Guam Unique Merchandise and Art, in partnership with DFS Guam, hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the GUMA Makers Market at DFS Guam in Tumon on March 24.
The space features products from Guam’s artists and entrepreneurs. GUMA said that this collaboration “highlights the creativity and craftsmanship of Guam’s small businesses.”
The GUMA Makers Market ribbon cutting on March 24. Photo by Skyler Obispo.
GUMA also said the space provides a platform for these budding businesses to reach a wider audience. Monica O. Guzman, executive director at GUMA, said the space would also give its vendors “priceless, hands-on experience in luxury retail.”
Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero said that the desires of tourists are changing to want local experiences and that the handcrafted goods featured at the Makers Market help sell that experience.
“We need to present the uniqueness of our people to tourists,” she said. “They’re … looking for context; they’re looking to experience the culture of their destination, and Guam is right there in their mind.”
Gina Artero, general manager of DFS Guam, said GUMA and DFS have been in partnership for more than 10 years.
In 2022, GUMA and DFS launched a Holiday Marketplace with eight local artists and entrepreneurs. The Makers Market will feature 32 businesses.
Kiana Quitugua, owner and creator of RaisRoseRue Collections — a GUMA incubated business selling handcrafted rattan and polymer clay earrings — talked about her time in GUMA’s incubator program.
“GUMA didn’t just teach me about running a business, it gave me confidence,” she said.
GUMA helped her connect with other entrepreneurs that act as a support network, Quitugua said.
Lolita B. Poblete — a local artist in the 2024 GUMA Incubator program cycle — has her art featured at the space and made her first ever sale during its opening.
“I’m so happy and I’m so proud,” she said. “This is a breakthrough for me.”
Poblete told the Journal that GUMA helped guide her in developing her business from zero experience.
The Makers Market is open until May 16, though an extension at DFS is always a possibility, Guzman told the Journal. mbj
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