Living the Alaskan Dream: A Cuban's Unique Journey in a Remote Wilderness

Residing in the isolated community of King Salmon, Alaska, a Cuban woman has captured the hearts of thousands through her TikTok videos, where she documents her life amid snow, tranquility, and hard work. Known as ByYoha, she has become an inspirational figure for fellow immigrants, sharing her journey of adaptation and perseverance.

One of her most popular videos invites viewers to explore her world. "I'm the Cuban living in Alaska, and I want to show you a glimpse of my life. Welcome to King Salmon, a remote place in Alaska where you won't find sprawling malls or large stores and restaurants. Everything is conveniently located in a few spots: the bank, store, airport, restaurant, a bar, and not much else. There's no traffic, no queues, no constant noise; this is life in a small, remote place," she says with a blend of pride and calm. She then poses a question that sparked a lively discussion among thousands: "Would you dare to live in such a place? Let me know in the comments."

Responses ranged from surprise and humor to admiration. "I never thought a Cuban would get used to living in Alaska," commented one person. Another added, "A Cuban can adapt anywhere except Cuba." A humorous take followed, "I don't care, tell me about the money, and I'll go even to Siberia." Others simply offered blessings, success, or thanks for sharing her story.

In another video, she delves into the experience of trading the island heat for the extreme cold. "I'm Yoha, the Cuban living in Alaska, in a remote place called King Salmon, where the cold is not just weather, it's part of daily life. I come from an island of heat, noise, and movement, and today I walk amidst snow and silence, learning to adapt to a completely different environment."

Her narrative evolves into a declaration of resilience. "Nothing is easy here; nothing is handed out, and everything is built with effort and perseverance. Some days, the cold is heavy, fatigue builds up, and the path feels uphill, but I keep moving forward. I didn't cross countries to give up; I crossed borders to grow. This country taught me that dreams aren't always pursued without fear, but with discipline, determination, and firm footing on the snow."

"I am an immigrant, I am Cuban, and I am writing my story step by step in Alaska because even in the harshest winters, growth continues, and each day here reminds me that moving forward, even slowly, is also a way of reaching," she adds in another of her testimonies, with the camera capturing the vast white expanse around her.

Soon after, she shared her decision to venture into entrepreneurship and leave her job to start her own business amidst the frozen landscape. "A few months ago, I left my job and decided to open my own cleaning company here in King Salmon, Alaska. Right now, I'm driving the smaller car behind, which is easier for me, but the vehicle you see in front is a retired ambulance, and my husband is driving it today."

With ease, she demonstrates how the ambulance has become an essential part of her project. "That ambulance is part of my business; it's what I use as a storage space for my products, equipment, and everything I need to work. My company is called Miracle Cleaning Services because Miracle is my middle name, Milagros is my second name, let's say."

ByYoha acknowledges the challenges of starting a business in such an extreme environment. "With these extreme temperatures, getting it started has been a nightmare. These are climates not seen in over four years, even living in Alaska, and yet, we don't give up. So if you're thinking of starting your own cleaning company or any business, don't let anything stop you. Difficulties aren't signs to stop; they're tests to see how much you truly want it."

Her message has resonated with empathy and respect among users, many of whom are Cubans scattered worldwide, seeing a reflection of their own story in hers. "You are a disciplined young woman... you're on the right track," one woman wrote. "God will always bless you; for the victors, there is no 'no' as an answer," commented another. "What a pride to hear an immigrant and Cuban woman with such a mindset," someone else remarked.

Amid the applause, advice and supportive nods also arrive. "My Cuban, adapt an electric resistance to the engine's oil pan and buy an inverter... all costs less than $100," advised a user. She replied with simplicity: "We have a winter pack, and it's been brutal... thanks for the advice, blessings."

ByYoha often responds with gratitude and faith. "Thank you, blessings," she frequently writes. In one of her recent replies, she encapsulated her outlook on life in a single phrase: "Giving up was never an option."