Every year, hundreds of Cuban women arrive in South Florida with little more than a suitcase and a determination to rebuild. For Mariana Alom, Claudia Carreras, and Heidy Martínez, that determination turned into thriving businesses that now serve their communities and reflect the resilience of the Cuban diaspora.
From Havana to Miami Beach: Mariana Alom's dance studio
Mariana Alom trained at the Instituto Superior de Arte in La Habana before moving to Brazil and eventually settling in Miami. She now runs The WildCat Room, a pole fitness studio in Miami Beach that combines athletic training with body positivity. Her classes focus on building strength and confidence, and she credits her early career in Havana's professional dance scene for the discipline she brings to her work.
Alom's path wasn't linear. She worked in nightlife venues, including E11EVEN, to save enough money to open her own space. That experience shaped her artistic vision and pushed her to create an environment where women can feel empowered rather than judged. Today, her studio offers daily classes that cater to different fitness levels, and she plans to expand with taller competition bars and add wellness professionals for flexibility and yoga.
For Alom, the studio is more than a business—it's a community. She says her clients often arrive feeling insecure, but leave with a sense of accomplishment. That transformation is what keeps her motivated.
Claudia Carreras: Tennis coaching and a healthy bar
Claudia Carreras grew up playing competitive tennis in Cuba. After moving to Key Biscayne, she founded Turn On Tennis, offering private coaching and group clinics across South Florida. Her sessions emphasize technical skills and tactical awareness, and she's built a loyal following among local players of all ages.
Carreras also launched Turn On Healthy Bar, a mobile concept that provides nutritious refreshments at private parties and events. With 50 healthy options on the menu, she's tapping into the growing demand for wellness-focused catering. She promotes both ventures through social media and her digital magazine, Turn On News, which helps her reach a wider audience without heavy upfront costs.
For Carreras, leaving Cuba meant leaving behind restrictions on her professional growth. In Miami, she's found the freedom to combine her athletic background with entrepreneurial ambition. She says networking and community engagement have been key to her success, and she encourages other immigrant women to leverage digital tools to build their brands.
Heidy Martínez: Skincare with a personal touch in Hialeah
Heidy Martínez arrived in the U.S. through Del Rio, Texas, after a challenging journey. She now runs Mimos SkinCare in Hialeah, where she offers personalized facial treatments using professional-grade equipment. With five years of specialized experience, she's built a loyal clientele who appreciate her attention to individual skin needs.
Martínez's services range from advanced dermatological procedures to relaxing facial massages that promote stress relief. She emphasizes that every consultation is tailored to the client, which has earned her strong word-of-mouth referrals. Her story is a testament to the courage it takes to start over in a new country and the rewards of persistence.
These three women represent a broader trend: Cuban immigrants are a vital part of Miami's small-business ecosystem. According to recent data, Miami-Dade County continues to see growth in entrepreneurship, driven by international talent and the determination of newcomers. While the challenges are real—navigating regulations, building a client base, and adapting to a new market—these founders show that with passion and resilience, success is possible.
Their stories also echo the broader Latino experience in the U.S., where hard work and community support often pave the way for new beginnings. As Miami's landscape evolves, these businesses add to the city's vibrant cultural and economic fabric.
For those looking to follow in their footsteps, Alom, Carreras, and Martínez offer a simple piece of advice: start small, stay focused, and don't be afraid to ask for help. The journey isn't easy, but the rewards—both personal and professional—are worth it.
