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My Sweet Success

My name is Nayahibit J. Vera de Castillo, and I am a 47-year-old Venezuelan mother of two. My journey to rebuild my life brought me to Santiago, Chile, after fleeing Venezuela in December 2018 due to the economic, political, and social crisis.

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Leaving behind my family, home, and career of over 15 years as a Personnel Analyst at the Ministry of Education was incredibly difficult.

Adjusting to my new life was challenging. Without a support network and unable to leave my children alone, finding work was nearly impossible. By April 2019, with my children enrolled in school and daycare, I managed to secure a part-time job at a retail chain. My dedication led to a promotion as a full-time supervisor, yet I continued pursuing my passion—making and selling cakes to colleagues for extra income.

However, in mid-2024, I faced another setback when my workplace shut down. Determined not to give up, I turned to the Emprende Migrante programme, supported by The Human Safety Net. This initiative provided essential training in financial literacy, marketing, and business formalisation, equipping me with the skills to establish my venture, Postres Naya—a business specialising in customised desserts and cakes.

Through the programme, I received vital resources and equipment, empowering me to expand my customer base. Beyond financial stability, my business became a cultural bridge, introducing Venezuelan flavours to Santiago.

Today, I envision opening my own bakery café. I have begun investing in further pastry education, confident in my path as an entrepreneur.