A Testament to Resilience and Love for
Amanda's Allamanda Gallery, a beacon of creativity and resilience, has weathered hurricanes and a pandemic to continue serving the BVI community. With its roots deeply embedded in Virgin Gorda, the gallery is set to reopen at the Yacht Harbour, bringing back a piece of the island's cherished memories.
In 1987, Amanda embarked on a journey that would intertwine her life with the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in ways she never imagined. Starting as a charter boat operator with a passion for photography, her hobby evolved into a thriving photography business named Virgin Portraits by the year 2000.
Specializing in capturing the essence of high-end resort weddings, notably at Little Dix Bay in Virgin Gorda, Amanda quickly became a household name in the BVI's photography scene. Her entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there. In 2003, alongside painter Lisa Gray, Amanda ventured into retail, opening The Gallery on Main Street, Road Town, in one of its oldest wooden buildings.
Here, her landscape photography found a new purpose, serving as cherished mementos for visitors. The business flourished, leading to the establishment of the first Allamanda Gallery further along Main Street. "From that moment, Allamanda Gallery has steered my life," Amanda reflects, acknowledging the role her son Daniel and the gallery have played in her journey.
Her deep connection to Virgin Gorda inspired the expansion of Allamanda Gallery to Top of The Baths in 2012, a move that felt like a natural step given much of her work celebrated the island. The hurricanes of 2017 and the COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, forcing closures and testing the gallery's resilience.
Yet, Amanda's determination saw the Allamanda Gallery through these tough times, with the business surviving two Category 5 hurricanes, a pandemic, and eight store fit-outs. Today, Allamanda Gallery stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and a deep-rooted love for the BVI.
Operating from Tortola’s Soper’s Hole Marina (Frenchman’s Cay), the gallery has not only recovered but thrived, expanding its offerings and continuing to enchant locals and visitors alike. With plans to reopen in Virgin Gorda, Amanda looks forward to returning to the Yacht Harbour, a place of many fond memories and the starting point of her BVI journey.
For residents and visitors of the British Virgin Islands, Allamanda Gallery is more than just a store; it's a symbol of endurance, a source of local pride, and a reminder of the beauty and resilience of the BVI community. As Amanda prepares to bring Allamanda Gallery back to Virgin Gorda, she invites everyone to experience the new and creative products that await, promising that there is something for everyone.
Primary source: VI Property&Yacht