The Cuban entrepreneur Yuniet Gallardo (@yunietgallardo) moved thousands of people after posting a video on TikTok in which she appeared on the verge of tears inside her empty beauty salon. With more than 15 years dedicated to her business, the businesswoman could not contain her emotions upon seeing her shop completely alone during the holiday season.
“I feel like crying or my hormones are all over the place, I don’t know. Fifteen years with this business... Saturday, one in the afternoon, December 13. This is what many business owners go through. Those who aren’t business owners don’t need to know. Either I'm very sensitive today or this just broke my heart,” she said through tears while showing her empty salon, located on the popular Calle 8 in Miami.
In the video, the Cuban explained that six people work at the establishment —two manicurists, hairstylists, one facialist, another who does massages, and herself— but that day there wasn't a single customer. "Total darkness. There is no one," she lamented, visibly affected.
Gallardo also reflected on the difficult situation that many small businesses are facing in the United States: “More than 14 years in this salon and it has never been like this in the month of December. Everyone says that this season is high for salons… yes, if the economy were different,” he commented with resignation.
The video went viral in just a few hours and sparked a wave of empathy among Cuban and Latin American users. “It’s sad, but it’s the reality for many entrepreneurs,” wrote one follower. Others encouraged her not to give up: “What you’re doing matters, your effort shows. Everything will get better,” commented another user.
In the video description, Yuniet added a message that many considered a release: “It’s sad to see how your constant struggle for over 15 years looks like this today. I’m holding on to the hope that everything will get better… but in the end, we realize that emigration does make a difference. I’m not talking about politics, I’m talking about reality.” Her sincerity resonated with thousands of people who, like her, continue to fight every day to keep their dream alive.
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