Ricky Thyam is a Cuban from Banes, Holguín, who arrived in Mexico in 2017 with the initial plan of eventually reaching the United States. However, things took a different turn as he established a music band named after himself, and success followed. In seven years, he has managed to bring his entire family to Mérida and has opened a barbershop and a pizzeria. His ventures currently employ 16 people, and Thyam has even bigger dreams, aiming to expand his Cuban pizzeria to Colombia and other Latin American countries.
In an interview with CiberCuba, Ricky Thyam shared that the area where he resides does not experience the violence seen in other parts of Mexico, a country he owes everything to. He never imagined such a successful entrepreneurial journey. Within his family, the only person who showed entrepreneurial spirit was his grandfather, who tried to start an ice cream shop in Cuba. Opening a business of his own never crossed Thyam’s mind while on the island.
However, upon arriving in Mexico and earning money through his music band, he heeded the advice of a friend who told him that if you have a tree that produces four fruits and you eat them all, you have to wait for the next harvest. But if you plant two of those fruits, your business will multiply. Following this philosophy, he first opened a barbershop, which now employs five people, and later a pizzeria, where his parents help out and he has hired four additional staff members.
The idea for the pizzeria emerged from Thyam’s love for Cuban pizzas. After experimenting with various recipes, he perfected one, and a friend placed an order for ten pizzas. This first order marked the beginning. Subsequently, Atope Pizzas was born, and it will soon open its first branch in Mérida. The recipe, refined by Thyam and his father, has made the business profitable within two years.
Thyam’s story is one of overcoming obstacles and dreaming big. He admits that none of this would have been possible in Cuba, as "one does not believe in what one does not see." When asked about the recent controversy involving El Uniko, who faced public criticism for starting a food truck in Miami, Thyam applauded the reggaeton artist’s entrepreneurial spirit. He believes it is a misconception carried over from Cuba that one can only be one thing; if you are a musician, you are only that. "Here, we are entrepreneurs," he stated.
Ricky Thyam's Entrepreneurial Journey in Mexico
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers about Ricky Thyam's inspiring journey and ventures in Mexico.
What motivated Ricky Thyam to stay in Mexico instead of continuing to the United States?
Ricky Thyam found success in Mexico with his music band and later expanded into other businesses. The supportive environment in Mérida played a significant role in his decision to stay.
How did Ricky Thyam come up with the idea for his pizzeria?
Thyam's love for Cuban pizzas inspired him to experiment with different recipes until he perfected one. A friend's order for ten pizzas marked the start of his pizzeria venture.
What advice did Ricky Thyam follow to grow his businesses?
Thyam followed a friend's advice: if you have a tree that gives four fruits and you eat them all, you have to wait for the next harvest. But if you plant two of those fruits, your business will multiply. This philosophy helped him expand his ventures.
What is Ricky Thyam's view on entrepreneurship for Cubans?
Thyam believes that Cubans carry a misconception from their home country where one can only be one thing. He applauds those who venture into entrepreneurship, stating, "Here, we are entrepreneurs."