Miami-Based Cuban Woman Claps Back at Derogatory Comment About Her Cleaning Job

Mailen Milaleyva, a Cuban woman known on TikTok as @mailenmilaleyva, responded firmly to a derogatory comment about her cleaning job in Miami. In a video that accumulated over 5,300 likes in just a day, Mailen addressed a user's criticism that stated, "Your need is great."

With a clear and direct tone, Mailen explained that, as a Cuban, necessity has been her companion for the 28 years she lived on the island, and it was this very necessity that drove her to seek a better future for her family in the United States.

“If for you, wanting to get ahead to take my family out of a country where you don’t live, you survive, is the concept of necessity, then yes, I am the neediest person in the world,” she stated, all while performing her cleaning duties. The TikToker defended the value of honest work, emphasizing that it wasn’t about luxury but about striving to support her family. She also criticized those who misuse "freedom of expression" to spread malicious comments, stressing: “It’s so easy to live and let live.”

Mailen’s response garnered a wave of support in the comments, with many users applauding her courage and encouraging her to keep fighting: “Be proud that you had the courage to move forward and earn your money humbly and try to make something of yourself”; “With the freedom that the person who commented was born with and only used it to meddle in what doesn’t concern them. My beautiful Cuban, I admire and respect you”; “What a response, blessings to you. New follower here, stay strong and achieve all your goals”; “Well said, but to work honestly you don’t have to be in need. People meddle in what doesn’t concern them instead of looking at themselves”; “Never give up, I tell you from experience. I worked so hard in this country and thanks to God, after 2 years and 6 months, I managed to bring 4 of my family,” they said.

Some followers also highlighted the effort and dedication of this young Cuban fighter: “It’s beautiful to see someone fighting for their dreams. Blessings”; “Be proud of the work you do”; “Keep doing what you’re doing, it’s not a crime, it’s honest work. I did it for 15 years and never felt degraded. I was very happy helping my 3 daughters”; “No ma’am, she doesn’t have a need. She is a warrior who isn’t afraid of any job to get ahead. Here, we’ve all cleaned houses to make a living”; “People think they offend when they say need is precariousness. When you have the drive to move forward and, above all, be proud of being Cuban”; “God bless you. Be proud that you can sleep peacefully at night because you earn your money decently,” they added.

This isn’t the first time Mailen has shared her experiences as a Cuban emigrant and her entrepreneurial journey in the cleaning business in Miami, where she has managed to make a decent living and continue supporting her family in Cuba.

“I’ve been here for almost two years and have already brought my dad and brother, still have three more to bring… I love seeing how we don’t abandon our family,” she commented a few hours ago in response to someone praising her determination to improve her family’s life through her hard work.