Exploring Life & Business with Jennifer Hotai of Grand Strand Web3 Guild

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Hotai. They and their team shared their story with us below:

A lifelong artist. Web3 enthusiast. Creative mentor. Domestic violence survivor. Jennifer Hotai has experienced and endured many challenges through her creative career and personal struggles. She worked on game and film projects as a concept artist while working dead-end jobs before creating an advertising company in 2015. She created the creative company Plover Animation in 2022 while escaping a life-threatening abusive relationship. She is now focused on building a bold and bright future through her startup, CauseVerse, and sharing her knowledge with others as a co-founder. She drew strength from being a survivor to make a positive impact with nonprofit work. She is spearheading Web3 education for the Myrtle Beach area as the co-founder of the nonprofit, Grand Strand Web3 Guild. Through the organization, she organized the first emerging technology conference for the area called FAST Fest – Future of Art, Society, and Tech. She also is a board member of the newly formed nonprofit Armor Up Sister as a business advisor. This organization will solve the problem of the absence of necessary legal & financial assistance and self-care services for domestic violence victims in South Carolina. She’s currently a member of the VRAR Association and Metaverse Standards Forum and is featured in the 1st and 2nd editions of the book ‘Women of the Future.’ Jennifer also rescued a pit bull named Lily in May 2023! She is proud to have recently trained her to be a Psychiatric Service Dog, an excellent furry companion to alleviate trauma symptoms.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We needed help hearing back from sponsors and organizers for Fast Fest. It was like herding cats! We had everything come together at the last minute for the event, and it was a success.

We’ve been impressed with Grand Strand Web3 Guild, but for folks who might need to be more familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
FAST Fest, organized by the nonprofit Grand Strand Web3 Guild, has accomplished significant advancements for the Myrtle Beach area. This groundbreaking tech conference has become a catalyst for positive change by:

1. **Fostering Tech Innovation**: FAST Fest has been a hub for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and innovators. It has facilitated discussions and workshops on emerging technologies, pushing the region’s innovation boundaries.
2. **Empowering the Community**: By providing free tech education, FAST Fest has empowered individuals to gain valuable skills and stay competitive in the digital age, contributing to workforce development and economic growth in Myrtle Beach.
3. **Enhancing Networking Opportunities**: The event has brought together professionals and businesses, creating networking opportunities that have led to collaborations and partnerships, strengthening the local tech ecosystem.
4. **Promoting Diversity and Inclusion**: FAST Fest has actively promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech industry, making it accessible to a broader range of individuals, including women and underrepresented groups.
5. **Supporting Local Businesses**: Hosting the event has economically boosted the Myrtle Beach area, mainly through partnerships with local vendors and businesses, including food trucks and accommodations.
6. **Educational Impact**: FAST Fest has offered tech-related seminars and workshops and inspired young minds to explore careers in technology and pursue education in STEM fields.

Overall, FAST Fest, organized by Grand Strand Web3 Guild, has had a transformative impact on the Myrtle Beach community, propelling it into the future as a tech-savvy and inclusive hub for innovation and education.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We want to make the next FAST Fest bigger than our first one. We invite everyone from around the US and beyond to visit beautiful Myrtle Beach in the fall while attending our event!

Contact Info:

• Website: fastfest.live
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fastfestmb
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fastfestmb
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fast-fest/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/FASTFestMB
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC32opp83Hmz08afTKeOPEww

Image Credits
Kurtis Gomez of CenterPoint Visuals, LLC Jennifer Hotai Davina Lloyd