The Cuban creator @_enifita_ shared a vlog on TikTok about her daily routine in Havana, showing how she starts her day as a mother and entrepreneur after regaining electricity service, tidying up her home, and preparing an order for a client from her online store. “I’ve never liked working for other people, and I feel happy and grateful for this venture I’ve gradually built,” she explained, proud of generating income from home.
But what started as an everyday video soon became a topic of debate. Some users suggested that her home, spacious and well-maintained, was not common on the island or that it could only be acquired with help from abroad. @enifita's response was sharp: "You've never seen a nice house in Cuba, stick around and I'll show you much more."
Far from avoiding controversy, the TikToker reaffirmed that her home is no exception: “My house is nothing compared to the houses here in Cuba.” She added that there is a widespread prejudice about life on the island: “They think that those of us who live here are obligated to live in poverty, but there are many hardworking people who manage to get ahead and live decently.”
Regarding the issue of remittances, she was straightforward: “In these times, the family that lives abroad helps less and less those who are left here. Because over there, things are as tough as they are here.” With this, she wanted to make it clear that her standard of living does not rely on money sent from abroad, but rather on her own efforts.
The creator also advocated for the importance of mindset and daily effort to maintain a good quality of life anywhere: “They don’t know that many of us, instead of wasting time complaining, get to work and fight for a good life.”
Amid supporters and critics, the video accumulated dozens of comments and views, becoming an example of how a simple vlog can break stereotypes and spark conversations about what it means to live well in Cuba.
Frequently asked questions about life in Cuba and perceptions of the standard of living on the island
Is it common to have well-maintained and spacious houses in Cuba?
The general perception is that in Cuba, most people live in conditions of hardship, but as @_enifita_ states, there are well-maintained and spacious houses on the island, even though they are not the norm. This is because there are individuals who, despite the challenges, manage to improve their homes through personal effort and, in some cases, assistance from abroad.
How is it possible that some Cubans live better than others on the island?
The disparity in the standard of living in Cuba is due to several factors, such as the receipt of remittances, personal entrepreneurship, and access to resources that allow for improvements in living conditions. Some Cubans manage to live better thanks to their hard work and their ability to start their own businesses or receive financial support from abroad.
What role do remittances play in the family economy of Cuba?
Remittances play an important role in the economy of many Cuban families, as they provide additional resources that are not easily obtainable on the island. However, as @_enifita_ points out, foreign aid has decreased due to global economic difficulties, and many Cubans are relying more on their own efforts to maintain or improve their quality of life.
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