Marianas Creations in ‘survival mode’ after Sinlaku

Marianas Creations escaped Super Typhoon Sinlaku with little physical damage, but owner Elina Gharti Chhetri said the storm’s economic aftermath has been much harder on the seven-year-old business.

Months after Sinlaku struck the CNMI, Chhetri said sales remain down and Marianas Creations is trying to keep expenses low while staying open.

“The business after Sinlaku has not been that great,” Chhetri said. “There was like a little bit of a boom for one month because of the aid workers.”

She said first responders also contributed to that short-lived increase in business.

“But other than that, it has been pretty scary. Sales are down. We just don't know what's gonna come and we're in just a survival mode at this point,” she said.

Physically, Marianas Creations was among the fortunate businesses.

Chhetri said about an inch and a half of water entered the establishment, but items had been lifted off the floor. Aside from some mold and a few supplies, she said the business escaped major damage.

“We were able to clear everything without any damages,” she said. “Just a little mold here and there because there was no power for a little while, but as soon as the power came, everything was fine.”

She added, “There's no damages, but it's just the economic damage is pretty hard.”

Marianas Creations sells drinks as well as locally made products from CNMI artists. Chhetri said supporting those artists remains central to the business.

“We believe that that's where the power is and that's where we can lift the economy of CNMI by directly supporting the people of the CNMI,” she said.

Most of the artists' products are sold on consignment. That means Marianas Creations does not have to purchase the products upfront, while artists are paid when their products sell.

Chhetri said artists working with the business can make anywhere from about $350 to $1,500 a month, depending on the artist and the products being sold.

But running a brick-and-mortar business means keeping up with expenses even when sales are slow.

“We need to keep staffing and licensing and taxing and the CUC (Commonwealth Utilities Corp.), water, and all of that,” Chhetri said. “That comes with the price and it's very hard to keep up with it while we also pay all our bills and our artists the price they deserve.”

Marianas Creations was closed for about four to five weeks after Sinlaku while Chhetri cleaned up and waited for electricity to return. The business initially reopened with reduced hours before gradually returning to a more regular schedule.

Those hours have since been shortened again.

Marianas Creations is now open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 6pm. Chhetri said the business previously stayed open until 7pm but cut back its evening hours.

Staffing has also been kept lean.

Chhetri said Marianas Creations has operated with only one employee for a long time, with Chhetri herself also working at the business.

“So that's how we keep our heads up above the water,” she said.

Chhetri said the employee is leaving at the end of September for her touchback. Instead of immediately replacing her, Chhetri said she plans to take on the work herself to reduce expenses.

“Plan is to actually save money on employee tax and stuff like that and just do it myself,” she said.

“Because sales are low and I gotta save money,” Chhetri added.

Despite the difficult post-Sinlaku economy, Chhetri thanked customers who have supported Marianas Creations through its seven years in business.

“All the customers that have always supported us, thank you so much,” she said. “Without you guys, it couldn't have happened that we've been open for seven years now.”

With the holiday season approaching, Chhetri also encouraged residents to support CNMI artists by buying locally made gifts.

“We want to give them a little bit more hope where if you wanna buy a Christmas gift, maybe think about local products and local artists and how you can directly support them,” she said.

Marianas Creations is located along Micro Beach Road across the American Memorial Park tennis courts in Garapan. For more information, call (670) 783-1924.