In 2022, Juan Hernández left Cuba with just $500, a suitcase, and a strong determination to forge a better future for himself and his family.
Three years later, that leap of faith has resulted in a new life in San Antonio, Texas, where he runs his own welding workshop. The business, named "Las 3 vírgenes," originated from a spiritual promise he made.
The Crisis That Triggered a Life Change
Hernández recalls that the deteriorating conditions in Cuba were the catalyst for his departure. "The situation in Cuba became unbearable, and it still is," he shared with Univisión.
Throughout his journey, his family closely followed his progress to the United States. He always kept his ultimate goal in mind: "To find a better life for myself and my family."
From Veterinarian to Business Owner
Though Hernández has found success, leaving behind his past was no simple feat. In Havana, he worked passionately as a veterinarian, a career he cherished but had to abandon to start anew in a foreign land.
A Promise Transformed into a Business
During his journey, Hernández clung to his devotion to the three Cuban virgins, which he says gave him the courage to make the leap. Before leaving Cuba, he sought their protection for a safe arrival. "I asked for everything to go well and promised that if I arrived safely in the United States, I would name my business after them," he stated.
Today, that promise is realized in his welding shop, which not only sustains his family but also marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in his life. Although he no longer practices as a veterinarian, Hernández proudly asserts that his current work "has built the dream we wanted to create."
Family as the Foundation
Beside him stands his wife, Carmen Hurtado, of Mexican descent, who emphasizes that the Virgin of Guadalupe has been their spiritual guide since they began their life together in Texas.
The couple traveled together to the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico to express gratitude for the journey and the opportunities they’ve encountered. From there, they sent a message to others arriving in the United States with similar dreams: never stop fighting, maintain faith, and believe that discipline and perseverance can turn even the toughest goals into reality.
Juan Hernández's story is a testament to the resilience and hope of thousands of Cubans who, driven by the desire for a dignified future, rebuild their lives far from home.
FAQs About Juan Hernández's Journey and Business
What inspired Juan Hernández to leave Cuba?
The deteriorating conditions and economic crisis in Cuba were the main reasons that prompted Juan Hernández to seek a better future in the United States.
How did Juan Hernández's business get its name?
Juan named his welding business "Las 3 vírgenes" as a fulfillment of a promise he made to the three Cuban virgins, asking for their protection during his journey to the United States.
What message do Juan and his wife have for other immigrants?
Juan and his wife, Carmen Hurtado, encourage other immigrants to never stop fighting for their dreams, maintain faith, and trust that discipline and perseverance can help achieve even the most challenging goals.