FACES OF PACE

ABOUT THE FOUNDER

I was born and raised in Tahiti, French Polynesia, and moved to Hawaiʻi to pursue higher education. Growing up, I was passionate about the ocean, fishing, and Polynesian culture. I saw an opportunity to create a brand that authentically represented our lifestyle and heritage. What started as a small project among family and friends gradually evolved into Seagma. Initially, we simply wanted to create a high-quality, sustainable product for our community and shared it at no cost. As demand grew, we began selling our products so we could continue producing and expanding our impact. We launched in Tahiti and, after building a strong customer base there, expanded operations to Hawaiʻi while I was completing my degree at UH Mānoa.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Seagma is a Tahitian lifestyle and apparel brand that connects people to the ocean through designs inspired by Polynesian culture, fishing, diving, and island life. Our mission is to create high-quality apparel that represents the values, traditions, and spirit of the Pacific while building a bridge between Tahiti and Hawaiʻi.

Since launching, Seagma has operated successfully for four years and has grown from direct-to-consumer sales into retail partnerships. We expanded from Tahiti into the Hawaiʻi market and have secured placement in retail stores, including Hanapaʻa, one of Hawaiʻi’s largest fishing retailers. We continue to grow our customer base through community events, markets, social media, e-commerce, and strategic wholesale partnerships. This growth has validated our mission and demonstrated that there is strong demand for an authentic Polynesian lifestyle brand rooted in ocean culture.

Our goal is to continue expanding Seagma’s retail presence throughout Hawaiʻi while strengthening our e-commerce platform. We also plan to introduce new product lines, increase wholesale partnerships, and further establish Seagma as a recognized Polynesian lifestyle brand across the Pacific. Long-term, we hope to create opportunities that connect and support communities in both Tahiti and Hawaiʻi. Our slogan, “Connected by the Sea,” reflects this vision and serves as a reminder of the cultural and geographic ties that unite our communities.

LESSONS THROUGH PACE

PACE helped me better understand entrepreneurship as a process rather than just an idea. I learned how to validate opportunities, communicate a business concept, build professional networks, and navigate the challenges of starting and growing a company. PACE also taught me that entrepreneurship has very few limits and that there is no better time to start than now. Perhaps most importantly, PACE gave me access to mentors, resources, and a community that helped take Seagma to new heights.

WORDS OF ADVICE

Start before you feel ready. Many students wait for the perfect idea, the perfect timing, or more experience. In reality, entrepreneurship is a learning process that happens through action. Test your ideas early, talk to customers, seek feedback, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The lessons you learn from actually building something are often more valuable than anything you can learn in a classroom alone.

I would also encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to stay on top of the small things. As a student and entrepreneur, it is easy to become overwhelmed by competing responsibilities and postpone certain tasks. However, every email, meeting, application, and follow-up can create opportunities that compound over time. Consistency and attention to detail often make the difference between a good idea and a successful business.

Balancing full-time studies, work, and entrepreneurship was challenging, but it reinforced the values of discipline, resilience, and time management. Being a student entrepreneur allowed me to immediately apply what I learned in the classroom to real-world situations. Looking back, the journey strengthened my belief that entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful ways to create opportunities, solve problems, and positively impact communities. It also showed me that meaningful businesses can be built while still in school, provided you are willing to learn, adapt, and remain committed to your vision.

Website: https://seagma.com
Instagram: @‌seagma