Jaunted

Luckily the Birch Family, who founded Small Hope Bay Lodge, where I was staying for the week, was also the brainchild behind Androsia, an original batik fabric and garment manufacturing company on the island. As loyal consumers to, well, themselves, everything from the cottage bedspreads to the staff uniforms were drenched in vibrant shades of magenta, aquamarine and canary yellow and accented with an array of exotic prints featuring turtles, seashells, hibiscus flowers and hummingbirds.

Not to worry, though, there are plenty of goods to go around for guests. The Small Hope gift shop is just a few steps down the beach and is stocked with shirts, dresses, pants and more, which are purchased by honor system. (Or if you can’t make it down to Andros, all merchandise can be ordered online at www.androsia.aacart.com.)

While the beauty of this unique art form certainly set the island tone during my stay, it was Androsia’s pro-social story that truly inspired me. Started in 1973, the year the Bahamas gained its independence, Androsia offered gainful employment for the local people, particularly women and single mothers. In 1998, Androsia won the Silver Jubilee Award, an honor bestowed on certain individuals and companies who have made significant contributions to the Bahamas. Today, the company provides job opportunities to residents while continuing to boost the island’s economy.

So while my abs aren’t quite as tight as the woman’s in this photo, I’d proudly sport Androsia any day!

Related Stories:
· Androsia [Official Site]
· Andros Field Trip [Jaunted]