This is how this young Cuban makes money living in Cuba: "You can't live off the state."



A young Cuban woman narrates on TikTok how her hairdressing business allows her to survive amidst the economic crisis in Cuba, highlighting entrepreneurship as an alternative to low state salaries.

Cubana on the islandPhoto © @kamilariveracurly / TikTok

A young Cuban identified on TikTok as @kamilariveracurly has gone viral by sharing how she manages to earn money in Cuba through her personal venture, despite the deep economic crisis the island is experiencing.

In her video, the 24-year-old woman explains that, although she has a degree in Dentistry, she runs a hairdressing business that she started at 21 with the help of her mother, who has been a stylist and manicurist her whole life.

"In this country, one cannot live on just one job, much less on what the State provides," the young woman stated, emphasizing that a professional's salary is insufficient to cover basic needs.

Kamila recounts that after completing the ninth grade, she studied for four years to become a dental assistant, fulfilled three years of community service, and later obtained her degree, but she decided to take the risk of self-employment to advance her career.

His business, focused on hairstyling techniques and hair treatments like "Flexi," has allowed him to maintain a certain degree of economic stability within the complex Cuban landscape.

"Even if one has money and a job, things that are really needed never seem to appear in Cuba. But if you work hard, stay focused, and save, you can achieve your goals," he added.

The video reflects a reality that is becoming increasingly common among young people in Cuba, where entrepreneurship has become a survival alternative in the face of low state wages, inflation, and widespread scarcity.

Amid power outages, lack of supplies, and a restricted market, Kamila represents a new generation of Cubans who seek economic independence and refuse to rely on the limited income provided by the state.

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Yare Grau

Originally from Cuba, but living in Spain. I studied Social Communication at the University of Havana and later graduated in Audiovisual Communication from the University of Valencia. I am currently part of the CiberCuba team as an editor in the Entertainment section.