UOG got in touch with three alumni who are now small-business owners to find out how their UOG degree prepared them to become entrepreneurs and how their businesses now contribute to the local economy.

Nia Serneo

Mighty Island

Industry: Film Production

UOG Degree: '20 PMBA

Q: How does your business contribute to the local economy?

A: At our core, we are a small local creative independent film company. So, our involvement within the local economy is multifaceted. We have partnerships with various large companies, government agencies, and nonprofits to help further their marketing goals and enhance their messaging. That, in turn, helps us create opportunities to mentor other aspiring filmmakers in partnership with UOG through film internships.

We also source for grant-funded films that allow us to showcase Guam and CNMI talent in various film festivals around the world.

Moreover, many things go into creating a film that are sourced locally — everything from hiring talent, sound designers, graphic artists, props, locations, equipment, etc. — which goes back into the economy.

Q: What inspired you to start your company?

A: My brothers and I officially started the company in 2016. Their background is in film, and mine is in strategic communications. We wanted to make movies and tell stories but also create a livelihood that would allow us to do that. We realized that there was a big opportunity to bring our film and storytelling styles into mainstream media and put out content that was artistic, relative, authentic, and representative of the community. 

Q: How has your experience at UOG prepared you for your career?

A: I went through the PMBA program at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, so it was definitely a unique experience. As a small business, I don't think you can ever be fully prepared for anything. My experience fortified my belief in the power of good messaging, which is one of the pillars of our company. I've learned that the relationship between creating art and running a business is complex, but it is about finding and accepting different levels of balance.The biggest takeaway from the PMBA program is the connections it fostered between myself and my cohort.

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Joseph Certeza

Tao Pacific Designs

Industry: Textile Printing and Heritage Arts 

UOG Degree: '17 B.A. in Sociology

Q: How does your business contribute to the local economy?

A: Tao Pacific Designs has made its biggest impact through the stories and intentions of our patterns that are printed on various textiles. Our goal is to set a higher standard of keeping it local, which is why most of our products are hand-printed here. We contribute to the economy by working with seamstresses on the island and locally sourcing our fabrics. We also collaborate with other local creative businesses on projects and product lines.

Q: What inspired you to start your company?

A: We noticed that a lot of people were wearing 'Aloha' shirts for Håfa Adai Friday. Those designs represented Hawaiian stories, and we felt that our stories were missing. We wanted to give stories from Micronesia and the Marianas the opportunity to be at the forefront of Håfa Adai Fridays. Our purpose is bigger than building a brand — it's building a sense of pride for the community.

Q: How has your experience at UOG prepared you for your career? 

A: As a sociology student, I applied what I learned in class to my civic and social engagement as a community organizer. With Tao Pacific Designs, I have been applying the theories of symbolic interaction — where the intention is everything — in what I create as a visual storyteller and how I do business on the island.

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Caleb Barretto

Unified Fit

Industry: Health and Wellness

UOG Degree: '10 BBA

Q: How does your business contribute to the local economy?

A: Unified has been providing jobs to the community since 2014. Part of our mission has been to improve the quality of life in Guam with our unique approach to exercise. To help create awareness, we partner up with private and government organizations and provide free community events.

 

Q: What inspired you to start your company?

A: My brother and I have always had a deep interest in sports and outdoor activities because we grew up in a family that was very active. One of my inspirations was to not only help my family stay active, but to get other families to a degree of fitness where they can also experience what I've always appreciated.

Q: How has your experience at UOG prepared you for your career?

A: The first thing that comes to mind is being proactive. Always do things to put yourself in the best possible position to take advantage of opportunities. Teamwork is another big topic. Being able to navigate paradigms to help influence teamwork is another important aspect of business so that there is a balance between monetary and intrinsic fulfillment.