I started working as a hairdresser in 1986. It was my destiny. I was a bad student and didn’t like school, and when I was about to start my military service, someone told me that hairdressers were exempt. So I ended up training to become a hairdresser by accident and it became my passion. I wanted to give back to society and created a social project for youth with special needs who are socially excluded and don’t often get to study. I started my hairdressing school, which is free and taught by volunteers, and my hairdressing studio became a museum. This alleyway became known as the alleyway of hairdressers and even has its own monument. The philosophy of the project is that everyone can give something to society – whether its your money, hands, time or knowledge. My dream is for this project to spread to other neighbourhoods so that they can have their bring transformation – whether social, cultural or economic – to their communities. Any transformation depends on people – we are our future.
I studied archiving through an annual quota set by the government. Because of limited internet access we still need to keep everything on paper here. Then I lived in London for 5 years and came back less than a year ago. I met the owner of this store and learnt about her project to open a fashion boutique with her own designs. I didn’t know how to sew, but I was looking for work and loved the idea of managing a shop and styling clients. I love the colours, the contact with people, and to be able to help, dress and see them in these clothes. I love seeing people’s faces when they come up the stairs and see this shop full of bright colours. I hope that Cuba opens up so that I can keep living here, and to see new businesses and projects start up. My dream is to open my own café. It would be a small place with a library full of books so that people can read, and photography exhibition. People from around the world would come together– not just be on their phones – to share and to chat.
I’ve danced my whole life. It was when I was a kid and saw Michael Jackson’s dance moves that I just knew I had to become a dancer. I’ve been working at different dance schools here in Old Havana, but I live quite far outside the city. In my community I have my own youth group where I teach dance to young people – especially young men who have lost their way. Many have problems with their behaviour and discipline and dance really helps them feel part of something important. My dream is for my community project to become a foundation to help more young people fulfill their full potential.
