Issue 18: Allow Us to Introduce Ourselves 👋🏻
The Gals Behind Week to Weekend
Hi Friends!
After 17 issues, we thought it was time to formally introduce ourselves! 👋🏻 We're Marissa and Akina, the gals behind Week to Weekend. First and foremost, thank you for being here! Whether you recently followed us or have been here since Day 1, we're happy you're here for the ride.
You may have noticed that we went on quite a few road trips in our past issues. These road trips allowed us to rediscover Guam’s gorgeous gems that we also (guilty) took for granted due to our busy lifestyles. This leads us to the story behind why we started Week to Weekend, which you can read more about below. Get to know us, leave a comment, and share what you want to see more of in the comments below. Until next time!
Much love,
Marissa & Akina
Fun fact: Our birthdays are right after one another – July 26 & 27 :) Fire Leos, baby! 🔥🦁
How Did Week to Weekend Start?
We've been wanting to start a project or business together since 2018. After working on some personal projects and getting through the pandemic, we got together in 2022 to finally turn that thought into a reality.
We want Week to Weekend to become a lifestyle platform that caters to every type of life enthusiast – the global traveler, the mommy chef, the fitness guru, the brick-and-mortar or the home-based entrepreneur – you name it! Starting here in our home island of Guåhan, we hope to be your guide for creative living, wholesome experiences, and meaningful connections.
As Asian and Pacific Islander women in our 30s, we live entirely different lives, making our content pretty dope (yes, 80s and 90s kids here). Through our collective experiences and the connections we want build with others, we aim to inspire others to go out and discover something new and magical throughout their week and into the weekend.
About Marissa
Mother, Home Cook, Banker & Part-time Creative
ENTP - “The Debator”
Born and raised on Guam
Comfort food: cheese fries 🧀🍟
Known for buying cheese fries from Lonestar and taking it to-go. I'm that obsessed, and I frequent the restaurant where at one point, workers referred to me as the "cheese fry girl."
Get to know me:
I'm a huge nerd, and despite being an extrovert, I actually prefer staying at home and spending time with family. I lived on Guam my whole life, but I've been fortunate to travel to some of the most interesting places, the most memorable ones being riding on the back of an elephant through Angkor Wat, Cambodia at sunset, hiking up 1,000 steps to reach the Great Wall of China, late night beer crawling through the cobbled-stoned streets of Prague, and touring the bone castle in the Czech Republic or getting lost in translation in Japan. I’ve also had the grossest experience on an airplane while waiting in line to exit. I rested my arm on one of the chairs and felt something slimy and noticed a big wad of snot on my arm… I. Was. Traumatized 🤮 so I really hate boogers 🤧
The Working Mom and Part-time Creative
These days I work full-time helping people move into their dream homes, and I can say that it truly gives me a sense of fulfillment.
I'm also a mother to two beautiful boys I hope to raise as strong, confident, and respectful men. I always loved writing and use it as a way to express the Barney bag of ideas that stir in my head and have always been into plays and video production since I was a little girl. I produced and directed my first short film, Shoe Box Memories, inspired by my son when he was just two. We can call this film a family production because my son stars in the film and it was also filmed by his hero and father (my husband).
I’m a HUGE movie buff and you'd easily be my friend if we could exchange movie lines together. I compliment Akina's amazing writing abilities by adding some visual flare with my design and photography skillz.
Week to Weekend Itinerary
Week:
Getting the kids ready and making them breakfast before school/drop to the sitter. My 9-year-old’s fave is homemade Country Browns inspired by King’s. You can find our play on this recipe here with our spin on Latkes.
Work from home. My favorite desk accessory is my Cup o' Noodle humidifier. Yes, it's so fetch.
After work dip in the ocean. I love swimming at Matapang, and one of my favorite childhood memories is spending time with my father, who took me to the beach every day.
Walk the dog around the neighborhood. His name is Cloud a Lhasa Apso. They're one of the oldest dog breeds known to chase away spirits. He does not like Akina.
Work on Hut to Home, a newsletter bringing you insights from local industry professionals collectively working together to help get people into homes.
Weekend:
Make coffee at home. I love using the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Matcha Latte Powder. It's soo good!
Grocery shop and meal prep. Here's a quick budget breakdown of what I usually make for the week.
Hot yoga at Yogachill Studio.
Exploring pop-up shops or hiking with my boys. My oldest loves kiteflying in Asan.
About Akina
Writer & Creative Strategist | Nomad | Medium (yes, I do readings 🔮)
ENFP “The Campaigner”
Born in Tokyo, raised in Cali, rooted in Guam
Comfort food: Applesauce on Japanese Curry. 🍎🍛 Growing up, my mother added apple sauce to tone down the spiciness. I was today years old when I discovered it wasn't an actual thing – well played, Mom.
Known for playing Chicago and Celine Dion at any bar with a jukebox
Get to know me:
I've been writing my entire life, from short stories about my cat to Inuyasha fan fiction. As I entered middle school, the emo girl in me wrote poetry on Xanga, which eventually led me to explore a possible career in journalism sparked from interning at the local newspaper in high school as a Vibe reporter.
Fast forward to today, I've published some of my articles in Vox Media, TripSavvy, Bustle, and Lifehack. I became a full-time freelance writer in 2021 and restarted my nomad journey, which I'm excited to share in upcoming Week to Weekend issues!
Medium, you say? 🔮
In 2020, I discovered my ability to read past lives and channel messages from deceased loved ones or spirit guides (neat, huh?). Since then, I've worked with over 90+ clients to help clear transgenerational trauma, connect with someone who has passed on, or provide guidance on a question or situation weighing heavily on their heart or mind.
Don't be a stranger! Ask me anything via DM me or read more here!
Week to Weekend Itinerary:
Week:
Make coffee at home and work on client projects. My friend gave me an espresso machine, so I've been experimenting since! Hooked on this Cinnamon Honey Latte.
Listen to a podcast episode of DIY MFA or Manifestation Babe
Take a dip in the ocean. I was a competitive swimmer growing up, so I prefer swimming to running :)
Lunch at my favorite Thai spot with my mama – Chaopraya Thai Cuisine. My mom and I grab Thai food at least twice a month.
Wind down with a documentary and then Facetime my cousin to swap theories. Currently watching: Undercurrent: The Disappearance of Kim Wall
Weekend:
Creative Mastermind meeting @ JP Superstore. There's nothing like bouncing ideas off other creatives and going through upcoming issue ideas with Marissa.
Stroll to the Malesso' Crab Festival
Work on my novel. As an ENFP, I usually need background noise, so I watch this Youtuber. Her videos are so relaxing.
With Love ❤️ See you next issue!
This newsletter is made with lots of love and a ridiculous amount of coffee. You can support us by sharing our newsletter with your homies and/or by showing some love on Buy Me a Coffee ☕️