From selling on the streets and crafting facades to buying his own home, starting a business, and beginning to generate income through TikTok: Ernesto Pérez Rodríguez reflected this Monday from Guantánamo on the 13-year journey he claims was necessary to achieve success from Cuba.
In a Facebook post, the young man shared that he started working at the age of 15 and that he never felt ashamed of doing any job that would help him get ahead.
"Since I was 15 years old, I've been fighting for my dreams, if I had to sell on the street, I did it, if I had to clear a front yard, I did it, waking up early, working on Sundays, and I was never ashamed, because since I was a child, I was taught that work dignifies a person," he recounted.
Pérez explained that this culture of effort was also learned from his grandmother, whom he remembers riding a bicycle with "a box full of prepared food" to offer home delivery in the sun and make a living.
The first significant results, according to his account, came several years later: at the age of 24, he purchased a modest home and his business began to thrive.
Two years later, she began to get involved in humanitarian aid initiatives and to gain a presence on social media.
But it was at 28 years old when, as she claimed, the change that would make a significant economic difference occurred: she began to monetize her social media.
"It was only a couple of months ago, at 28 years old, that the monetization of my social media arrived to change my life," she wrote.
Among the shared images, Pérez Rodríguez displayed a screenshot of the balance section of TikTok showing an estimated balance of $948.64.
Looking back, the young man summed up the process in one sentence: "It took me 13 years to succeed."
His message was particularly aimed at other young Cubans who are trying to forge their way amidst economic challenges.
Life comes with sacrifice; one must put in the effort. Don't be afraid to undertake; sooner or later, God will open the door to blessings, he affirmed.
The post generated numerous reactions of appreciation. "Life hasn't been easy for you, but God has been preparing you for His purpose since day one," wrote a user, who also highlighted the assistance that Pérez Rodríguez has provided to those in need.
Another comment highlighted his consistency: "When life imposes itself on us, when necessity supports us, the spirit of struggle and work is our driving force."
There were also messages directed at the younger generation. "I wish that all the young people today would fight, sacrifice, and work honorably just as you did, because no job, no matter what it is, is a disgrace, you are a role model," another person said.
A good piece of advice for today's youth, is that success is only achieved through hard work,” noted another user, while one reaction summarized: “There is no victory without sacrifice, and you deserve it.”
The charitable aspect mentioned by Pérez Rodríguez is also not new.
In May 2025, a campaign led by this young person managed to raise funds to buy a home for Adriana, a girl with severe cerebral palsy and chronic malnutrition.
Similarly, in March of this year, he once again mobilized his networks to request assistance for a seven-year-old boy with hydrocephalus whose family was facing serious financial difficulties.
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