Buenas - October/November 2018

SERENA SIRENA

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STUDENT SAVINGS

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Modern murals

Bold and beautiful

Create your own masterpiece

Steak and Cheese

GUAM LOCATIONS: AAFB Exchange Agana Shopping Center Agat

Airport Road Mobil Barrigada Barrigada Heights Mobil Ysengsong Mobil Station

Guam Premier Outlets NEX Mini Mart/Gas Station Tumon Mangilao Yigo Shell Station Micronesia Mall NEXCOM Bldg #258

SAIPAN LOCATIONS: Gualo Rai Chalan Piao Paseo de Marianas, Garapan

SUBWAY® is a Registered Trademark of Subway IP Inc. ©2018 Subway IP Inc. 06.458779.17 “Coca-Cola” is a registered trademark of The Coca-Cola Company.

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contents October/November 2018

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TRAVEL

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Hakone

CALENDAR

Events in October and November

ESSENCE OF GUAM

Animals/environment

COVER FEATURE

Murals

LISTICLE

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Student discounts

BUSINESS

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Serena Sirena

Buenas is Guam’s leading lifestyle magazine and reflects the popularity of the magazine among all who live on-island or who visit Guam! The magazine will continue to bring its readers lively features on the lifestyle of Guam — what is happening throughout the island, who is doing something fun or special and what’s coming up on the Guam calendar.

Connect with us!

www.buenasguam.com

About the cover: A mural done by Jeff Ejan of a local girl dressed in seaweed can be seen on a wall by the tennis courts at John F. Kennedy High School in Tamuning.

Buenas October/November

PUBLISHER Maureen N. Maratita BUSINESS EDITOR Meghan Hickey LIFESTYLE EDITOR Jesse C. Babauta REPORTERS John I. Borja Wayne Chargualaf INTERN Lee Ann Jastillana CREATIVE DEPT. SUPERVISOR Vikki Fong

2018

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Luisa Joy Castro Keisha Gozum Conrad Calma GENERAL SALES MANAGER Ken Dueñas PRODUCT REPRESENTATIVE Garion Abulencia ADMINISTRATION Janice Castro Carmelita McClellan Jenalyn Aguon MANAGING DIRECTOR Marcos W. Fong

Glimpses of Guam Inc. Mission Statement: To connect people with information.

Glimpses Publications include: Marianas Business Journal • MBJ Life • Guam Business Magazine • Real Estate Journal • Buenas • Beach Road Magazine • Drive Guam • Pocket Deals

Buenas October/November 2018 • Entire contents copyrighted 2018 by Glimpses of Guam, Inc. Buenas is published bi-monthly by Glimpses of Guam Inc., 161 US Army Juan C. Fejeran St. Barrigada Heights, GU 96913.

Telephone: (671) 649-0883, Fax: (671) 649-8883, Email: lifestyleeditor@glimpsesofguam.com • All rights reserved.

No material may be printed in part or in whole without written permission from the publisher.

Travel///Hakone

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Travel///Hakone

Hakone Story and photos by Julian Ryall

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cloud of yellow-grey smoke billows out of the ground and into the sky. The earth burps a second time a few hundred yards away and another cloud escapes. Within seconds, the air is filled with the pungent, gritty odor of Sulphur.

Owakudani is a crater that formed in the side of Mount Hakone around 3,000 years ago and has been releasing Sulphur from deep within this volcano since. Less than 50 miles to the west of central Tokyo, Owakudani is overlooked by its far more famous big brother, the iconic Mount Fuji. The proximity to both the capital of Japan and its most famous landmark has made the town of Hakone the perfect spot for a weekend retreat for anyone who enjoys natural baths and impressive new hotels.

