When Gemma Curtis stepped into HEX's Singapore Program in 2022, she couldn't have predicted how quickly this experience would transform her entrepreneurial journey. Within months of returning to the UK, she was laying the groundwork for GEMFEST, a music festival that would soon become her defining venture.

Creating GEMFEST From Scratch

Upon returning to the UK, Gemma faced the challenge of creating something entirely new in the competitive festival landscape. 

By leveraging connections with local DJs who performed at these pop-ups, they generated immediate buzz and built credibility for the upcoming festival. Each small event served as a preview of the GEMFEST experience, gradually building anticipation among potential attendees.

Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Gemma has recognized the crucial importance of relationship building. By fostering authentic connections within the music and events industry, she's overcome resource limitations that would typically constrain a new festival.

This network-based approach reflects one of the core principles she absorbed during her HEX experience: meaningful connections create unexpected opportunities and collaborations.

The HEX Impact

The HEX program profoundly impacted Gemma's entrepreneurial mindset.

Upon returning to the UK, she carried with her not just new knowledge but a transformed perspective on what she could accomplish. The intensive format—"8:00am to 8:00pm of just creative learning"—exposed her to innovative thinking and problem-solving approaches that traditional education hadn't provided.

What made the experience particularly transformative was the genuine support from the HEX team, creating an environment where creativity could flourish and where Gemma felt empowered to pursue ambitious ideas.

While university offered theoretical knowledge, HEX provided practical skills, mindset development, and the confidence to transform ideas into reality. The program equipped her with everything needed to kickstart her own business journey.

Looking Forward

What started as an ambitious idea has evolved into a reality that exceeds Gemma's initial expectations. Looking toward the future, her focus remains on sustainability and continued relevance in a competitive industry. Her vision centers on keeping the festival experience fresh and engaging, ensuring that GEMFEST remains a destination that generates excitement.

Experience the same intensive Global Internship that inspired Gemma's success. Learn more here.

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