In a world where stories intertwine with the food we eat and the places we cherish, Anquanette Gaspard is a testament to the age-old adage that we are indeed what we consume — not just in the literal sense, but through the cultures and experiences we digest along our journeys. Here’s a tale not just of food and travel but of identity, community, and the relentless pursuit of passion.
I want people to remember that a little dark-skinned girl from an 84-square-mile island in the Caribbean did the damn thing. PERIOD!
In the bustling streets of downtown Christiansted, amidst the kaleidoscope of culture and the sizzling sounds of Caribbean cuisine, walks Anquanette Gaspard, a woman whose story is as flavorful as the conch in butter sauce that lingers on her palate, a taste of home that fueled her journey.
The Spice of Life: Embracing Caribbean Roots
Anquanette’s journey is a colorful representation of Caribbean life, embodied with a solid determination, a burst of flavors, and a warm personality. Her life story serves as a culinary guidebook and a chronicle of her journey through the uncharted waters of gastronomic entrepreneurship. Just as she seasons her food with a pinch of cumin or a sprinkle of nutmeg, she encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to flavor their dreams with courage and conviction.
Before the food tours and the glamour of travel writing, her world revolved around customer service and corporate strategy. As a bright-eyed graduate, she secured a coveted spot in an elite program at American Express. This tenure taught her the invaluable essence of customer satisfaction and the art of exceeding expectations.
While working at Amex, she learned lessons in professionalism and service that became the bedrock of her business. Despite thriving on challenges, the corporate ethos of climbing the ladder wasn’t aligning with her internal compass. Out of the five years, perhaps only two resonated with the core of who she is – a passionate island woman with a love for authentic connections and culture.
A Culinary Expedition: The Birth of a Vision
Anquanette’s career took a surprising turn when she joined an online health food company as a Product Sourcing Manager. While there, her passion for food grew exponentially as she delved deeper into the industry. Despite a bittersweet ending, it was a valuable experience that propelled her toward her true calling — encapsulating the vibrancy of her Caribbean roots in her work. She says, “I was fired, and I felt free.”
A moment of clarity led her to reconnect with her Caribbean roots. As divine timing would have it, an interlude to Trinidad’s Carnival for the third time would be the solace she needed to remind her of the vibrancy of St. Croix’s culture she wanted to encapsulate in her work. After returning from the festival, she decided to focus on her blog and craft of writing. While leading food tours in Miami, she realized that the lush and flavorful heritage of St. Croix’s cuisine deserved its own showcase.
The Power of Prose: From Reviews to Revelations
A passion for writing was never an acquired taste for Anquanette; it was an innate craving. Her journey from enthusiastic Yelp reviewer to social media influencer and sought-after freelance writer is one of organic growth, nurtured by a genuine love for storytelling and an insatiable appetite for new experiences. With her engaging narratives, she found herself at a crossroads where passion converged with opportunity, leading to the birth of CruzanFoodie.com. Her blog became her canvas, and the rich tapestry of St. Croix’s food and history, her muse.
It wasn’t just about penning down experiences; it was about letting the world taste them through her words. From conch in butter sauce to the unforgettable Rum & Rosé Experience, her writing invites readers to a table set with authenticity and seasoned with soul. “Food has always been at the center of my stories,” she declares, a commitment that makes her tales read and relished.
The Triumphs and Trials: Sailing through Setbacks
Anquanette’s decision to step outside her comfort zone was akin to adding an unfamiliar spice to a well-known recipe; it was daunting yet exhilarating.
Anquanette spent a significant amount of time in Spain, where she learned Spanish and fully immersed herself in the culture. This experience was instrumental in preparing her for her most significant achievement yet: the creation of the Virgin Islands Food Tours. This project pushed her beyond her comfort zone and required her to rely on herself and her community to succeed.
Establishing a business in St. Croix was no small feat, and demanded she tap into her full potential. Despite facing challenges such as hurricanes, staffing issues, and bureaucratic obstacles, Anquanette persevered and emerged even more connected to her community than before. Her journey is more than a collection of culinary accomplishments; it is a roadmap for those who aspire to turn their passion into a profession.
From humble beginnings at Evelyn M. Williams Elementary School, I defeated the odds and came back home to make a life for myself.
A Legacy Etched in Flavor: An Ode to St. Croix
Anquanette doesn’t dwell on the concept of legacy. Instead, she lives it every day through her dedication to her community and her unwavering determination to celebrate her roots. Her personal and professional worlds are not just intertwined; they are indistinguishable. Aspirations to live fully, love, and empower her community are the ingredients that make up her life’s recipe.
I want people to realize that WE – the Virgin Islands people – are the answer to all our problems.
The Tapestry of Taste: Weaving Success with Cultural Threads
Through food tours, writing, and unwavering dedication, Anquanette Gaspard has not just shared St. Croix’s flavors with the world; she has woven a tapestry where culture, community, and cuisine interlace to tell a story of success. For the readers of our magazine, she stands as a beacon of empowerment, an entrepreneur whose spice for life inspires a zest for following one’s dreams.
And what of the woman herself, beyond her business and brand? Anquanette is a medley of surprises: a connoisseur of Sudoku, a beach lover who forgoes the sand for the sea, and a baker of rum cakes that whisper the islands’ secrets with every slice.
In the grand kitchen of life, Anquanette has found her corner. There, with every stir and sizzle, she reminds us that the most enduring legacy is the flavor we leave behind in the hearts of those we inspire.
Anquanette Gaspard is the President and Founder of Virgin Islands Food Tours from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands.
She is also a published food + travel blogger.
Facebook: @cruzanfoodie, @vifoodtours
Instagram: @cruzanfoodie, @vifoodtours
Website: www.vifoodtours.com, www.cruzanfoodie.com
Email: info@vifoodtours.com, agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com
From Island Roots to Foodie Fame