Cuban Entrepreneur Shows How She Earns a Living on the Island

A Cuban woman known on TikTok as Yami (@yaimaecheverragon) has captured significant attention with her viral video showcasing how she generates income from within Cuba. Her approach? Crafting pet beds from a modest workshop set up in her sister's home.

“Let me show you how I make money living in Cuba,” Yami invites at the start of her mini-vlog, recorded on September 2, offering a glimpse into her daily routine.

The video begins with Yami getting ready after dropping her son off at school on the first day of classes. She candidly shares her return to work after a brief hiatus. “I’ve spent days not working, pretending I’m rich, but I’m not there yet, although we’re going to make it happen, of course,” she jokes, adding a touch of humor.

The Heart of the Business

The core of her business lies in a unique mold she designed with her grandmother over three years ago. Despite its wear and tear, Yami continues to use it due to its sentimental value, stating, “I get a lot of joy working with this mold.” She acknowledges the need to eventually craft a new one before the current one breaks completely but intends to preserve it as a keepsake.

Her day also involves a stop at the market, known as Lauro, to purchase meat, guavas, and papaya before she resumes production with her niece's help. An interesting detail is the strips she wraps around her fingers for protection. “I always end up doing this to prevent any calluses,” she explains.

A Resonant Connection with Viewers

The relatable and light-hearted tone of the video resonated strongly with viewers, amassing over 168,000 views, nearly 7,000 likes, and 177 comments. These numbers highlight the growing interest in genuine stories of Cuban entrepreneurs on the platform.

Yami’s story is not unique. Other Cuban entrepreneurs have also gained visibility on TikTok by showcasing their businesses, sometimes achieving daily earnings of up to 30,000 Cuban pesos. This platform has become both a showcase and a sales channel.

Adapting to Economic Challenges

The pet market in Cuba has seen steady growth in recent years, particularly in urban areas, with a wider array of accessories, food, and veterinary services available. Craft businesses like Yami’s—made-to-order production, home-based work, direct sales—are some of the most inventive responses to the island’s economic crisis, strategically utilizing minimal resources and family-taught skills.

Since the private sector opened in 2021, hundreds of young Cubans have launched their own businesses in diverse fields such as gastronomy, fashion, and trade, seeking income alternatives outside the state. Yami’s model—artisanal, family-oriented, and lacking industrial infrastructure—exemplifies this trend.

“I know I’ll have to prepare another one because this one’s about to break, and I’ll keep it as a memento, but for now, I’m taking care of it and still using it,” she says about her mold, a statement that could well encapsulate the philosophy of those striving to create something of their own in Cuba with whatever they have at hand.