Students from the Pacific Asian Center for Entrepreneurship (PACE) at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa partnered with a Hawaiʻi Island meal delivery service to boost its growth through a new marketing strategy. Their work has helped local entrepreneur Jasmine Silverstein expand her small business, Meals in a HeartBeet.
The company—which focuses on providing locally sourced, gluten free, fully prepared meals to customers—had primarily relied on word-of-mouth marketing. Recognizing the potential for expansion, she saw an opportunity to work with PACE’s aspiring business leaders to develop a structured growth strategy.
“The students brought fresh ideas and practical solutions that I wouldn’t have thought of on my own,” said Silverstein. “Their expertise in digital marketing, customer engagement and data tracking has already helped me take key steps toward expanding my reach.”
Led by Roma Amor Malasarte (computer science), Hokumalie Serna (marketing), Candide Krieger (education) and Emma Hsu (history), the team tackled challenges such as enhancing website functionality and streamlining the customer checkout experience. Their marketing recommendations included the implementation of A/B testing for coupon codes (trying different coupons to see which works best), exploring strategic partnerships with local gyms and wellness businesses, and refining Meals in a HeartBeet’s social media presence.
“The hands-on experience of working with a real business has been invaluable,” said Malasarte. “We’ve been able to apply what we’ve learned in the classroom to help a local entrepreneur grow her business, and that’s what PACE is all about.”
Silverstein refined her brand messaging and added extra protein options to better meet her customers’ needs. As a result, Meals in a HeartBeet has nearly doubled its meal deliveries, reaching new markets while maintaining its commitment to locally sourced, nutritious meals.
“This is a perfect example of how PACE equips students with the skills to be innovative problem-solvers and support Hawaiʻi’s local businesses,” PACE Executive Director Sandra Fujiyama said. “We’re proud to see our students making a tangible impact.”
Central Pacific Bank’s (CPB) WE by Rising Tide initiative served as the catalyst for this collaboration. The initiative is designed to empower women entrepreneurs through mentorship and growth opportunities, and the PACE students are all recipients of the CPB Foundation Scholarship for Entrepreneurship. Through the initiative, the students connected with Silverstein, eager to apply their skills to a real-world business challenge.
Visit PACE’s website for more information.
