FACES OF PACE

When you first connected with PACE, what stage was your idea in?

When I first connected with PACE, Neni Made, which was called Grow Guam at the time, was in its very early stages. It was merely just a dream and something I always knew I wanted to pursue someday in the future.

How did participating in these programs directly help you move your idea forward?

Participating in UHVC put my idea out there. It really gave me valuable and positive feedback from customers and experienced business professionals, which drove me even more, knowing people loved my idea. Placing 3rd in the competition also gave me the confidence and motivation to take my idea seriously and move forward with it, which I ended up doing and love so much!

I was then invited to join PACE Entrepreneurs, which significantly helped move my idea forward because it pushed me to get past the planning stage and actually start taking action. Instead of just hoping it would happen, I was held accountable for making real progress. The program provided valuable resources, opportunities within PACE, and constant motivation to stay productive. I’m truly grateful for these experiences and how they’ve helped me get to where I am today.

How did you use the RISE Center spaces (Maker Space, Kipuka, meeting rooms) to develop or launch your business?

Neni Made would not be where it is today without the Maker Space at RISE. The equipment and materials allowed me to create MVPs, produce my shirts, and test different designs before selling. It gave me the space to experiment, learn the production process, and physically bring my ideas to life!

Can you describe one specific moment, milestone, or outcome that would not have happened without PACE or RISE?

Yes! My first ever pop up would not have happened without PACE and RISE. I wouldn’t have been able to create my products, test my designs, or feel confident enough to sell without being a PACE entrepreneur, having access to the Maker Space, and the support system around me. Having the resources to produce my inventory and the encouragement to actually put myself out there made that milestone possible. It was the moment my idea officially became a real business!

In one or two sentences, how would you describe the role PACE and the RISE Center played in bringing your idea to life?

PACE and the RISE Center gave me both the resources and the push I needed to turn my dreams of starting my small business into my reality!

Tune in to The Next Wave podcast by PACE to  hear more about Kristen’s journey balancing life as a student athlete and new business founder; and the importance of taking action on your ideas.