On October 16, 2021, Valentino Luna launched Corporate Diagnostic Center and D.K. International Corporation.

That day also marked a meaningful anniversary for Valentino.

It was 25 years to the day since Valentino ran away from home, opting to live on the streets and scrounge food from garbage cans rather than stay in an abusive environment.

"I did my grand opening on that day because I want to remember always that as long as I make the right decision and I keep going and I believe in myself and I believe that God will always be there for me, then I am empowered to keep going," Valentino says. "That is what empowers me every single day."

Valentino hopes to spread that feeling of empowerment to other entrepreneurs across the United States by providing access to business services that are affordable, reliable, and trustworthy. Valentina's focus is helping business owners realize their dreams without making critical pitfalls and mistakes.

"When I first incorporated my business, I actually didn't realize that it was more than $209 to incorporate," Valentino says. "I had an idea, I saw a commercial, I was jobless, I was hungry, and I said, '209 dollars?' And then I looked at my refrigerator, and then I looked at this opportunity to start my business, and then I looked at my refrigerator again, and then I said, 'I can eat eggs and I can eat ramen and that will be fine.'"

Valentino had no idea the whirlwind of events that one decision would set in motion. 

Though Valentino made it through this ordeal, frequent questions began to arise: How could hard-working Americans with two or more jobs ever have time to navigate this process? How could entrepreneurs with children or those with disabilities or those who speak a second language be able to jump through the hoops required to make their business idea a reality?

That's when Valentino decided to pivot Corporate Diagnostic Center's business strategy to focus on helping entrepreneurs realize their vision.

"I am teaching new business owners how to embrace their vision and run with it," Valentino says. "I am not trying to teach them how to do it the old way. I am trying to teach them how to do it their way, because that is what America is about."

To those who may feel discouraged, Valentino says, "Never give up on yourself. Never give up on your vision, because it is important. . . . The reality is that you can do what you believe you can do. You do not have to get outside validation to keep going. You don't need anyone's validation to keep going. You just do what's right and what's true to you and to your values. As long as you stick true to that and you stay rooted within your values and you understand them, then that is where your strength comes from. Your fire will come later, and when you get lit and that fire happens, you are going to be unstoppable, so just keep on going."

To learn more about Valentino's story and business, visit Corporate Diagnostics Center's website or connect with @QueerHispanicCEO on social media.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY! Want to receive a free ticket to Corporate Diagnostic Center's grand opening and win free prizes on January 3, 2022? Use the discount code "Mazuma" and receive a free ticket. All those who attend the grand opening are eligible to receive prizes that will be given away every hour. The grand prize is an incorporation package that includes incorporation, an EIN, official Articles of Incorporation, access to legal services for 3 months, reputation management, website services, Google starter package, and more!