The bowl of the Owakudani crater has been stripped down to bare rock that has been turned Sulphur yellow and is crossed by vents of steam. Higher up on the edges of the shallow valley, the vegetation is grey and withered where it cannot survive the constant exposure to gases. The odor is constant. But so too is the danger. Barricades have been placed along the hiking paths that crisscross the hillside since Mount Hakone erupted in 2015 — a full 800 years since the last major tremor shook the region.

The volcano has smaller vents that show up as steam rising from the forests that cover its flanks and can be seen from the windows of the cable car as visitors descend back to the shores of Lake Ashi.

The shores of this picturesque lake are largely undeveloped, apart from a couple of small communities on its northern and southern tips, where boats designed to look like pirate galleons take visitors on cruises. The ships offer spectacular views of Mount Fuji, although the peak is notoriously shy during the summer months and is often hidden behind banks of cloud. In the winter months, however, its snow-capped peak dominates the skyline.

Cruise past a scarlet “torii” gateway that stands in the water just off the shore and catch a glimpse of a flight of stone stairs flanked by towering cypress trees beyond that lead to Hakone Shrine.

After disembarking at the southern pier, set out once again in the rental car — by far the best way to explore this part of Japan — for the first night’s accommodation.

Hakone Tenyu only opened in 2017, but it has quickly become one of the most popular hotels for visitors to Hakone. Built on a hillside looking down a long valley, the hotel is in a modern traditional Japanese style and every room has a private bath filled with naturally heated “onsen” water on its balcony.

Dinner is a seven-course extravaganza of Japanese cuisine that includes sesame tofu with corn sauce and wasabi as one of the starters, assorted sashimi, a Japanesestyle bouillabaisse and a tender Japanese sirloin steak. After a meal like that, enjoy a soak in the onsen before a night’s rest.

The next morning, visitors can explore the communities at the southern end of Lake Ashi, including climbing the steps to the Hakone Shrine and washing hands in water that gushes from the mouths of nine metal dragons. Another historic spot well worth visiting is the old checkpoint that stands on the banks of the lake that was where travelers were searched or paid a toll in centuries past. The penalties for anyone who attempted to evade the toll are graphically displayed in the nearby exhibition hall and are not for the squeamish.

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Travel///Hakone

After just an hour’s drive, visitors can arrive at a second accommodation in the mid-afternoon — which is ideal as it gives us an opportunity to try out several of the activities at Japan’s newest “glamping” resort. Fujino Kirameki opened this spring and is a stunning amalgamation of “glamourous” and “camping.”

Twenty cabins have been sited on a slope that looks towards Lake Kawaguchi and, rising majestically beyond it, Mount Fuji. Even at the height of summer, there are still patches of snow and ice visible on its highest reaches and, after the sun has set, it is possible to see snakes of light inching higher up its flanks as hiker’s ascent through the hours of darkness to see the sun rise from the peak.

The cabins are a series of steel shipping containers that have undergone a dramatic makeover to create spacious and luxurious rooms. The decked area between the two separate sides is large enough for a gas-fired barbecue and a table that easily seats four.

Dinner includes a selection of starters made with local ingredients, such as camembert cheese with blueberry jam and prosciutto with pork from nearby Gotemba. The trout are from the nearby Fuji River and the mushrooms grew not far off. The squid and shrimp for the fish course are not local, but are delicious nonetheless, while the tomahawk steak sizzles satisfyingly on the grill before being served.

A hammock can be set up on the lawn outside and seems to be something of a magnet for dragonflies, while a steel cauldron is set up by the staff outside the entrance and a log fire is lit as the sun is going down. Perfect for roasting marshmallows and watching the stars in the velvety sky. The final touch before bed is a long soak in the whirlpool bath on the deck with a chilled glass of wine.

HOW TO GET TO HAKONE How to get there from Guam: United Airlines has direct flights to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport for around $633, while several other carriers — Philippines Airlines, Korean Air and Jeju Air — have flights that include stopovers.

Travel time from Guam: The flight from Guam to Narita Airport is just less than four hours. A hire car from the airport direct to Hakone takes 2.5 hours.

