A Cuban woman living in Seattle, Washington, who shares her life on TikTok under the handle @laoshuncit4 and goes by "Cubana en Seattle," has joined a popular trend among the diaspora: showcasing the progress of her home renovation in Cuba.
Her videos, shared in mid-August, weave together moments of faith and everyday life. Yet, what truly resonates with her followers is the invisible thread connecting Seattle to the island: a home being transformed brick by brick with earnings from the United States.
This phenomenon is not unique to her. Since 2025, and gaining even more momentum this year, TikTok has become the favorite platform for thousands of Cuban expatriates to display the "before and after" of homes in Havana, Holguín, Pinar del Río, Caibarién, and other provinces.
These stories are bound by a mix of pride, nostalgia, and a response — sometimes silent, sometimes vocal — to critics who accuse them of "showing off."
Seattle's Unique Cuban Connection
What sets "Cubana en Seattle" apart is precisely her location. Unlike Miami or Tampa, Seattle's Cuban community is relatively small, making her journey stand out within a trend that already has its own stars.
Renovating a house in Cuba from abroad is far from a cheap endeavor. Documented cases reveal costs soaring over $60,000, with expenses ranging from $3,500 for a wall to an additional $7,000 for a roof. This is in a nation where construction materials are scarce and the government has long failed to address the housing shortage.
Other Cuban women have embarked on similar paths with significant impact. Yoa Cancino showcased her home's transformation in Holguín, amassing over 133,800 views. Iris Deysi shared a three-story house in Pinar del Río that began in August 2025 and reached its final stages by May of this year. Ana Leyla, a 20-year-old, posted a video of her modest Cuban home in late August, surpassing 67,700 views.
The Drive Behind the Renovations
The motivation, in nearly all cases, remains consistent: to have a personal retreat, support family left behind, or simply achieve independence. As one creator explained her reason for sharing her accomplishments: "It's not vanity, but pride in having started from scratch."
"Cubana en Seattle" is pursuing her journey in her own way, from a rainy city in the northwestern United States, with her eyes set on a home that is gradually becoming more her own.
Understanding the Cuban Diaspora's Home Renovations
Why are Cuban expatriates renovating homes in Cuba?
Cuban expatriates often renovate homes in Cuba to have a personal retreat, support family that remains on the island, or to gain independence from relying on others.
How do TikTok videos contribute to this trend?
TikTok videos allow Cuban expatriates to share the transformation process of their homes, connecting with followers through relatable stories of pride and nostalgia, while sometimes addressing criticism.
What are some challenges faced in renovating homes in Cuba?
Renovating homes in Cuba can be challenging due to high costs, often exceeding $60,000, and the scarcity of construction materials in the country.