A new wave of local businesses are continuing to put culture at the heart of what they do. KUAM News talked to the founders of "Heirs To Islands" about connecting us all to our roots.

Handmade jewelry, traditional textiles, and island-inspired clothing are just a few things local businesses in Guam are using their platforms to keep Pacific Island culture alive and thriving.

“It's always started as, you know, being part of the diaspora, the CHamoru diaspora, in the states. I only really knew five things about being CHamoru and it was like the seal, red rice, and crowns. It was one of those things that kept me in touch with the heritage. Albeit very small, a hat, a jacket, a shirt, something that I could identify with and could carry my identity with was something so powerful for myself being so far away from the island and my people,” said Heirs to Islands Co-founder Larry “Naturel” Atoigue.

Heirs to Islands is one of the newest brands to emerge, blending contemporary styles with deep cultural meaning.

Co-founders Atoigue, Michael Sgro, and Randy Alcantara spoke on the ways their brand is uplifting the movement.

“We want to have purpose through perspective. When we’re talking about it and we’re talking about heirs, and trying to do something for the culture, it’s a cool vessel to see it happen because [Larry’s] learning about the culture and it’s kind of refreshing our memory in trying to come up with a collaborative effort to grow the culture through an experience that people from off-island don’t really understand,” said Sgro.

And it's more than just about fashion, they’re about representation and giving our diaspora a way to connect with their roots.

“When we started this we were looking at all the different names when we were collaborating, we were having a meeting of the minds, like ‘what should we name it?’ ‘heirs’ hit and when we looked up the definition and Naturel [Larry] put this design out on the meaning of heirs. If you look at it, it's to inherit, it’s the legacy of our people,” added Sgro.

And a way to wear your heritage proudly.

Heirs to Islands is now open at Dusit Place in Tumon.