By: Alexandra Perez

Edith Lagunas, a retired military officer with over 20 years of service, has successfully transitioned from leading soldiers in some of the world’s most challenging environments to pioneering an innovative AI startup. From her deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan to the creation of Nexus Bond AI, a unique platform allowing users to design personalized AI characters, Edith’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and lifelong learning.

A Humble Beginning

Lagunas’ story began in 2002 when she enlisted in the military at the age of 22. Initially motivated by the need to fund her college education, Lagunas soon discovered that the military offered far more than just financial support. “When I enlisted, my primary goal was to get money for college,” Lagunas recalled. “But I quickly realized that the military was more than a job—it was a path to growth, leadership, and personal development.”

Rising Through the Ranks

Over the next two decades, Lagunas rose through the ranks to become a logistics officer, completing multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as assignments in Kuwait and South Korea. The challenges she faced during her military career shaped her approach to entrepreneurship. “The military teaches you to figure it out,” she shared. “You’re given a task, and you have to come up with a plan, execute it, and meet the objectives—even if it’s something you’ve never done before.”

Her time in the military ingrained in her the importance of discipline, planning, and resilience—qualities that would later become the cornerstone of her business ventures.

Exploring Entrepreneurship

While still serving in the military, Lagunas pursued side ventures, including a skincare business and real estate investments. “I was always drawn to side projects,” she admitted. “I had a skincare line that I was passionate about, but due to my assignments, I had to let it go. But that experience taught me a lot about managing a business and overcoming challenges.”

Despite the setbacks in her skincare business, Lagunas persevered. She expanded her real estate portfolio, managing both short-term rentals and long-term properties. This experience taught her how to stay organized and juggle multiple responsibilities. “Managing multiple properties taught me how to deal with unexpected obstacles and how to be adaptable, which would come in handy when I started working with AI,” she explained.

Entering the World of AI

In 2023, while still active in the military, Lagunas embarked on a new project that would ultimately lead her to transition into full-time entrepreneurship. Nexus Bond AI, her AI startup, allows users to create deeply personalized AI characters. “When I first started this project, I was inspired by my own experiences in the military—being away from home, isolated, and sometimes alone,” Lagunas said. “I wanted to create a platform that would help people combat loneliness and connect with a personalized AI that could evolve with them.”

Nexus Bond AI is more than just a tech venture—it’s a way to explore human-AI interaction. The platform offers users the opportunity to design their own AI characters, selecting everything from appearance to personality traits and even skills and knowledge bases. “It’s about giving people the ability to create something that mirrors themselves, whether it’s for companionship, learning, or entertainment,” Lagunas explained. “AI shouldn’t just be a tool—it should be something personal, something that adapts to you.”

A New Chapter

Launching Nexus Bond AI wasn’t without its challenges. “It’s been tough balancing everything—still being on active duty and working on this project,” Lagunas admitted. “But now that I’m retired, I’m excited to put all of my energy into this. It’s my chance to create something meaningful.”

The timing of her transition couldn’t have been better. With AI technology advancing rapidly, Nexus Bond AI is entering the market at a pivotal moment. The platform is designed to stay ahead of the curve, offering a unique subscription model that allows users to create and interact with multiple AI characters. In the future, Lagunas plans to integrate voice-enabled features, enabling real-time conversations with AI characters.

Looking to the Future

While the AI industry is fast-paced, Lagunas is determined to stay at the forefront. “AI is evolving so quickly, and if you’re not careful, you’ll be left behind,” she said. “That’s why I want to keep improving Nexus Bond AI. I want to keep pushing forward, adapting, and ensuring that our platform remains relevant and valuable to users.”

Reflecting on her remarkable journey, Lagunas credits her success to the lessons she learned in the military and through her entrepreneurial ventures. “The military taught me that there’s no such thing as failure, only learning,” she said. “Every setback I’ve faced in business has been a learning opportunity. I’ve grown stronger, more confident, and more prepared for whatever comes next.”

A Mission for the Future

Now, as a retired officer and full-time entrepreneur, Lagunas is eager for what lies ahead. “This is just the beginning,” she said with conviction. “There’s so much potential in AI, and I’m just scratching the surface. My mission now is to make Nexus Bond AI a platform that empowers people to create, connect, and grow.”

Edith Lagunas has proven that no matter where life takes you—whether in the military, in business, or in the rapidly evolving world of AI—resilience, passion, and the willingness to adapt are key to creating meaningful and innovative solutions.

Published by Iris S.