Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Abril.
Hi Laura, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
You can say, I have always had an “entrepreneurial mindset”- I started my first business when I was 12, creating and selling earrings at school. At 13, I began babysitting kids in my neighborhood; I even remember having my first interview at this age! (My parents were present, of course, lol).
When I was 15, I began working as a hostess at a sushi restaurant by my house. My personality is a mixture of creativity (I enjoy painting, singing, photography, and problem-solving) while also being a workaholic. However, because of my creative side, I don’t like being “comfortable” and staying in a predictable, consistent situation for too long; I enjoy the challenge, change, and growth.
I decided to go to law school after taking a social policy course in college (at Florida State University), where I learned of several issues facing society. Some of those issues stemmed from the lack of access in certain communities to things like health care, education, legal resources, and more. I was inspired to help these communities by doing what I can to facilitate access and spread education.
I also wanted to learn more about policy and how to change it. I went to Florida International University College of Law, where I aimed to gain as much experience as possible. I joined Law Review, Moot Court, and the Negotiation & Mediation, Team. I was also co-founder of the FIU Law Mindfulness Association.
Some law school accomplishments include:
-Champion, ABA Regional Negotiation Competition, Chicago, November 2019
-Runner-Up Negotiator, FIU Law Intramural Negotiation Competition, October 2019
-CALI Award of Excellence, Legal Skills & Writing III, November 2018
-Semi-Finalist, Intramural Appellate Advocacy Competition, October 2018
-Awarded “Best Brief,” Intramural Appellate Advocacy Competition, October 2018
Despite being extremely passionate about law, I always knew I did not want to take the “traditional” legal route. I did not necessarily want to litigate, and I did not want to work at a law firm. I have always wanted to have my own business and pursue my own projects, while also using my legal degree and skills to help others.
During law school, I witnessed and supported my boyfriend, Asim Zaidi, as he opened his business, an MMA and self-defense academy located in Wynwood, called the “Goat Shed”. The Goat Shed is also a professional MMA team of fighters who I have known for almost 4 years now.
Asim is the head coach of the team and the sole owner of the business. I have always been drawn to combat sports and have enjoyed kickboxing/boxing as a form of exercise since high school, so the business of MMA is something very interesting to me.
After graduating from law school, I began a position at a Fortune 300 company working in the compliance department, analyzing regulations and laws. I continued to work here while studying for the Florida Bar Exam. At the same time, I was helping my boyfriend manage his business and was also helping the athletes at the Goat Shed in any way I could.
Soon after passing the Bar Exam, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue my passions. I quit my office job and started my company, GOAT Worldwide, a management agency dedicated to top MMA prospects.
GOAT Worldwide was inspired by all of the incredible, hard-working athletes I have met over the years, many of them immigrants, who sacrificed their entire lives (even leaving their families, and kids in their home countries) to chase their dreams in MMA. Most of these athletes do not come from privilege; many of them have never worked with an attorney. But they are humble, hungry, dedicated, and extremely talented.
GOAT Worldwide has been open for about 1 year now. I am honored to represent 12 incredible athletes, not only helping them find and negotiate MMA fights, but also helping them with contracts, business, and other matters. My goal is to empower them with the resources they need to succeed not only in MMA but in their day-to-day life and business.
I enjoy spreading knowledge with them that I’ve learned over the years. I also enjoy working closely with my boyfriend, who is the head coach of the team, as I feel it provides a great partnership that is seamless and assures the athletes are protected in all aspects.
Aside from GOAT Worldwide, I also am a partner at Venustas Law PLLC, a transactional law firm that specializes in contract review/drafting, business formation, deeds and estate planning, and crypto/NFTs. Venustas Law is a non-traditional law firm that is fully virtual. My favorite part about Venustas Law is that we really try to make the “legal stuff” less scary and something everybody can understand.
I aim to continue to grow GOAT Worldwide as a leading management agency in combat sports while maintaining the exclusivity and boutique feel, as it allows our agents to truly focus our attention and resources on our athletes and their development.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Transitioning from an office position with salary and benefits, to becoming a full-time business owner with no consistent pay is very tough.
It is not easy to start a business as the first year requires a significant amount of work and investment. However, I am lucky to be in a position where I can take the risk now and pursue my passions. I don’t have a family yet and I have a couple of other streams of income that allow me to stay afloat.
But, I truly believe in “the higher the risk, the higher the reward,” and that is why I choose to make the leap.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
GOAT Worldwide is an exclusive management agency dedicated to developing top MMA prospects.
We are different from other management companies in that we are not, and will never be, a “factory” management company, signing everyone and anyone to see who “makes it”. We feel that being a smaller company that is selective in who we sign, allows our agents to focus all attention and resources on their clients.
We also don’t aim to sign only athletes that already “made it”; rather, we are interested in young, talented prospects that have a passion for MMA, and are truly dedicated, but may not have the proper resources and/or representation that they need.
We strongly believe having a consistent, trustworthy team behind you is one of the highest predictors of success.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
When you find yourself in a comfortable/secure position (i.e., you’re making a good income, and your business is doing well), you should work twice as hard.
Many people like to sit back and relax during comfortable times, but the reality is that you don’t know how long that position will last. Instead, use this time as a chance to get ahead, because it can really help during the tougher times.
Contact Info:
- Email: laura@goatworldwide.com
- Website: www.goatworldwide.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goat.mgt/?hl=en
Image Credits
Josh Salcedo, Mkali Creative, and Flicks by Ed
