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| ChamGlam Botanika products: PC - Jess Merrill |
PJ San Nicolas received his B.S. in Tropical Agriculture in 2015. He has also been working with the Håya Foundation as its nurseryman for their medicinal plant inventory. He has always had a strong entrepreneurial desire to own his own business. He also uses his experience and knowledge in purchasing farming land and engineering a design to grow ChamGlam’s ingredients locally. They have a two year old son named Ifit. He loves cookies, kådu, and picking flowers for Mama.
Why did you decide to start your own business?
• We decided to start this business because we want to provide luxurious, eco- conscious botanical skin care using the plant essences found here on our beautiful island. Accessibility of organic skincare products to our local consumers and a fair trade sourcing of plants is important to the health of our community. In the end we harvest local herbs and flowers to create a product that our consumers can trust. Farm-to-Face.
What experience do you have in this type of business?
• I have a BSc. in Herbal Science and a love for wild crafting plants and formulating medicinal tinctures and tea blends. Making lip balms, hydrosols, and infused body oils was always a side hobby. We can have the best of both worlds, eco conscious beauty products and embrace current beauty trends, without compromise. Green beauty means a cleaner lifestyle as nature intended. From skincare to foods, we must care for our island sustainably for future generations. By nourishing ourselves, we can then nourish our community.
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| Owners PJ San Nicolas and Ursula Herrera |
• They helped us focus our ideas and streamline the whole process. They were never intimidating. After each class, we felt our dreams becoming a reality. Empowering, really! Denise Mendiola and the GUMA team made themselves available to answer any questions we had. Their guidance and valuable advice helped quell any doubt and gave us the confidence to make our dreams come to fruition.
What was the start-up process like? How did you fund your business?
• We participated in the GUMA (Guam Unique Merchandise and Arts) Program in January 2016, which lasted 12 weeks. Together with SBDC, GUMA mentored us to create our business plan and business model. They helped shape our ideas and conceptualize the final product. We made it through to GUMA’s version of ‘shark tank’ and through the GUMA Program for cultural producers, ChamGlam Botanika got funded.
What were some of the biggest challenges/experienced you experienced in the start-up process?
• Self-doubt. But every Saturday, we were re-inspired. We were surrounded by amazing artists who were just as committed and so encouraging. The camaraderie and inafa’maolek spirit won. There was no room for self-doubt. Only ways to become better. There were times when the whole process was intimidating and daunting, but the hands on experience and the guidance received was immeasurable. There were no wrong or dumb questions. SBDC and GUMA reiterated that even if you didn’t make the incubation program, you’d still be able to take your business plan to a bank, CONFIDENTLY!
What is your most memorable triumph in your start-up process?
• There was this one team exercise where I was able to actually see the concept that lived in my head, come to life. It was illustrated so beautifully by my classmate Amber. I was so emotional! The design concept changed and evolved since then, but it was at that moment that I knew that this daydream was going to come true. Oh and the day we got the call that ChamGlam Botanika was going to get funded! Yay! We made it through shark tank, or dolphin tank!
What are your short-term and long-term plans for your business?
• Short term- Getting the word out to our local community that we have an eco-luxe product. We want to provide our community with nontoxic alternatives to everyday beauty products, and be the inspiration to making cleaner and greener choices.
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| ChamGlam Botanika products: PC - Jess Merrill |
What advice would you give to others who want to start a business at this time?
• This all really started with a daydream. If you wake up every day thinking of owning your own business and it consumes you, do it! Our island has so much amazing talent and inspiring ideas. Don’t hold back. We need to invest more into our local economy. Supporting local is the best way we can ensure a sustainable
Guåhan for our nenis. Invest your amazing ideas into Guåhan. We have the resources right here on our beautiful island to guide you. Make your daydreams come true!
You can find ChamGlam Botanika products at the GUMA Gallery in Chamorro Village from Monday thru Saturday between 10am – 6pm, Wednesdays are open until 9pm; and Sundays from 10am – 3pm.
