge. They develop critical life skills like resilience, problem-solving, communication, and patience—skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom. Even if they don’t become scientists, they’ll grow into confident leaders and lifelong learners.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Urban STEAM Lab opened its doors in March 2019. One year later, as we planned our first anniversary celebration, the world came to a standstill. The COVID-19 pandemic forced us, as a nation, to worry about our health, our families, and our future. We all adjusted to a new way of life. For small business owners, it was a time of profound uncertainty. As a business barely a year old, I didn’t know if we’d survive. The thought of my dream dissolving before it had truly taken root was devastating.

But I knew I had to adapt—I’m a problem solver, after all. In September of that year, businesses offering childcare were allowed to reopen, provided they met strict sanitation criteria. I seized the opportunity to reinvent what we had been doing.

At the time, parents and children faced two major challenges beyond the virus itself: limited or nonexistent access to childcare and the steep learning curve of navigating the Department of Education’s online classrooms. I decided to tackle both.

I invested in eight laptops, headphones, and reconfigured our classroom to ensure every child had their own dedicated space and access to the materials they needed. Each morning, parents dropped off their children before heading to work, and our team logged students into their online classes. We didn’t just assist with homework; we helped them truly understand the material. Virtual learning was especially tough on young children, so we often retaught lessons and provided extra activities to reinforce their learning.

That year, our Blended Learning program created a unique bond between parents, children, and Urban STEAM Lab staff. Together, we maintained social connections, achieved educational milestones, and preserved job security during one of the most challenging times in recent history.

This pivot not only helped us support our community but also ensured Urban STEAM Lab’s survival during the pandemic. It was a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of coming together when it matters most.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Being part of the targeted demographic has been the key to building my reputation. I created Urban STEAM Lab, in part, because my neighborhood offered limited extracurricular options for my own children. I started right where I lived, connecting with parents who shared my values. This wasn’t a marketing strategy—it was a genuine effort to foster connection and community. I recognized that my challenges with education, particularly in science, and childcare were not unique.

When designing Urban STEAM Lab’s first classes and programs, I thought about what I would value in a learning center: the hours I’d need for my own children, the types of care I’d trust, and the kind of experiences that would truly excite and inspire them.

My passion for learning and science is at the heart of everything I do. I never forget the wonder I felt as a child, captivated by the mysteries of the universe. Now, I get to experience that same excitement again and again through the eyes of my students. It’s an incredible and fulfilling way to live.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.urbansteamlab.org
• Instagram: @urbansteamlab @urbansteamlab.si
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbansteamlab

Image Credits

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