Currency and conversion rate: $1 is 111.32 yen.

Best time to go: Spring and autumn are the best times of the year to visit Hakone.

The air is cool and crisp at both times of the year, with cherry blossom out in the earlier part of the year and the mountainsides taking on the golds, reds and russets of the fall from early October. The summer months are less humid than elsewhere in Japan, thanks to the altitude, but it can still get muggy. Winters are cold with snow on the ground.

Where to stay: Hakone Tenyu: https://www.hakone-tenyu.com/en-us and +81 460 82 5111 Fujino Kirameki: https://www.fu-ji-no.jp/kirameki/en/index.html and +81 55075 9111 Must do: Take a cruise on Lake Hakone: https://www.hakone-kankosen.co.jp/foreign/en/ Take a cable car to the Sulphur fields of the Owakudani crater http://www.hakoneropeway.co.jp/foreign/en/ Visit the Okada Museum of Art: http://www.okada-museum.com/en/ explore history at the Hakone Sekisho checkpoint: http://www.hakonesekisyo.jp/english/main/main.html

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Events calendar

WHAT’S NEXT October Village Fiestas Yona: St. Francis of Assisi Umatac: San Dionisio Sinajana: St. Jude

November Village Fiestas

Agana Heights: Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament

OCT. 3 TO 7

NOV. 6

OCT. 6

GHRA 16th Annual Tourism Cup Championship Golf Tournament Location: LeoPalace Golf Resort Registration fee: $150/day $300/two days Showtime: 11 a.m. Shotgun at 12 p.m.

For more information call GHRA at 649-1447.

8th Annual Guam International Film Festival Location: Guam Museum For more information contact Don Muna at 488-2468.

Victim Advocates Reaching Out Duck Race and 2K/5K Location: Hilton Guam Resort & Spa For more information contact the Hilton Guam Resort and Spa at 647-3707.

OCT. 13 AND 14

GHRA Paddling Corporate Challenge Location: TBD For more information, call GHRA at 649-1447.

OCT. 31 Halloween

NOV. 3

Indian Community of Guam presents Diwali Festival of Lights “Bhangra Dance Night” Location: Dusit Thani Guam Resort Time: 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Dress code: Traditional Indian or black tie

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General Election

NOV. 17 AND 18

NOV. 18

Proline Drifting Championships Round 5 Location: Guam International Raceway Park Times: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information contact Tom Akigami at info@upshiftent.com.

NOV. 22

Thanksgiving Day

Events calendar

October sun

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• 8th Annual Guam International Film Festival (Oct. 3-7)

• 8th Annual Guam International Film Festival (Oct. 3-7)

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MOVIES • Venom • A Star is Born • A Happy Prince

• 8th Annual Guam International Film Festival (Oct. 3-7)

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• 8th Annual Guam International Film Festival (Oct. 3-7)

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• Victim Advocates Reaching Out (VARO) Duck Race and 2K/5K • 8th Annual Guam International Film Festival (Oct. 3-7)

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MOVIES • Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween • First Man • Bad Times at the El Royale

• GHRA Paddling Corporate Challenge

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• GHRA Paddling Corporate Challenge

MOVIES • Halloween • Serenity

MOVIES • Hunter Killer • Johnny English Strikes Again

Halloween

FEATURED MOVIE Oct. 19

Halloween Directed by David Gordon Green Starring Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Andi Matichak. Will Patton, Virginia Gardner

Jamie Lee Curtis returns to her iconic role as Laurie Strode, who comes to her final confrontation with Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree on Halloween night four decades ago.

Master of horror John Carpenter will executive produce and serve as creative consultant on this film, joining forces with cinema’s current leading producer of horror, Jason Blum (Get Out, Split, The Purge, Paranormal Activity). Inspired by Carpenter’s classic, filmmakers David Gordon Green and Danny McBride crafted a story that carves a new path from the events in the landmark 1978 film, and Green also directs. (Synopsis from movieweb.com)

*Event times and dates may change without notice.

