Michelle Pier is an
artist and entrepreneur, born and raised on Guam and inspired by the simple
beauty and complex history of her island home. She has Chamorro blood running
through her veins, though her family is of a mixed background. Michelle
resonates with the strong women in her family. One of those women was Agueda
Johnston, her great-grandmother, who was known for her roles in building up
education on Guam before and after WWII, as well as her efforts during WWII.
She was beaten for being suspected by the Japanese of helping to hide the last
American radioman to keep contact with the U.S. Her husband died in a
concentration camp in Japan and she was left to raise their seven children on
her own. Michelle admires her great-grandmother's endurance and strength, and
made her own commitment to herself to live a full life of joy and purpose.
Michelle taught herself to draw and
create things at a very young age and has always had a strong creative spark.
She paints with thick flowing textures, layers of metallic and colorful
scenery, sometimes abstract and always full of energy. She has taken some art
classes at the University of Guam, as well as the City College of San
Francisco, but mostly she loves to learn by experimenting. Michelle started
painting consistently after she became a single mother of two and needed to
create as a way to turn around a dark time in her life. She started a business
in 2009 creating and selling art, and holding classes as well as large
community events. She has since exhibited and sold hundreds of original acrylic
paintings and prints locally and abroad. She has contributed art toward many
local events and organizations. In 2015, the SBA awarded her the Home-based
Business Champion of the year. She encourages people to follow their passions
and live life to its full potential. Michelle hopes to continue sharing Guam's
unique story with the world through art.
When asked how the Guam SBDC and
other resources helped her in starting her business, Michelle stated, “When I
was first getting started in my business, I was overwhelmed with the process
and couldn't see a clear path ahead. Someone referred me to the free services
offered by the Small Business Development Center, and I was immediately
relieved that it even existed. At that stage in my business, I had no capital,
and was in no financial position to be investing in business mentorship. I was
assigned to Denise Mendiola, and met with her periodically to strategize what
steps to take next in my business. She helped me to create a business plan step
by step, and made the daunting task seem doable. She helped me to consider all
options and resources available to me, whether I wanted to apply for a loan or
seek other funding sources. She guided me through the process of applying for a
space at the Chamorro Village, even though I ultimately shifted toward securing
a physical space elsewhere. I really appreciated that Denise was a
businesswoman herself and could relate to my experience. She helped me navigate
my goals and create actionable steps throughout various stages in my business
over the years. I absolutely love and appreciate that the service is ongoing
and free of charge, as it brings relief and reassurance to know that I have the
support of the SBDC if I come up against certain challenges. I recommend to
anyone who is thinking of starting a business, or looking at expanding an
existing business, to utilize the valuable services offered by the SBDC to
navigate the steps of the process. They have been an instrumental part of my business's
success over the years, and for that I am truly grateful.”
For more information on how the
Guam SBDC can assist you, visit www.pacificsbdc.com.
