Cubans start sneaker cleaning business in Havana
In the corner of Calzada and E, in El Vedado, some Cuban young entrepreneurs launched their original business and are generating buzz in Havana.
It is about Happy Sneaker, a “Shoe Laundry.” Their proposal is simple yet effective: to clean and restore sneakers with a level of detail that surprises more than a few of their customers.
The sneakers are a trend in urban footwear. Generally in Cuba, this term refers to Nike shoes, designed for everyday use with a sporty or classic style.
Cuban entrepreneurs assert that in their shoe laundry, they restore sneakers to their original color, and some services can reach high prices due to the meticulous work they carry out.
On Instagram, where they operate under the username @happy_sneaker.cu, these young specialists in sneaker cleaning receive constant praise.
“This is the venture I needed, amen,” comments one user. Another adds, “No one likes to wash their sneakers; I would pay for that.”
Some people also commented: “Super original, I hadn’t seen anything like this in Cuba until now,” “This service was definitely needed,” and there was even an ironic remark: “Mom, I’m going to start a business: I’m going to start washing sneakers.”
The reception has been so positive that some are suggesting they expand. “If they come to the United States, they’ll become millionaires,” jokes a follower.
Frequently asked questions about sneaker cleaning entrepreneurship in Cuba
What is Happy Sneaker and what services does it offer in Havana?
Happy Sneaker is a “Shoe Laundry” located in El Vedado, Havana, that specializes in cleaning and restoring athletic shoes. They offer a thorough service that restores the original color of sneakers and have gained popularity for their meticulous work. Their presence on Instagram has allowed them to receive praise and proposals for expansion.
Why has the sneaker cleaning business been so successful in Cuba?
The success of the Happy Sneaker business in Cuba is due to their identification of a specific need in the market: the cleaning and restoration of sneakers, which are a highly popular element of urban fashion. The originality of the service and the high quality of the work have generated positive acceptance among customers. Furthermore, there is a growing trend of informal entrepreneurship in Cuba due to the country’s critical economic situation.
How has Cuba’s economic situation influenced the emergence of businesses like Happy Sneaker?
The critical economic situation in Cuba has driven many young people to seek innovative ways to generate income independently. Businesses like Happy Sneaker emerge as a response to the lack of formal job opportunities and the need to fill market niches that traditional stores on the island do not address. This reflects the ingenuity and creativity of Cubans in surviving in an adverse economic environment.
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