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Events calendar

November sun

mon

tue

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thu 1

fri 2 MOVIES • The Nutcracker and the Four Realms • Nobody’s Fool • Suspiria

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• Indian Community of Guam presents Diwali Festival of Lights “Bhangra Dance Night”

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• General Election

MOVIES • The Grinch • The Girl in the Spider’s Web • The Front Runner • Bad Boys for Life

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• GHRA 16th Annual Tourism Cup Championship Golf Tournament

Thanksgiving Day

• Proline Drifting Championships Round 5

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MOVIES • Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald • Widows

MOVIES • Robin Hood • Ralph Breaks the Internet • Second Act

30 MOVIES • Anna and the Apocalypse

FEATURED MOVIE Nov. 9

Bad Boys for Life Directed by Joe Carnahan Starring Martin Lawrence and Will Smith

Columbia Pictures is developing a third installment of the “Bad Boys” franchise. The studio hopes to have a script that would reunite director Michael Bay, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. The first “Bad Boys” was released in 1995 and grossed $66 million domestically and $141 million worldwide. The 2003 sequel grossed $138 million domestically and $273 million worldwide. (Synopsis from movieweb.com) *Event times and dates may change without notice.

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• GHRA 16th Annual Tourism Cup Championship Golf Tournament

Essence of Guam///Animal and environmental organizations

Essence of Guam

Animal and environmental organizations A Buenas series featuring nonprofit charitable organizations on Guam and how you can contribute

Guam Animals in Need (GAIN)

Mission: To improve the care of all animals on Guam by sheltering those in need, and through compassionate advocacy, expert education and strong community connections.

What they do: GAIN, the only animal shelter on Guam, operates in Yigo providing care for dogs and cats by providing food, shelter and basic needs. The agency also works to find permanent, loving homes for Guam’s homeless and abused animals through their adoption and foster programs and strives to educate the community in responsible pet care.

GAIN has also recently expanded to providing low-cost spay and neuter services at the Raulerson Spay & Neuter Clinic located at the shelter as well, with the help of local and regional volunteer veterinarians.

Executive Director: Alison Hadley Phone: 653-4246 Clinic Phone: 653-6717 Email: info@guamanimals.org Clinic Email: snip@guamanimals.org Website: guamanimals.org Facebook: facebook.com/guamanimals Foster Facebook Page: facebook.com/groups/GAINfosters Instagram: @guamanimals How to volunteer: To sign up for volunteer opportunities, visit timecounts.org/gain, log onto guamanimals.org, email or call the GAIN office.

How to donate: Visit guamanimals.org to make a donation electronically.

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Micronesian Conservation Coalition

Mission: To conserve island habitats and species throughout Micronesia by reinforcing community connections to the true value of these ecosystems, while respecting and preserving unique cultures and their natural resources.

What they do: The coalition creates meaningful learning opportunities, supplements educational experiences, assists in student exchange programs, expands community-based research and awareness programs, facilitates regional island programs and offers support for educational institutions and businesses. Programs and events include the SeaLife Adventures Camp for young adults, the Manta Mania Yap research program, the Fish Identification Spawning Surveys Habitat project, Marine Island Ecology class and UOG Marine Team high school presentations.

Executive Chairman: Julie Hartup Email: micronesianconservation@gmail.com Website: micronesianconservation.org Facebook: facebook.com/MicronesianConservationCoalition Twitter: @mccmantas How to volunteer: To volunteer, visit website.

How to donate: Visit website for more information.

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Cover feature///Murals

Beautifying our island one mural at a time Story and photos by Jesse Babauta

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raffiti is often associated with vandalism.

