Senior Business Advisor/WIB Program Coordinator
(Guam SBDC)
Jens Holvoet is from Belgium,
but his heart is in Guam. He had the idea of starting a Polynesian
entertainment company back in October 2013 when he visited. Although his
background involved making hip hop & rap music which is the opposite of
Polynesian dance plus he was not a dancer himself, Jens felt that this was an
opportunity worth investing in. He soon met June Cabral and that was the start
of Tahitoa Polynesian Dance School.
Jens Holvoet received his
Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Clinical psychology, has a background in economics
and trade, and knowledge in online marketing and consumer psychology. His
parents owned a bicycle repair and sales shop for over 25 years, but closed the
shop earlier this year where his father continues to be a self-employed
mechanic. His mother stopped working as a seamstress to tend to their three
children and assisted in the daily operations of the shop.
Instructor and choreographer,
June Cabral came from a talented and supportive family. Her dad is a professional ballroom dancer and
an architect. Her mom is a home maker,
active with sports (volleyball) and helps her dad with the family business.
“Our parents supported us kids with anything we did. Growing up I took piano
lessons, choir, sports and even dancing. But as I grew older I realized that I
actually wanted to pursue dance more than anything.” June has extensive
experience in Polynesian dance:
teaching, choreographing, designing and creating costumes for almost 15
years. She explained that she was taught by many great instructors and
professional dancers. In addition, she shared that dance is her passion. “When it comes to dancing, I have the
patience and determination to get it done. I never give up on anything I set my
mind to until I succeed or feel it’s perfect.”
Owner, Jens and
choreographer, June, decided to bring their individual talents together to
pursue a Polynesian dance company.
According to Jens, “She has a lot of experience in Polynesian dancing
and I see it as one of the big markets in Guam and feel it can be a successful
business.”
When Jens and June needed
assistance with a business plan, they contacted the Guam Small Business
Development Center. June says, “It
helped so much. They are there to guide you. Give you advice. They pretty much
helped paved the way. And it was a big plus knowing it was a free service for
small business owners or people that are thinking of starting a business but
dont really know where to start. I give many thanks for their help and support.
We at Tahitoa Productions are forever thankful for SBDC and especially to
Denise Hertslet.”
For Jens who came into Guam
and was not familiar with the regulations and policies, the Guam SBDC was a
useful tool in accessing this information. Denise guided them to the correct
departments and showed them to the right people to help with certain things
that are vital to starting a business. According to Jens, Denise gave him the
chance to address his ideas and concerns which gave him better insight on what
was needed to be done. June also played a vital role in assisting Jens with
Guam’s way of life.
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| Owner Jens Holvoet and Choreographer June Cabral |
The constant worry of whether
you will succeed or not and dreaming up of worst case scenarios were some
things that June feared. But that fear also served as a motivation to succeed.
“I guess not matter what you just have to be optimistic and find out what the
people want and just keep moving forward no matter what comes your way,” June
says. Knowing that she had followers and people who loved and supported her
served as positive influences to keep pushing forward. June adds, “Just simply
being able to own and run your own business knowing you’re in control and you
can do things the way you want it to be is great.”
June advises, “Seek help with
SBDC. Don’t waste any time and don’t ever give up. Make a plan and follow it.
It can be quite challenging at times but just keep your head up and work hard
to make it happen. Someday you will reach your goals and you'll look back and
be proud of yourself that through it all you never gave up.”
For more information on how
the Guam SBDC can assist you, contact their office at 671-735-2590 or visit
their website at www.pacificsbdc.com.
