Immigrating to America: My American Dream
I arrived in the U.S. with one suitcase, $312 in my pocket, and a heart full of dreams. I was 25, nervous, and standing outside JFK airport with everything I owned and no clear plan except this: I came here to build something better.
Back in my home country, opportunities were limited. I worked hard, studied harder, and still couldn’t see a future where I could thrive doing what I loved. But I had always admired the U.S. from afar—its innovation, its entrepreneurship, and yes, the American Dream. For me, it wasn’t just a phrase. It was a lifeline. It meant freedom, possibility, and the chance to create something with my own two hands.
Starting Over in a New Land
The first months were hard. I slept on a friend’s couch, worked odd jobs, and slowly adjusted to the pace, culture, and language. I learned how to navigate the subway system, fill out paperwork, and open a bank account. But what kept me going was a dream I carried with me from back home: starting my own business.
I’d always had a talent for fixing things—computers, phones, small appliances. In my country, I had helped neighbors and family members with repairs for years. Here in America, I saw people throw away broken items that I could fix in an hour. That’s when it hit me—I could build a repair and tech support service right here, from the ground up.
Turning My Skills into a Real Business
I started small—repairing phones out of a corner of a shared apartment. I made flyers in English and Spanish and posted them on light poles and coffee shop windows. My first customer was a college student with a cracked iPhone screen. I charged $45 and fixed it on a borrowed folding table. When she smiled and said, “You’re really good at this,” it felt like a new life was beginning.
Over the next few months, I built a steady client base. I reinvested every dollar into better tools and parts. I learned how to build a basic website and listed my services online. I even created a brand: “NextFix Mobile Solutions”. That’s when I realized it was time to take the next step and make it official.
Forming My LLC with InCorp.com
As a new immigrant, the legal side of business scared me. I didn’t know how to register a company or file business taxes. I was worried about making mistakes. Then a local business advisor recommended I form an LLC and use InCorp.com.
To my surprise, the process was simple. InCorp.com walked me through every step—from choosing a business name to filing the right forms for my state. I didn’t need a lawyer or accountant. Everything was explained in plain language, and I could complete the registration online.
The best part? They offered the best registered agent service I found. As someone still saving every penny, this made a huge difference. Their registered agent service ensured I received official documents and stayed compliant with state laws—without the stress or high costs of legal services.
The Power of Becoming “Official”
Once I had my LLC, everything changed. I opened a business bank account, applied for permits, and signed vendor contracts with wholesalers. Clients started taking me more seriously, and I began receiving referrals from small businesses who needed ongoing tech support.
Before I knew it, I had a full calendar, a tiny shop space, and a brand that people were talking about. I wasn’t just surviving anymore—I was thriving.
From Side Hustle to Small Business Success
Here’s how my business grew from a corner of my apartment to a fully licensed and operating repair and tech service company in under 12 months:
| Key Metric | Month 1 | 6 Months | 12 Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Customers | 6 | 45+ | 130+ |
| Monthly Revenue | $280 | $3,800 | $9,200+ |
| Services Offered | Phone screen repair | Phones, laptops, tablets | All electronics + IT support |
| Employees | Just me | 1 part-time helper | 3 full-time + weekend assistant |
The Role of InCorp.com in My Journey
I owe much of my smooth transition into business ownership to InCorp.com. Their platform made it possible for me to stop guessing and start doing. I didn’t have to worry about missing deadlines, handling legal notices, or keeping track of compliance filings—they handled all of that.
And for an immigrant entrepreneur trying to keep costs low, their cheapest registered agent service was a game-changer. It gave me the legal foundation I needed to grow with confidence and focus on what mattered: providing great service and building customer trust.
Advice for Other Immigrants Chasing Their Dream
To anyone who’s newly arrived in this country and dreaming of more—here’s what I’ve learned:
- Your skills have value. Even if they’re informal or learned outside school, they matter here.
- Start where you are. You don’t need a shop or fancy equipment. Just start solving real problems for real people.
- Make your business official. Forming an LLC gives you protection, access, and respect. Use InCorp.com to make it fast and affordable.
- Stay hungry, stay honest. The American Dream isn’t handed out—it’s earned, but it’s real. And it’s worth it.
What’s Next in My American Dream
Today, NextFix has three locations, a loyal customer base, and a reputation for fast, honest work. I’ve started mentoring other immigrant founders, helping them launch their own ventures with confidence. We’re expanding into mobile repairs and building an e-commerce storefront for refurbished devices.
But no matter how big we grow, I’ll never forget that first cracked screen I repaired on a friend’s kitchen table. That was the moment everything began.
And it all became possible the day I believed that my American Dream was worth pursuing.
If you’ve just arrived here with nothing but a dream—welcome. You belong. You can build something here. Just start. Form your business. Own your dream. And never stop working toward it.