By Khadidja Ba
Lily Munoz is a Venezuelan educator turned entrepreneur who has found both challenges and opportunities in her new life in Guyana. From her humble beginnings in Venezuela to her current role in the education sector, Munoz’s journey is a testament to the strength and resilience of migrants who leave behind their homes in search of a better life.
Munoz’s decision to migrate wasn’t an easy one. “The most difficult challenge I faced when I first decided to leave Venezuela was leaving my family behind,” she shared. “It was not just about saying goodbye to loved ones, but also to a life I had known for so long.” But the circumstances in Venezuela pushed her to look beyond her borders for work and opportunity.
Her decision led her to Guyana on August 1st, 2019, where she found a job in the education sector—a field she is deeply passionate about. “I came to work in the education field, and my journey has been great because I have been learning things differently from my native country,” she explained.
Arriving in Guyana on Emancipation Day, Munoz was immediately struck by the cultural vibrancy of the country. “It was amazing to see the people all dressed up in cultural clothing, celebrating the day with such pride,” she recalled. Having travelled across South America before, she was not unfamiliar with cultural diversity, but this experience stood out. “I just adapt to any country. There wasn’t much culture shock for me,” she said, highlighting how the shared cultural and linguistic ties between Venezuela and Guyana helped her adjust.
Despite the familiarity, there was one thing she missed the most when she first arrived in Guyana: “The food,” she said, remembering the flavours of her homeland.
She soon brought her youngest children to join her, finding stability through her work at a private educational institution. “I was supported by the company that hired me, which gave me the stability to bring my children here,” she shared.
Her ability to speak both English and Spanish—her mother tongue—has been crucial in her adaptation process. “Social, teaching, and language skills have helped me immensely,” she noted, as her bilingualism allowed her to bridge communication gaps and thrive professionally.
As she settled into life in Guyana, Munoz found the local Guyanese community to be incredibly welcoming. “Guyanese people in general have been very supportive. They have been very hospitable,” she said, highlighting the importance of community and the sense of belonging it has given her. For many migrants, especially those far from home, finding a support network can make all the difference.
However, the journey has not been without its hurdles. One of the most challenging moments came when the institution that hired her did not renew her contract. “It was a tough time, but I kept going because I had to support my family and continue my personal and professional growth,” she explained. This setback only fuelled her determination to continue working toward her dreams, including her goal of pursuing a master’s degree and exploring the entrepreneurial world.
She pivoted, launching Yummy’s Made with Love, which offers tasty and scrumptious Venezuelan delicacies. Today, she remains focused on her ambitions. “I want to see my business flourish, and I want to make sure my family is well-settled,” she said, her eyes reflecting both hope and ambition.
Her journey in Guyana, though challenging at times, has opened doors to new possibilities, and her story is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of migrants across the world.
For those considering a similar path, she said: “I would tell other Venezuelans to learn survival English before migrating.” Mastering even basic communication in English, she explained, can make a huge difference in both finding work and integrating into a new society.
She also emphasized the importance of perseverance. “Be blessed with the opportunity to fulfil your goals and dreams, and always represent Venezuela with pride, wherever you go,” she said. For Munoz, maintaining a connection to her roots is vital, and though the road ahead may be uncertain, one thing is clear: she is determined to build a brighter future for herself and her family in Guyana, one step at a time. Anyone interested in ordering from her business can call +592 633 6392.
