Lt Governor Tregenza A. Roach and St John Food Fair Honouree Barbara Hendricks, cut the ribbon to declare the 2025 Food Fair open. Photo: USVI Festivals/Facebook

A woman with strong roots on Tortola, Barbara Hendricks, owner of a home-based bakery, was recognised as the honouree at the St John Food Fair in the US Virgin Islands on Monday, June 30, 2025. Photo: Photo: Provided

2025 St John Food Fair Honouree, Barbara Hendricks, is the daughter of Austin and Helen Hendricks and twin sister to retired police officer Bernard Hendricks. Photo: Provided

Barbara, who was born on St Thomas, started learning to make tarts from her late mother, Helen Hendricks, who was from Tortola.

The retired social worker began her home-based business 16 years ago, dedicating more time to it after retiring in 2013.

A mother’s influence

In an exclusive interview with Virgin Islands News Online, Barbara, who is the niece of local businesswoman Icis A. Malone of Brewers Bay on Tortola, shared, "I used to help my mother with making tarts, and as she grew older, I picked up the trade myself."

When asked how she felt about being honoured, Barbara was momentarily at a loss for words. "I am grateful," she said. "I can't find the words to express how overwhelmed I am by this honour. I am happy. It means I am being recognised for my hard work and dedication to my craft. It feels good to know that my mother, who has passed away, is smiling down on me as I continue to make tarts."

Barbara expressed her desire for her business to thrive and is actively involving her daughter in it, who is making progress in learning the trade.

During her display at the food fair at Frankly A. Powell Sr Park in Cruz Bay, Barbara showcased tarts in 12 local flavours along with some of her favourite delicacies such as gooseberry, sweet potato pudding, and sugar cake.

She mentioned that last year she introduced a small gift bag featuring a taste of each of her delicacies, which quickly became a crowd favourite.

As her business operates from home, Barbara offers delivery services, allowing customers to order online at barbarestarts.com, where they can place their orders for shipping.

‘Find your passion’

Barbara also shared inspiring words for young people interested in starting a business in the food industry: "First, find your passion and pursue it. You can't just enter a field to make money; there has to be passion and love for what you do in order for it to succeed."

The Food Fair is an annual event of the St John’s Carnival.  

Attendees normally have the opportunity to sample local USVI favourites, including patties, fried fish, tamarind stew, curried goat, stewed conch, callaloo stew, and tarts.