Build what you want to see

Working for an American multinational in a practically civil servant position with automated tasks was not my dream job. This was my life, hooked on what is known as the hamster wheel for which I realized I was not born. A monotonous and aimless professional life that did not align with the type of nonconformist person that I am. A constant ambition for the desire to improve, learn and explore new experiences, that is why I started Bileven.

My knowledge of clothing at that time was non-existent, I only had ideas about marketing, design and, I think, an acceptable criterion regarding fashion references. Without thinking much about what I could lose, I took the plunge, believing more in what I could gain: leaving my boring job.

With time, dedication and results, I combined both jobs, until that dinner in Madrid. It was with my former boss at the newspaper Marca and also an entrepreneur, Pablo Berraondo, who encouraged me to leave my job and dedicate myself 100% to the project. This is what happened in June 2021.

“Build what you want to see,” a phrase I internalized to get out of the rut. It was the decision I’m most proud of and one that has made me the happiest. If you find yourself in a similar situation, just do it.

We want to be sufficiently prepared, trained and we prolong the decision to an infinite point. Because the moment is never perfect. Most people use learning as a way to feel good about having progressed when, in reality, they are not learning or progressing. If you do not have a project, business or purpose to apply what you learn, you are lost.

And it will be difficult, but it will be whatever you want it to be. You will encounter critics and detractors, people who think differently and prefer not to make the same decisions, but if you believe in your idea you have to go all out. Not all opinions have the same value. That's something I apply to myself.

My job as a founder is to continue believing in my idea, especially when others don't.

You're crazy, until you're right.

*First Bileven stand at the Madrid Championship (Ciudad Real) with friends who helped me. It was incredible and I knew that at some point we would remember the photo with nostalgia.

Link Lowdown

A collection of links to things I think are worth sharing.

The Morning Chalk Up — The CrossFit media outlet where I always stay informed.

Endel — App to focus and limit tasks while working.

Original T-shirt — It's now on sale and the design with the contrast of colors between lilac and orange is spectacular.

Hoocked — Nir Eyal’s book on how to build habit-forming products and services. If you’re interested in persuasion and marketing, this is one of my favorites.

Dead Simple Sites — If you follow Bileven you know I like minimalism. Here are the most minimalist websites selected in one place. Less, but better.