Recently, there has been an effort to change that stigma and have graffiti recognized as a credible artform. Many graffiti artists are extremely talented—simply opting to use a spray can as opposed to a paint brush. By asking property owners for permission, documenting the process and then raising awareness through the internet, today graffiti artists are commissioned to do projects aiming to beautify rather than deface.

Guam Spraycation 2018 kicked off on May 25, with the last mural completed on June 3.

During that time, a team of international artists collaborated with local graffiti enthusiasts and let the creative juices flow. With support from local entrepreneurs like Melchor Manibusan, owner of Coffee Slut/Spike 22; John Calvo, owner of Mungee Pops; Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter, Jon “The Super Saiyan” Tuck; and Edgar “Lerk” Gaza, co-owner of Opake, a total of 16 murals went up across the island. From Tumon to Hagåtña — major hotels, private businesses and even one of the public high schools volunteered their walls as canvases for the once frowned upon artform. The Guam Visitors Bureau and representatives from the legislature praised the project and its participants for their efforts. Upon hearing about the project, John Calvo decided it was a worthy cause and sought funding for the project. “I’m a closet art fan and I felt this was just good for Guam. Hopefully we can get more support locally.” Guam Spraycation 2018 was without a doubt— a huge success.

Located at JFK High School in Tamuning

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Located in Tumon near Outrigger building

Cover feature///Murals

Located at JFK High School in Tamuning

Located at JFK High School in Tamuning

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Cover feature///Murals

Located at JFK High School in Tamuning

“I’m a closet art fan and I felt this was just good for Guam.

Hopefully we can get more support locally.”

— John Calvo

Located at Mermaids Tavern, Hagåtña

Located in the Plaza Building in Tumon

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Located poolside at the Pacific Star Resort & Spa in Tumon

Cover feature///Murals

Located at JFK High School in Tamuning

Located on the building down the street from US Post Office in Hagatna, facing Marine Corps Drive and Chamorro Village

Located on the Star Sports Cards & Toys building in Tamuning

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Listicle///Student discounts

Student discounts

By Lee Ann Jastillana

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rguably, the best part about being a college student is the student discounts.

Here are some handy student deals and discounts that you can find online and in-stores.

Local Retailers Clothing • JJ Styles: 15% off Lifestyle • Mobil Student Smiles Program: 3% discount and six Smiles Drivers rewards points for every gallon of fuel purchased • IT&E: 3gb of data and unlimited talk and text for $30 a month Fitness: • Unified Guam Gym: 50% off enrollment fee • Hilton Wellness Center: 10% off published rates School Supplies: • National Office Supply: 20% off • Standard Office Supply: 20% off Tech • NET PC Guam: 10% off laptops and a free student diagnostic for broken laptops

If you haven’t already, sign up for UniDays, an online program that gives you access to tons of student promo codes for online shopping. Anyone with a student email can sign up. Although discounts and deals change, some current discounts include: Fashion • ASOS: 10% off • Missguided: 20% off • Boohoo: 15% off • Pretty Little Thing: 10% off • American Apparel: 15% off • Under Armour: 10% off • Princess Polly: 15% off • Hollister: 10% off • Forever 21: 10% off • Topshop: 10% off • Levi’s: 20% off • Urban Outfitters: 10% off • Miss Selfridge: 10% off • GAP: 15% off • QUIZ: 15% off • Unif: 15% off • Reebok: 15% off • Roxy: 15% off • Quiksilver: 15% off • Modcloth: 15% off • Rag & Bone: 15% off • K-Swiss: 20% off • Vans: 10% off • Supra: 20% off • Ugg: 10% off • Converse: 15% off • Asics: 20% off • Sunglass Hut: 15% off • Dr. Martens: 10% off • Raybans: 25% off (discount changes) • Daniel Wellington: 15% Beauty • MAC Cosmetics: 10% off • Urban Decay: 10% off • Kiehl’s: 10% off • Origins: 10% off • Birchbox: 50% off Technology • Canon: 10% off • Skullcandy: 20% off • Vimeo: 50% off • Apple: up to 10% off • HP: up to 30% off *Log onto UniDays for a complete list of student discounts.

