The Wanderlust
Anquanette Gaspard is a food and travel entrepreneur, freelance writer, blogger, and social media influencer, who uses her platforms to share the beauty of Caribbean food and culture.
Oftentimes, stories told about Caribbean culture are from the perspective of storytellers from outside the region.
Born and raised in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, Anquanette uses her blog, CruzanFoodie.com, to share her experiences in a way that is authentically Caribbean. From her food tour company to her blog and social media, sharing the food culture in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Caribbean as a whole is a big part of her life.
With island guides, relevant tips, and information that most travelers aren’t privy to, she chronicles her adventures to various islands and encourages her readers to escape the typical tourist traps and break free of the watered-down Caribbean experience.
Anquantte’s work has been featured in publications EBONY, Essence Magazine, and Marriott Destination.
Follow Anquanette on all social channels: @cruzanfoodie
The Restaurateur
Jessica de Jongh started her culinary journey as a little girl growing up in the Dominican Republic, St. Martin, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, while watching the women in her extended family prepare meals. Jessica studied Culinary Arts in New York City and worked as a pastry chef at one of the hottest cafes in Queens, NY under the direction of Chef Jean-Claude Perennou- former executive pastry chef at the Waldorf Astoria. In 2010, she returned to the Virgin Islands where she continued to hone her skills at several of the most critically acclaimed restaurants in St. Thomas.
In 2013, she opened Sabroso Restaurant, a vibrant and colorful oasis located in the heart of picturesque Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas. Her mission is to create a relaxed atmosphere where one could dine on comfort food; surround themselves with great people; and enjoy some good island vibes. With the freshest ingredients and the comforts of home, her restaurant has attracted a strong, loyal and enthusiastic following.
Follow Jessica on Instagram: @ _jexica_
Follow Sabroso Restaurant on Facebook: @sabrosousvi
The Skincare Maven
Nydia Norville is a former model, with St. Lucian roots, turned skincare expert and the owner of skincare line, Choiselle.
Choiselle is an all-natural, luxury skincare startup that epitomizes an authentically natural way of life. Choiselle is comprised of a growing line of products created with ingredients, rooted in Caribbean culture.
Nydia launched her skincare line in 2014 offering luxurious body butters. The cache of products grew to include beautifully fragrant bath & body oils and coconut wax candles that launched in 2017.
The newest addition to the collection of all-natural, luxury skincare products is the Neroli Isle Face Elixir, which was unveiled in 2018. Formulated with a unique combination of plant-based oils and a plethora of raw, unspoiled ingredients, including soursop seed oil, which is great for acne prone skin and other skin problems. It’s soursop like you’ve never experienced it before!
Follow Choiselle on all social channels: @choiselle