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

Hi Juan, thanks for joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Entrepreneurship versus a 9-to-5—an eternal dilemma! Picture this: I’m at my desk, juggling a gazillion tasks, and suddenly, the thought hits me—what if I just packed it all in, traded this chaos for a cushy job, and clocked out at 5? Wouldn’t that be the dream?

Running my own business is like riding a rollercoaster with no seatbelts. There are moments of sheer thrill, but yes, there are also times when I contemplate the serene simplicity of a regular job. Just the thought of closing my laptop and vanishing from the digital world, even if just for a weekend, sounds like a dream.

The allure of a regular job, with its predictable routines and absence of daunting responsibilities, does cross my mind occasionally. I receive those tempting LinkedIn emails showcasing positions that come with impressive salaries and glamorous titles. I mean, who doesn’t fantasize about being the Head of Design for a big, sexy, and creative company?

But then reality kicks in. I remember the thrill of steering my own ship, of turning mundane tasks like billing and accounting into oddly satisfying challenges. It’s funny how dealing with the “boring” stuff became oddly enjoyable. Plus, I have this incredible team, a band of friends who just happen to be brilliant at what they do. Working alongside them, nurturing their talents, and watching Mr. Mamba grow, it’s a different kind of exhilaration.

So yes, I do contemplate the what-ifs, but in the end, I always find my way back to this desk, these projects, and these people. Because while the lure of a hefty salary is undeniable, nothing compares to the fulfillment of creating something meaningful, investing in a team that feels more like family, and doing what I love, even on the most challenging days

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 a regular person with an extraordinary love for creativity and design. My journey into this wild world began as a side hustle right after I landed my first job in the US. I saw this fascinating blend of design and technology and decided to do something cool with it.

So, I started helping out friends and family with design and websites. It was like unraveling a puzzle – every project taught me something new, from the nitty-gritty details to the bigger picture of how creativity could make a difference.

Today, I run Mr. Mamba. We’re not your typical agency. We’re more like a creative hub, crafting digital experiences that aim to make people smile and brands stand out. From branding to UX/UI design and web development, we love to solve problems, big or small.
What sets us apart? Well, we’re not in this to be the biggest or the flashiest. We’re here to keep things real. We believe in the power of simplicity, the beauty of a well-crafted design, and the impact it can have on businesses. Our pride? It’s not in big names; it’s in the genuine connections we make and the stories we tell through our work.

Our clients don’t see Mr. Mamba just as a service provider; they know we’re a bunch of passionate folks who genuinely care about the projects we take on. We’re about honest conversations, creative collaborations, and making extraordinary things happen. We’re there to make their digital wants come true, minus the fuss. We’re approachable, we’re friendly, and we’re just as excited about their ideas as they are.

Feel free to join us in this creative adventure, where every project is a story waiting to be told, and every client is a friend we still need to meet.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

My journey from a side hustle to a full-time venture has been quite a ride! It began when I landed my first job in the US. I was eager to understand how the creative business worked in this new environment. I found myself naturally connecting friends with the agency I was at, managing relationships out of sheer curiosity rather than profit.

As I delved deeper, I started exploring the world of design and website development. I began by assisting friends and family with their projects, gradually expanding to more complex ventures with the help of talented friends from Colombia.

The turning point? I decided to leave my full-time job and attend a UX/UI Bootcamp in Barcelona. It was a leap of faith that paid off. Not only did I return with a wealth of skills, but the agency also kept me on board as a vendor. With newfound confidence, I started delegating tasks to my talented friends, who have now become the backbone of my team. We’re more than just colleagues; we’re a creative bunch, each with our unique flair.

Then came the offer from a big company. Instead of opting for the conventional corporate route, I laid my cards on the table. I explained my entrepreneurial journey and proposed handling their projects as a vendor, promising the same or better results. They agreed, and our collaboration has only strengthened over time.

The real magic? It’s not just about skills or connections; it’s about our shared passion and insatiable curiosity. Every milestone, from those early connections to international collaborations, has shaped us into a silent but incredibly creative force. We might not shout from the rooftops, but our work speaks volumes. That’s the story of how a side hustle turned into a dynamic, innovative endeavor.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Finding new clients in the creative world is a bit like discovering hidden treasures. For me, it’s been a blend of past experiences and good old-fashioned word of mouth.

The places I worked before diving headfirst into Mr. Mamba laid a solid foundation. The connections and skills I gained there not only shaped my expertise but also introduced me to a network of potential clients. There’s something about familiarity that breeds trust, and that’s been invaluable.

Recommendations from clients and colleagues have been golden. There’s a certain credibility that comes with a personal endorsement. When someone trusts us enough to recommend our services, it’s not just a client; it’s an advocate. Their confidence in our work has opened doors to some incredible projects.

And then there’s the magic of word of mouth. It’s like a ripple effect – one satisfied client tells another, and the cycle continues. The organic spread of our reputation has been a powerful force. It’s heartening to know that the quality of our work speaks for itself.

I consider myself incredibly fortunate. I’ve never had to hunt for new projects or clients aggressively. Luck has been on our side. Thanks to how my team is structured, I don’t operate with a fixed payroll breathing down my neck. This freedom has allowed us to focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional work that speaks volumes and exceeds expectations.

So, in a nutshell, it’s been a mix of past experiences, personal connections, and the buzz created by happy clients. It’s not just about finding new clients; it’s about creating a community of satisfied, loyal partners who believe in our vision and creativity.

Contact Info:

• Website: mrmamba.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearemrmamba
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/3837417/