A Cuban woman operating under the name L'inglesa BeautyBar recently shared on TikTok how eyebrow micropigmentation enabled her to purchase both a house and a car in Cuba without any financial backing from her family. Her video, posted on July 4th, highlights the significance of this profession in her life.
"Yesterday I promised to tell you about the business in Cuba that changed my life. I don't come from wealth. Everything I achieved was thanks to a skill I learned and perfected over time," she stated in the 38-second clip.
The young entrepreneur candidly revealed her secret to success: "That business is micropigmentation. Yes, my friends, by doing eyebrows, I was able to buy my house and my car in Cuba."
The Economics of Eyebrow Micropigmentation in Cuba
Far from being an easy path, she clarified that her success was a result of perseverance: "It didn't happen overnight. It took years of study, discipline, and countless hours working with my clients."
This testimony is particularly striking in the context of Cuba's economy, where the average state salary is less than 5,000 pesos a month—equivalent to under 15 dollars at the informal exchange rate.
Micropigmentation is one of the most expensive beauty services available on the island, typically priced in foreign currency. An initial session costs around 30 dollars, with touch-ups priced between 20 and 25 dollars. This starkly contrasts with other services in the sector, such as keratin treatments, which cost approximately 9,000 pesos (about 26.50 dollars), and eyelash extensions, which vary from 1,000 to 3,000 pesos.
Challenges and Opportunities in Cuba's Beauty Industry
Mastering this technique requires specialized training, imported materials like pigments, machines, and needles, along with sustained technical skill. In Cuba, where acquiring these supplies is challenging and costly, this barrier to entry protects practitioners from widespread competition.
Purchasing a home and a vehicle in Cuba means an investment of tens of thousands of dollars. Properties in areas like Vedado or Miramar, once priced over 50,000 dollars, have dropped 50% to 60% compared to 2018-2019 due to mass emigration. They can now be purchased for between 15,000 and 20,000 dollars. Imported cars, however, start at 7,950 dollars for used models over five years old and exceed 27,000 dollars for high-end models according to regulations set for January 2025.
Entrepreneurs in Cuba's beauty sector face numerous hurdles. Young professionals in aesthetics encounter frequent power outages, water shortages, and lack of gas, complicating tasks that require constant light and precision, such as micropigmentation.
L'inglesa BeautyBar's video is part of a growing trend of Cubans using social media to share stories of economic success within the island. In an environment where the private beauty sector operates under a de facto dollarization, specialized service providers can accumulate capital in foreign currency.
"I'm not saying it's easy, but with preparation and persistence, a profession can transform your life," the entrepreneur concluded in her message.
Insights into Cuba's Beauty Industry and Economic Challenges
What is micropigmentation and why is it significant in Cuba?
Micropigmentation is a cosmetic procedure that involves the application of pigments to the skin, often used for eyebrow design. In Cuba, it is a lucrative service due to its high demand and the ability to charge in foreign currency, making it a significant source of income for practitioners.
How does Cuba's economic situation affect beauty professionals?
Cuba's challenging economic conditions, such as low state salaries and resource scarcity, make it difficult for beauty professionals to operate. However, those in high-demand sectors like micropigmentation can charge in foreign currencies, providing a financial advantage.
What obstacles do beauty entrepreneurs face in Cuba?
Entrepreneurs in Cuba's beauty industry face numerous challenges, including frequent power outages, water shortages, and the high cost and difficulty of importing necessary materials, which adds complexity to their operations.