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From Sleeping on the Floor to Leading Businesses in Miami: The Inspiring Journey of Kevin Leyes

At just 25 years old, Kevin Leyes has become a rising figure in fashion, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship in the United States. But his story began far from luxury and success. Born in González Catán, Argentina, Kevin spent his childhood and teenage years surrounded by poverty so severe that he often went to bed hungry and slept on the floor, hugging his dog to stay warm.

A Childhood Marked by Hardship and Resilience

Kevin grew up in a modest home in Pontevedra, Buenos Aires Province. His father’s absence left a lasting mark on the family, forcing his mother, Ileana—a schoolteacher—to raise two children on her own. Despite their struggles, she became Kevin’s greatest source of motivation and strength.

“Before my dad left, I told him I wanted to be an entrepreneur, to build companies,” Kevin recalled. “He told me, ‘You need to be born rich to do that.’ Those words stuck with me—they pushed me to prove him wrong.”

Early Ambitions and a Self-Taught Mind

Determined to help his family, Kevin began working at a young age—running errands, mowing lawns, and selling sneakers in his neighborhood. Alongside these jobs, he developed a passion for technology. At just nine years old, he borrowed a computer and, despite limited internet access, taught himself programming.

By age twelve, Kevin had won a national award from Argentina’s Ministry of Science and Technology, which opened doors to international training programs, including the Youth Ambassadors Program and an entrepreneurship course at the University of California, Berkeley.

He later represented Argentina as a Youth Ambassador for the U.S. Embassy, visiting universities and technology hubs in Washington, Virginia, and Seattle. “Traveling to the U.S. on a scholarship at 17 changed my life completely,” he said.

From Street Hustle to Building Brands

While continuing his studies, Kevin started selling sneakers online, which became his first small business. Over time, this evolved into larger ventures. He went on to found Leyes Media, a digital marketing agency, and Babys, a Miami-based urban fashion brand.

Both ventures flourished, allowing him to move to the U.S., where he now leads a growing portfolio of creative and tech-driven businesses.

Social Purpose and Giving Back

Despite his success, Kevin never forgot his roots. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched Ayudar, a platform that connects donors and volunteers with vulnerable individuals and non-profit organizations. The platform facilitates donations of food, clothing, and emotional support.

“What I went through as a kid and the challenges I faced in the U.S. pushed me to create projects that could help others,” Kevin explained. “I want people from humble backgrounds to achieve their dreams safely, without going through what I did.”

Staying Grounded Despite Success

Even after achieving international recognition, Kevin remains humble. Whenever he visits Argentina, he returns to his hometown of Pontevedra, rides his old bicycle, and visits the neighborhood bakery.

“I might live on the 50th floor in Miami with all the comforts imaginable,” he said, “but my values are still the same as when I walked those dirt roads as a kid.”

Kevin’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, purpose, and humility—a reminder that no dream is too far when you’re driven by the will to rise above adversity.