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Listicle///Student discounts

Triton Privileges If you go to the University of Guam, you’re be able to sign up for Triton Privileges, a discount and deals program accessible through the UOG TritonGo app.

Food • Benii: Get a deep-fried, or grilled chicken lunch for $8 Monday through Thursday.

• Burger King: Free Whopper Jr. with purchase of any Whopper combo meal.

• Campus Cafe: Receive a large tea for the price of a small.

• Capricciosa: $3 off your purchase of $20 or more.

• Chowan Korean: Free soft drink with purchase of any entrée.

• Cinnabon Guam: 50% off a second Cinnabon Classic when you purchase one at regular price.

• Cold Stone Creamery & Yogurt Bar: 10% off all products, excluding gift cards and cakes.

• Crosswalk Café: One free 12oz coffee or iced tea with every burger entrée.

• Fresh Motive: 5% off • Froots: 5% off • Gabriel’s Restaurant: 10% off any entrée • Great Harvest: One classic sandwich, one large fountain drink and one GH cookie of the day for $10.50.

• Gud Munchies: 10% off your purchase.

• Hafaloha, Inc.: 10% off entire retail purchase; get a free add on item with every purchase of shaved ice.

• Hard Rock Café Guam: 10% off food, non-alcoholic beverages, and retail items; free souvenir shot glass with food & beverage purchase of $35 or more; and complimentary “Paradise Soft Drink” with the purchase of an appetizer.

• Honolulu Cookie Company: One free cookie.

• Jamaican Grill Restaurants: Triton student plate (combo chicken and ribs with rice) for $8.

• Lotte Hotel Guam: 15% off dining parties of four; 20% off dining parties for 10 or more; and 15% off at Lounge & Deli with a purchase of $30 or more.

• Patisserie PariSco: Free macaron with purchase of $30 or more.

• Pretzel Maker Guam: Free medium drink with a purchase of a large Pretzel Bites.

• Saipan Bubba Gump: One free Bubba’s Far Out Dip with a purchase of an entrée.

• Singh’s Café Kebab & Curry: 10% off • Sunday’s Guam: 15% off entire order.

• Saipan Surf Club: One free scoop of ice cream with a purchase of a dine-in entrée.

• Tango Theaters: $1 off any food combo purchase at the concessions stand.

• Terraza Bar and Grille: One free soft serve ice cream with purchase of one entrée.

• TGI Fridays: 10% off any meal or beverage.

• The Kracked Egg: One free hotcake with entrée purchase of $10 or more.

• Three Squares: One free bread pudding with purchase of an entrée.

• Tony Roma’s (Guam): One free onion loaf or potato skins order with the purchase of two entrées.

• Tony Roma’s (Saipan): Free mini dessert special or iced tea with the purchase of an entrée.

• Truong’s Vietnamese Restaurant (Guam): Free half order of lumpia with the purchase of an entrée.

• Truong’s Vietnamese Restaurant (Saipan): One free Vietnamese iced coffee with the purchase of an entrée.

• Wendy’s: Free Jr. Frosty with the purchase of a combo meal.

Tech & Telecommunications • Docomo Pacific: Free $10 prepaid card with purchase of any prepaid Figo device.

• IT&E: Get an extra 5GB of 4G LTE data free when you sign up for any postpaid plan.

• MacTech: $5 off any retail purchase of $25 or more.

Hotel Accommodations • Hotel Santa Fe: Standard room for $65 a night.

• Hyatt Regency Guam: 10% off all outlets including room service and banquet events; 20% off at Island Sirena Spa; Graduates eat for free at Cafe Kitchen and Niji Japanese Restaurant.

Car Care • Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center: Free car wash with every oil change.

• Triple J 24-hour Mini Mart: Softglass Maxx car wash products at promotional prices: $15 for Platinum Wash; $12 for Diamond Wash; and $10 for Gold Wash.

