With a washing machine gifted by her aunt, no dryer, and wringing out clothes by hand, a young Cuban woman has gained the support of thousands on TikTok after sharing her story of struggle and hard work from the island. Keyla González, known as @keylitaglez on social media, showcased no luxuries or complaints: instead, she revealed her determination to move forward.
“I am Cuban living in Cuba. I have a washing machine, but I don't have a dryer. The dryer is broken and, like many Cubans, I make do with what I have,” she begins saying in a video that has already garnered hundreds of comments. Rather than playing the victim, Keyla turned the scarcity into a reflection on perseverance, vision, and small steps towards a better future.
She and her partner decided to become independent and start from scratch. With just 9,000 Cuban pesos, they set up their small homemade donut business and poured all their energy into building something of their own. “Every cent, effort, and sacrifice goes towards our business,” she explains. “It's not about luck; it's about habits. About decisions that may seem small, but bring you closer to a different future.”
The video sparked empathy but also confusion, especially among users from Spain who didn't understand why she was talking about a “dryer” if she was hanging the clothes. Keyla patiently clarified that in Cuba, that's what they call the spin dryer, and that’s what is broken in her washing machine. “Not being able to dry the clothes doesn’t embarrass me. It makes me feel proud to see my clothes clean,” she said.
Although some questioned her references to figures like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos, the young woman emphasized that her point was not to compare herself, but to highlight that everything starts with a decision. “What I'm experiencing is not forever. It's just a phase. I’m making this video to remind us that what we achieve will be the result of sacrifice.”
Amid wet clothes, homemade donuts, and days without luxuries, Keyla makes it clear that in Cuba, you can still think big. And as she herself says, "I don't have a dryer, but I have vision."
Frequently Asked Questions about Entrepreneurship in Cuba and Everyday Life
How did Keyla González start her business in Cuba?
Keyla González, a young Cuban, started her venture with her partner using only 9,000 Cuban pesos. They decided to launch their homemade donut business, putting all their energy and resources into building something of their own. They started with a donated washing machine and no dryer, which reflects the economic difficulties faced by many Cubans. Despite the limitations, Keyla has gained support from thousands of people on TikTok by sharing her story of perseverance.
What challenges do entrepreneurs face in Cuba?
Entrepreneurs in Cuba face multiple challenges, such as a lack of resources, limited access to modern technology, and difficulties in obtaining supplies. Additionally, there are risks due to the absence of legal protection for private businesses and the country's economic instability. Yet, stories like that of Keyla González demonstrate that with vision and effort, it is possible to make progress. She has stated that her success does not rely on luck, but rather on small habits and decisions that can lead to a better future.
How does the energy situation impact daily life in Cuba?
The energy situation in Cuba is critical, with frequent blackouts affecting the daily lives of its citizens. Many families have to resort to alternative methods to carry out everyday tasks, such as washing clothes or cooking. Blackouts also make it difficult to preserve food and use basic appliances, forcing the population to seek creative solutions to cope with these shortages.
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