Cuban entrepreneur Maivy Padrón, originally from the Playa municipality in Havana, knows what it means to start from scratch. She arrived in Germany 27 years ago and, like many immigrants, began by taking whatever work she could find: cleaning houses and waiting tables in restaurants. Today, she owns three clinics in Germany, and most importantly, her work has significantly contributed to her mother's recovery. In 2021, her mother suffered paralysis, but now enjoys good health in Europe.
In an interview with CiberCuba, Maivy Padrón recounted how she discovered her passion for physiotherapy while caring for an elderly woman in a wheelchair in Germany. At the time, she was earning 15 marks per hour, before Germany adopted the euro. One day, a physiotherapist visited the woman she was caring for and charged 100 marks for 45 minutes. Surprised, Maivy decided she wanted to become a physiotherapist.
She began studying the profession at a private center, despite not speaking a word of German, thanks to her sister who worked hard to pay for her education. Maivy also worked tirelessly, cleaning houses and working in restaurants on weekends. During that time, no one believed in her except her sister. They said it was impossible to succeed without knowing German. But she proved them wrong, learning the language and graduating. Today, she owns two clinics: one for physiotherapy and another for occupational therapy.
She also owns a dental clinic, which came to her in a different way. While working in a hospital, she became close to a woman who later died of cancer. After her death, the woman's husband asked Maivy to help sell his wife's dental clinic. Maivy visited the clinic, fell in love with it, and asked her husband for help to buy it. Although he hesitated because she wasn't a dentist, Maivy had a plan. She spoke to her personal dentist, who agreed to work at the clinic if Maivy bought it. They've worked together ever since.
In 2021, Maivy's mother suffered paralysis, and the situation worsened. Cuban doctors sent her home, saying there was little they could do. Her daughters flew from Germany to Havana and arranged for her to be treated at the CIREN (International Center for Neurological Restoration) for a year. Afterward, her mother traveled to Germany and now lives a normal life with her three daughters, fully recovered.
Based on her life experience, Maivy Padrón advises all Cubans with sick relatives in Cuba to do everything in their power and never give up. She also has a message for entrepreneurs: "Life is perseverance and a lot of love." She adds that this personal commitment sets her clinics apart from the rest.
FAQs about Maivy Padrón's Journey and Success
Here are some frequently asked questions about Maivy Padrón's inspiring journey, her clinics, and her advice for others.
How did Maivy Padrón start her career in Germany?
Maivy Padrón began by working in jobs like cleaning houses and waiting tables in restaurants. She later discovered her passion for physiotherapy and pursued it despite not knowing German.
What motivated Maivy Padrón to become a physiotherapist?
Maivy was inspired to become a physiotherapist after seeing how much a physiotherapist charged for a session with a patient she was caring for. She realized she wanted to pursue this career.
How did Maivy Padrón manage to buy a dental clinic?
Maivy was offered the opportunity to buy a dental clinic after the owner passed away. She discussed her plan with her personal dentist, who agreed to work in the clinic if Maivy bought it.
What advice does Maivy Padrón have for Cubans with sick relatives?
Maivy advises Cubans with sick relatives to do everything in their power and never give up. She emphasizes perseverance and love as key components to success and recovery.