ABOUT US
Buenas. Guåhu si Angela Francisco Paet.
I'm dedicated to honoring my father’s legacy. In 2018, I began helping him showcase his carvings online, carefully fact-checking each story behind the pieces. Through this, I uncovered so much of our history that I hadn’t known. My dad’s work always felt a bit masculine for my taste, so I decided to carve a pair of latte earrings for myself, which unexpectedly became my best-seller. After he passed, I felt drawn to continue, even though my main focus had been the historical aspects. I now carve at his bench, using the techniques I learned from videos I recorded of him. And so, we carry his legacy forward.
I met my husband, Jye, in high school when he played lead guitar in my family's band, Heritage. I’m proud of his many musical accomplishments with CHamoru artists who keep our language alive through song. We’ve been married 16 years and have two wonderful sons. Koen is a hidden gem with engine ears for music and the talent to recreate what he hears. Crue was an unexpected blessing who fills our home with laughter and energy. He's full of life and has a knack for loving whatever everyone else doesn’t—he keeps us on our toes!
We left Guam in 2006 seeking medical care for Koen. Both my boys have cleft lip and palate and thriving under the care of the Children’s hospitals.
Listen to us on Dåndan Mariånas:
Photo: (left to right) Me, Koen (ihu), Jye (asagua-hu), and below is Crue (ihu)
I primarily manage my business on my own, with invaluable support from my eldest sister, Ruby, and my nieces, Mia and Mayla. They work behind the scenes and also serve as my models. We all share an entrepreneurial spirit: Ruby and her husband previously owned a construction business and now work in the private sector; Mia owns her own company as an Eyelash Artist; and Mayla, a fitness instructor, teaches classes inspired by Pacific Island dance.
The four of us are active cultural practitioners and members of Guma’ Imahe, a CHamoru cultural dance group in Washington State. We enjoy learning about and practicing our culture and sharing it with our local community.
Lashed by Mia: https://lashedmialynn.as.me/schedule/9d1999af
Guma’ Imahe: www.gumaimahe.org
Tropixx with Mayla Rae: https://www.instagram.com/tropixx_maylarae/
Photo: (left to right) Me, Mia, Ruby, and Mayla.
Difuntu George Gumataotao Francisco
“Familian CHirik” 3/31/58- 4/20/19
Guåhan Heritage Carvings
My dad began carving once all six of us had moved out, most of us living stateside. Every summer, he and my mom visited us, bringing his latest carvings along. Though we were far from home, his pieces helped us stay connected to our roots. Sharing his work online, we realized many others shared our longing for home and culture. Despite his travels in the Army, home never left him. Together, my parents filled our lives with cultural experiences, making us feel truly rich.
Ai adai Dad we sure do miss you.
Visit the “Guåhan Heritage Carvings” gallery from the menu to see my Dad’s carvings and media coverage
MISSION:
Our mission is to create connections to our CHamoru heritage delivering exceptional value to our customers through wearable art, high-quality products and personalized service. We are dedicated to building trust, upholding integrity, and delivering excellence in every interaction, creating meaningful connections to cultural heritage and leaving a lasting positive impact. We are committed to ongoing improvement and to surpassing expectations in everything we do.