At the age of 70, Felipe Muñoz refused to give in to despair. After being deported from the United States and seeing his life split in two, this Cuban barber chose to start anew with just a makeshift chair, a pair of scissors, and a public park in Villahermosa, Tabasco, where he now earns his living cutting hair.
Every day, Felipe sets up his modest workspace in Parque Juárez, wearing a white smock and treating his clients with respect. He doesn't seek charity or pity. Charging 50 pesos per haircut, he relies on over 30 years of experience to maintain a dignified existence.
The story of his resilience was shared by the Mexican media outlet Tabasco Hoy, which reported that Muñoz began working just a day after arriving in the city following his deportation in late 2024.
"I'm here making an honest living, cutting hair," Muñoz explained, noting that he purchased his tools with a credit card he still had from the United States.
His clientele includes local mothers with children, workers, and fellow migrants from Cuba and Venezuela who see their own stories of loss and renewal reflected in his.
Challenges Amidst Community Tensions
The sight of Felipe quietly working carries greater significance against a backdrop of tension. Recently, Tabasco witnessed a security operation resulting in the arrest of a Cuban national on alleged drug charges, further fueling concerns and stigma towards an already vulnerable migrant community.
While some cases dominate headlines, other Cubans like Felipe fight the battle of survival quietly, clinging to honest work as their sole lifeline.
Gratitude and Future Aspirations
Rather than seeing himself as a victim, the barber expresses gratitude for the treatment he receives in Mexico. He regards the park as a temporary stop. His true destination lies across the Atlantic, where his daughters and grandchildren await him in Spain. Until then, every haircut is an act of defiance.
Felipe Muñoz's journey highlights that Cuban migration can't be captured solely by statistics or criminal news. Behind each name lies a story of displacement, yet also a determination to start over, even when life demands it at 70 years old.
The Resilience of Cuban Migrants
What motivated Felipe Muñoz to start over in Mexico?
After being deported from the U.S., Felipe Muñoz chose to rebuild his life by using his skills as a barber to earn an honest living in Villahermosa, Tabasco.
How has the local community responded to Felipe's presence?
Felipe has been received well by the local community, attracting clients from various backgrounds who appreciate his work and respect his story of perseverance.