Creating culturally inspired paper goods that celebrate the Chamorro language.
As I watched people across different generations connect with our language through the greeting cards, I realized I was onto something special and wanted to make my cards available to everyone. With support from my partner Jay and encouragement from family and friends, I launched Bula Guinaiya in August 2024 at the first annual Marianas Festival in Oregon.
Taimanu Matutuhun Esti
(How This Started)
The idea for Bula Guinaiya began during the pandemic, when a friend asked our language group if we could email each other in Chamorro as a way to practice. Wanting more time away from screens, I asked if anyone wanted to send letters through the postal service instead. A large number of people signed up, so I decided to send postcards. A week later I designed my first card with Bula Guinaiya (lots of love) as the sentiment.
After that first design, I continued making cards as a hobby and was astonished by people’s reactions. One favorite moment was watching my aunt in her 80s laugh in wide-eyed disbelief as she read Hu guaiya hao mås ki råmen (I love you more than ramen) on a card illustrated with a ramen bowl. Another was hearing the excitement as my younger cousins saw cards with beloved items and characters from their childhood. I will also never forget the big smile on her face as a speaker from our language group held up a card featuring her favorite word, toktoktoggak.
Put Guahu
(About Me)
Håfa adai! My name is Schyuler Lujan and I am the creator behind Bula Guinaiya, where I create paper goods inspired by the beauty of the Chamorro language. Each design honors the Chamorro language and is made with care to uplift, celebrate and connect.
Celebrating i fino’-ta
All of our greeting cards feature sentiments written entirely in Chamorro, as a way to celebrate our language and give it new life. To ensure that these cards are accessible to everyone, an English translation is always given on the back of every card.
Made with guinaiya
Bula Guinaiya is a small, Chamorro-owned business located in Portland, Oregon. Individual cards are made with heavy-weight 125 lb uncoated cardstock for a deluxe feel. The card packs are made with a lighter-weight 100 lb uncoated cardstock, offering a perfect balance of quality and value, ensuring you have a beautiful card ready for any occasion. All cards are designed, printed, cut, folded and packaged in our home studio.