Turning a B&B in Cuba into a Business Rooted in Storytelling and Culture
Overview
Founder (2016 - 2020)
I started Casa Las Tres Naranjas with a simple but powerful idea: to share the beauty of Cuban culture with the world through warm, immersive hospitality.
Tucked in the heart of Trinidad, I built this boutique B&B from scratch, welcoming travelers from around the globe and creating a space where local stories and genuine connection came first.
Running the business meant wearing many hats—from marketing and customer service to operations and community building.
But when the pandemic hit and Cuba's economic situation worsened, I had to make the difficult decision to close. This moment became a turning point. I took the leap into something new, reskilling as a content strategist and digital storyteller, carrying forward everything I had learned as an entrepreneur.
Why did people choose to stay in my hostel in Cuba?
Because…
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![Kids playing in the street with a water hose in Trinidad de Cuba]()
I showed them a window into authentic life...
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![Man with a pig in the streets of Trinidad de Cuba]()
...with images of funny moments or...
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![A man in the street with his pet snake in Trinidad de Cuba]()
...surprising and crazy...
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![The butcher in our street handling a pig]()
...a bit shocking...
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![Kids playing in the rain in Trinidad de Cuba]()
...and happy instances.
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![Kids playing domino in my street where I had my hostel in Trinidad de Cuba]()
This way, they knew they could experience Cuba like a local.
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![Breakfast at Casa Las Tres Naranjas in Trinidad de Cuba]()
I showed that they could feel at home and enjoy conversations while they ate yummy breakfasts...
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![A couple eating dinner my hostel's lovely patio]()
...and delicious dinners.
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![Girls taking Afro Cuban percussion class in Trinidad de Cuba.]()
I showed them how to open their eyes to Cuban culture, like Afro-Cuban percussion classes...
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![A man makes artwork at the Art & Crafts tour in Trinidad de Cuba by Suzanne Frijling]()
...workshop visits with local artists who shared their personal stories about Cuba...
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![I'm showing century old embroidery techniques to my guests/]()
...and explained incredible craftmanship.
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![Suzanne Frijling explained Cuban history at the viewpoint in the Valley of the Sugar Mills, Trinidad de Cuba]()
Guests learned about Cuban history from my unique outsider's perspective...
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![I told them the history of an evil sugar baron in Guaimaro, Valley of the Sugar mills.]()
...visiting a historical sugar baron's villa...
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![Historical Bell tower at the sugar plantation San Isidro]()
...former sugar plantations...
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![People in front of a shrine in Cabildo de San Antonio in Trinidad, Cuba]()
...and an Afro-Cuban religious shrine.
Key Achievements
Built and ran a successful B&B that welcomed guests from all over the world, thanks to great service, strong local ties, and a personal touch.
Created a clear, authentic brand rooted in Cuban culture, earning glowing reviews and high guest satisfaction.
Used blogging and social media to share insider tips and stories, driving traffic to our site and boosting bookings.
After closing the business permanently, I pivoted into content strategy, applying the same creativity and adaptability to a whole new field.
Impact
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Built and led a small business with heart, navigating cultural, logistical, and economic challenges every step of the way.
Authentic Travel
Crafted experiences that let guests truly connect with Cuban life, culture, and community.
Reinvention
When the business closed, I didn’t stop. I transformed the experience into a launchpad for a new, fulfilling career in digital content.