A Cuban woman residing in Miami under the I-220A immigration status has reached out to the community for support after launching a beauty salon that has struggled to take off. Her plight was amplified by influencer Dairon Cano, sparking a wave of solidarity on social media.
"I need your help. I've been at this for three months, but I opened 15 days ago, and nothing... I don't have workers, and customers aren't coming," pleaded Yasmeli, a visibly emotional Cuban woman, in a video shared by Dairon Cano. She is determined to succeed with her beauty salon in Miami but faces numerous challenges.
Yasmeli emphasized she is not asking for donations or charity but rather collaboration. "I'm just asking the community... for anyone interested in renting, I have chairs for hairstylists, for guys, for spa services," she said, reiterating, "I'm not asking for anything. If you want to work, my doors are open to you with all my heart."
On March 25, the opening day of her salon, Yasmeli was the victim of a robbery, which forced her to start from scratch. "They stole all my belongings, and I had to repurchase everything," she explained, noting that she is still paying monthly rent for the space. Her salon also offers spaces for manicurists, hairstylists, eyebrow, and eyelash specialists.
During the video, Dairon Cano offered his unconditional support. "Did I charge you for this?" he asked. "No, never," Yasmeli replied. Cano encouraged her to persevere, assuring her that clients and hairstylists would soon arrive: "You'll see that people will come to your salon, and you'll find stylists, my dear. Have faith."
The social media response was immediate, with hundreds expressing solidarity with Yasmeli. Many shared their experiences of starting from scratch, offered advice to boost the salon's visibility, or promised to visit as clients. Some lamented not being in Miami to join her venture but vowed to share and promote her video.
Many inquired about the salon's location, eager to visit as clients or potential employees. Some, from states like Arizona or Texas, pledged to stop by when in Miami. Others offered direct assistance: "I'm a professional manicurist," "I'll work with you," "I'll support you, even from afar." A woman who knew Yasmeli from her neighborhood in Mantilla wished her success and blessings, while another, moved to tears by Yasmeli's story, promised to share the video. Personal stories of starting businesses from scratch surfaced, with advice to remain steadfast, enhance social media presence, offer diverse services, and persevere. Amid the encouragement, a common refrain echoed: "Those tears will turn into joy."
Yasmeli's story adds to similar narratives recently highlighted by Dairon Cano, including a Cuban mother with I-220A working in a food truck in Homestead while studying and supporting her children, and an entrepreneur in Tampa who opened a clinic and reunited her family after years of effort.
Another recent case involved a Cuban family who lost everything in a fire and received immediate community support after being featured by the same influencer.
These stories, including Yasmeli's, encapsulate the struggles faced by many newly arrived Cubans in the United States, particularly those without a defined immigration status. Yet, they also showcase the resilience and determination to overcome adversity through hard work.
"This is a Cuban, family, I-220A... strong people are like this at the start. You'll see everything will turn out well, my dear," concluded Dairon, confident that, as with other cases he has supported, collective backing will make a difference.
Supporting Cuban Entrepreneurs in the U.S.
What challenges do Cuban immigrants face when starting a business in the U.S.?
Cuban immigrants often face financial constraints, language barriers, lack of professional networks, and legal challenges related to immigration status.
How can the community support immigrant entrepreneurs like Yasmeli?
The community can support by visiting their businesses, spreading the word on social media, providing advice and mentorship, and offering employment opportunities or collaborations.
What role do influencers play in highlighting immigrant stories?
Influencers can amplify immigrant stories, raise awareness, and mobilize support by sharing these narratives with their large followings on social media platforms.