June 16, 2005 – Margot Meacham in 1991 saw a need for a different type of store on St. Croix, and she created Gone Tropical. The store combines the exotic with the unique, and those not thinking about buying will find it an interesting place to browse.
For 15 years she has been expanding; she describes her store as "huge."
She has moved her location three times before ending up at the present location at 5 Company St., next to the Luncheria.
Her store is one of the more exotic stores in Christiansted.
She says it is "a venue to display her eclectic collection of products," which she gathers from around the world.
She has traveled extensively since 1978 and has carefully developed her product line of fine goods for the casual island lifestyle.
Meacham says the economy on the island is not what she had expected it to be at this time, but she has no plans to take her business elsewhere.
"It is so beautiful here," she says. "Where are you going to go to find this beauty?" She once had a business in Hawaii, but she says the sea here in the Caribbean is so "embracing."
She spends most of her weekends on the sea. She is a member of the St. Croix Yacht Club and has a boat – the Rosa, a 28-foot Pierson.
She says she can't imagine going anywhere where she could not do what she does now on weekends. "We sail the sea. We go to the British Virgin Islands; we go to Frederiksted. I can't visualize myself being anywhere else," she says.
Her favorite place to eat is not one of the restaurants in Christiansted. "I am a gourmet cook," Meacham says. "I love eating at home. Besides, the price is right."
Her home is on the East End, and it's on a ridge with what she says is a beautiful view.
She has found two prime spots on the island to fill her pantry. "I go to the farmers' market at La Reine," she says. She also likes to go to Southgate Farm on the East End across from Cheeseburgers in Paradise. She says, "They are a little bit more expensive, but they are organic, and I will pay for that."
She also does design consultation. Her web page says the design consultation service is "for those needing expert advice on how to put together pieces and spaces to create harmonious and dramatic effects. Margot can design interiors to meet your wishes, and has answers to many design problems."
She can do this because she has experience in building and renovations. She is willing to consult with customers on window treatments, special effects and upgrades.
When tourists or locals shopping downtown Christiansted wander into her store, they are not going to be greeted by a clerk. They are going to be greeted by Margot asking, "Can I help you?"
She is always there.
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