The young Cuban woman Marlan, known on TikTok as @marlan_estudio, shared a video on the platform celebrating her achievements since arriving in the United States and the challenges she has overcome. "This girl was once the newcomer who was received with a plastic bag," she said in her post, which featured several photos of her journey as a Cuban immigrant.
"I didn't even want to lift my head because I was ashamed of my appearance," she confessed about those early days. However, she acknowledged her always positive attitude: "I never stopped smiling even though I was dying inside."
Two years later, Marlan can proudly share her story without forgetting what she has been through. "Two years later, the ugly duckling is no longer ashamed to lift her head nor feels inferior," she continued.
"I still wear the same underwear that was given to me when I arrived, but now I have a uniform from my own business," she said in the video, where she spoke about her entrepreneurial journey and how she has honed her skills in designing "natural eyebrows" since being in Cuba. "Today, I am among the best because I believe I am very good at what I do," concluded the young Cuban entrepreneur.
In late July, she celebrated another achievement in the United States: obtaining her green card. "Only God knows how much I wanted to be in this country, to escape the misery I grew up in. I went through so much hardship that I prayed to all the Saints to get me out of Cuba so I could fulfill my dreams and help my family. Now I am a resident. Thanks to my uncles who believed in me and got me out so I could become a better person. To the person who lent me the money to leave Cuba, I paid back every dollar and here I am, making my way on my own. No one has given me anything for free. Thank you," she said emotionally on that occasion.
Users on social media reacted to her video with over 10,000 likes and hundreds of comments filled with admiration and support.
"Marina is a very beautiful girl. She just needs to learn that you can't spend your life explaining things"; "You are a warrior blessed by God, a role model for women to follow, and an inspiration for those of us who are just arriving"; "Marlan, my greetings and respect. I've been following you since day one, and you are a woman who has shown that in this country women can move forward. To some, you may seem arrogant, but to the majority, you are a warrior"; "You are a warrior, I always admire you because I am going through the same thing. It's been 8 months in this country, and it has been very hard. Back in Cuba, I couldn't get more clients for nails, and here it has been very difficult"; "I am a newcomer, and I understand you, I am going through this whole process. After 7 years of studies, I am starting from scratch here. With nothing but God and the desire to get my daughters out of Cuba"; "You are a role model, I talk a lot to my daughters about you. It's all about focus, discipline, and perseverance, and you will reach your goal. Blessings"; "Congratulations, keep going, your followers are very proud of you, thousands of blessings"; "You are authentic, you are yourself, and with time, little by little, you will keep growing," read some of the messages she received.
FAQs About Marlan's Journey and Achievements
Here are some common questions and answers about Marlan's inspiring journey and achievements in the United States.
What challenges did Marlan face when she first arrived in the U.S.?
Marlan faced significant challenges, including shame about her appearance and the difficulty of adjusting to a new country. She had to overcome feelings of inferiority and work hard to establish herself.
How did Marlan manage to start her own business?
Despite the hardships, Marlan focused on her skills in designing natural eyebrows, which she had developed in Cuba. Through perseverance and dedication, she was able to start her own business and become successful in her field.
What was Marlan's recent significant achievement in the U.S.?
Marlan recently celebrated obtaining her green card, marking a significant milestone in her journey in the United States. This achievement symbolizes her hard work and dedication to building a better life.