In Albacete, Spain, a young Cuban woman recently shared on TikTok how she made the bold decision to take over the bakery where she worked and turn it into her own enterprise. This transformative step happened about a month and a half ago, marking a significant shift in her life.
Known on social media as Rosmery (@rosmerys027), she frequently shares candid reflections on emigration and her life in Spain. She acknowledged that her decision seemed crazy to many, yet she embraced it with unwavering determination.
“Yes, it's a crazy thing to take a bakery for myself, I'm not going to deny it,” she confessed in her video.
Despite the doubts, she was resolute in her choice: “I decided to take the risk. I said to myself, ‘Let’s go for it, because this is why you came from Cuba, this is why you traveled so far—to progress and move forward.’”
Rosmery has been managing the business for over a month without much rest, which explains her reduced social media presence recently.
“I've been going non-stop for over a month, but that's how all beginnings are; you have to sacrifice a little, or sometimes a lot,” she noted.
The Road from Cuba to Entrepreneurship
Her journey began in Cuba, where she already had a background in baking, making cakes as a small business venture. Upon arriving in Spain, she couldn't immediately continue her cake-making due to health regulations, but working at a bakery allowed her to gain valuable experience. Eventually, she took the leap to manage the establishment herself.
“I enjoy this whole bakery and pastry thing; it's something I really love,” she explained, emphasizing that it’s more than just a business—it's her passion.
Support and Encouragement from Social Media
Rosmery's story has sparked a wave of support and affection on social media. Many users have left messages wishing her success in this new chapter as a bakery owner in Albacete, with comments like “Good luck,” “Stay strong and good luck,” and “All the best.” Others have praised her courage to pursue her dream of entrepreneurship far from Cuba.
Some followers celebrated her perseverance and the fact that she turned her workplace into her own business. “And you did it,” one person wrote, while another assured her, “I wish you all the best, dear.” Some even promised to visit her bakery to show their support, with messages like “I'll stop by as soon as I can” and “I’ll visit your bakery,” to which she gratefully invited them to come by.
A Broader Pattern of Cuban Entrepreneurs in Spain
Rosmery has been documenting her journey and adaptation to life in Spain with honesty, earning a loyal following. In January, she reflected on her reasons for emigrating, clarifying that she didn’t leave due to extreme scarcity, but because the future she envisioned was no longer achievable in Cuba.
Soon after, she outlined the stark differences between her life in Spain and the food insecurity in Cuba, recounting experiences like rationing eggs or being unable to buy a liter of oil.
Her story is part of a broader trend of Cuban entrepreneurs in Spain, the primary destination for Cuban exiles in Europe, with nearly 200,000 registered Cuban residents by 2024. Similar stories include a waitress who opened her own business and an entrepreneur from Mayabeque who arrived with just 100 euros and founded her own legal advisory firm.
Rosmery concluded her video with a direct invitation to those wanting to support her: “If you want to support my decision, stop by Pérez Pastor 76, and I’ll gladly attend to you.”
Common Questions About Cuban Entrepreneurs in Spain
What inspired Rosmery to take over the bakery?
Rosmery was driven by the desire to progress and succeed, which was the primary reason she left Cuba. Her passion for baking also played a crucial role in her decision.
How has the social media community reacted to Rosmery's new venture?
The social media community has shown overwhelming support and encouragement, with many users wishing her success and some even planning to visit her bakery to show personal support.
Why did Rosmery leave Cuba?
Rosmery left Cuba not because of a lack of resources, but because she felt the future she dreamed of was unattainable there. She sought opportunities to progress and build a better life.