IDENTIDADES 1 ENGLISH IDENTIDADES 7 ENGLISH | Page 18

Constancy and passion
Even though many private businesses in Cuba
fail, Papito has not only managed to support
himself and prosper, but also kept his dream
alive. “Nowadays, many start businesses and
fail; there is a lot of competition. We must give
people the tools, that is, the knowledge necessary for starting a business. In my case, I believe
that success laid in constancy and passion, in
working all the time. Despite the fact that this
area attracts a lot of tourists, 90% of my clients
are nationals, and I am very, very proud to say
this. I always respect my clients: I never put a
foreigner before Cubans whose turn it is already.”

In the beginning, people would tell Papito he
was crazy due to the location he had chosen for
his salon. But, his clientele proves it was not an
obstacle. The 15 to 16 appointments per day
keep the place busy. He knows his prices are not
cheap: 5 CUCs for a haircut, including shampoo
and conditioning; 10 CUCs if the hair is long.
“Yet, they are also not the most expensive. I’ve
considered raising the prices because our cost of
living has also gone up. Electricity has gone up,
and I have to pay for water and taxes, too… But
I’ve kept them the same for my long-term clients, those folks who pay for it by saving a peso
here and there. I charge the same amount I did
fifteen years ago.”

His salon offers all kinds of services except hair straightening. “Every hairstylist has his or her
specialty. Mine is cutting and styling hair. Besides, in my opinion Afro hair is most beautiful
when it is natural.”

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