• Triple J Auto Group: Free window tinting for any new or used vehicle purchased at all dealer locations.

Retail and Entertainment • American Music: 10% off strings, capos and tuners.

• Analista & Co.: 15% off • Geek Out: $5 off your purchase of $50 or more.

• Lava Lounge: 15% off entire purchase.

• PanIQ45: 40% off entrance fee.

• The Vault GU: $5 off purchases of $50 or more.

• Triton Store: 15% off University of Guam logo merchandise in:store and online using code TRITONPRIV2018.

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Business///Serena Sirena

Soft and smooth Serena Sirena’s natural, vegan skincare products Story and photos by Lee Ann Jastillana

Acne can easily drain one’s self-confidence. Maria Hendricks, founder and owner of skincare company Serena Sirena, struggled with her sensitive, acne-prone skin for years, covering breakouts with makeup and trying expensive skincare regimens. She started making natural soap bars for her daughter who had eczema, and after research about the chemical ingredients that comprise many skincare lines, began making products for herself. Her skin found the relief it sought, and Hendricks hasn’t looked back since.

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amed after Hendricks’ daughter, Serena Sirena carries a variety of skincare products including facial cleansers, toners, mists, facial oils, serums, masks, lip balms and bar soaps.

The Guam-based company began in 2016, but Hendricks says she’s started to focus on her social media marketing and online presence just this past year.

“I’ve always wanted to start something of my own,” she says.

“It’s lots of research and looking into what ingredients are effective and the difference in issues.”

All products are made in small batches to ensure customers receive them fresh. Hendricks uses only plant-based, natural ingredients and provides a complete list of everything she uses on her website. To her, it’s important that people are able to pronounce and recognize the ingredients they put on their skin.

The different combinations of natural ingredients set Hendricks’ brand apart from others. She also makes it a point to pack in as much nutrients and skin benefits she can into one product so her customers get their money’s worth.

“Other businesses are putting fillers — the first ingredient is water and everything else is in small amounts, and I really try to avoid doing that,” she says. “If someone is paying for something, then it should be something that isn’t just fancy water.”

Hendricks works from home, spending at least three hours a day designing and making products depending on the amount of orders she receives. She says she’s very meticulous about her process, maintaining a clean work space, sterilizing her utensils and testing products on herself and her family before putting them out for sale. If she gets a single breakout from a product she’s testing, she does not sell it.

“My bathroom is literally filled with products that didn’t make the cut,” Hendricks says. “I’ll still try to use them — they still have

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great ingredients — but I’m not going to sell them to anybody.”

Although her products can be used on every skin type, they are generally created for people with oily, acne-prone skin like hers.

She says that often, those are the people in search of better skincare alternatives.

She recalls the damage acne used to do to her self-confidence and encourages people struggling with it to keep their routine simple and ensure the products they use are compatible with their skin type.

Hendricks’ products can be bought online through Etsy and the Serena Sirena website or in-store at the Guam Art Boutique in Hagåtña. She says she’d like to keep the business small to distribute freshly made products but is interested in potential collaborations with other businesses.

In the future she looks forward to adding new products to her line of skincare. She says she’s constantly coming up with new recipe ideas and definitely tries to cater to her customers’ requests and suggestions.

Hendricks plans on introducing deodorant, hair products, tinted lip balms and different makeup items to her brand. She’s also looking to create a subscription program in the future where people who consistently buy a product receive a discount.

“I want people to enjoy the products,” she says. “I’m not trying to make a lot of money; I just want to make enough money to continue.”

Eventually, she hopes the products can become staples in people’s skincare routine. So far, she’s gotten good feedback from customers which has motivated her to keep doing what she loves.

“I like giving people something that they can use that’s effective and safe,” Hendricks says. “I’m glad to have made this option for myself, for my family and for others.”