A Cuban woman named Ayaini Valdés (@valdesbello57) has turned to selling tamales as a means of survival after economic hardships and frequent blackouts devastated her previous business. Her story, shared in a viral TikTok video, highlights the resilience many Cubans must adopt.
Ayaini previously sold coconut cookies, but with sugar prices skyrocketing, the venture became unsustainable. "We used to sell coconut cookies, but sugar prices tripled, forcing us to stop," she explains in the video. With a child to care for, she couldn’t afford to remain idle. "I have a child to feed, so I can't just sit back and do nothing," she adds.
Turning to Tamales Amid Crisis
Her new venture focuses on tamales, also known locally as "tallullos." However, the ongoing crisis struck even during the preparation process. In the middle of cooking, the water supply was cut off—a common issue in Cuba where blackouts and supply failures disrupt even basic utilities. She had to finish cooking over charcoal. "Halfway through, the water was gone. We had to gather everything and cook with charcoal, which is still quite expensive," she recounts.
Despite these setbacks, the day ended on a positive note. "We finished exhausted and soaking wet, but happy because the sales were fantastic," she notes. The scarcity of food on the island has made any edible goods sell quickly, a fact Ayaini attributes to her success. "Here in Cuba, with the hunger that exists, anything edible sells fast," she says, acknowledging the modest profits but preferring action over inaction: "Better something than nothing."
The Broader Economic Context
Ayaini’s story reflects a widespread reality for Cubans. The sugar crisis in Cuba is deeply entrenched; the 2024-2025 harvest yielded less than 150,000 metric tons, the lowest since 1899, driving sugar prices to between 290 and 600 pesos per pound in informal markets.
Simultaneously, the energy crisis has reached unprecedented levels. Reports from CNN in Spanish indicate that power outages in Havana exceeded 20-22 hours daily in May 2026, with the nation experiencing at least four total disconnections from its National Electric System within four months. Cuba’s Energy Minister admitted that diesel reserves were nearly depleted.
This shortage of resources and electricity compels entrepreneurs to rely on charcoal or firewood, increasing production costs. In such conditions, informal food sales have become one of the few economic lifelines for many Cuban families, particularly for mothers who need to generate daily income with minimal initial investment.
The Challenge of Entrepreneurship in Cuba
Another Cuban entrepreneur, Maire (@mairelysdelarosa6), summed up the harsh reality last Wednesday: "There is no guarantee of anything" when starting a business in Cuba, although she added, "Yes, it can be done, but the question isn't whether it's possible, it's whether you're willing to try."
Ayaini closes her video with a statement encapsulating the resilience of those striving to move forward on the island: "I know that little by little, we will get ahead."
FAQs on Cuban Economic Challenges and Entrepreneurship
What prompted Ayaini Valdés to start selling tamales?
Ayaini Valdés began selling tamales after economic difficulties and frequent blackouts made her previous coconut cookie business unsustainable due to rising sugar prices.
How have the economic and energy crises affected Cuban entrepreneurs?
Cuban entrepreneurs face significant challenges due to shortages of resources and electricity, forcing many to use charcoal or firewood, which increases production costs. These crises have made informal food sales a critical economic option for many families.
What are the current conditions of the sugar industry in Cuba?
The Cuban sugar industry is in crisis, with the 2024-2025 harvest producing under 150,000 metric tons, the lowest since 1899, causing sugar prices to soar in informal markets.