Businessman and Owner of Mellow Moods Cafe Art Christopher

Art Christopher is the owner of Mellow Moods Cafe. Photo: VINO

Christopher, the owner of Mellow Moods Café, a vegetarian eatery located in the heart of the capital city of Road Town on Tortola, wants Virgin Islanders to be more in the forefront in creating their own cultural patterns, their own problem solving techniques and becoming intellectually independent.

“I would like to see our people be prosperous, become an even more independent minded people who would do for themselves. Personally, I try to encourage people along that way all the time.  The little that I can do to be a positive role model or portrait for people.  I hope other people see me, my business and what I’m attempting to do and be encouraged to do the same,”  said the young Virgin Islander. 

Christopher revealed his motivation and drive for working towards building a better Virgin Islands is the example set by one of his heroes, fellow VIslander, the late Noel Lloyd, who he said truly had a love and understanding of what it meant to be a Virgin Islander.

Born and raised at Mount Healthy on Tortola and also on the eastern end of the island, Christopher the son of former Fifth District Representative Delores Christopher and businessman Robert Christopher shared his passion for what he does today, his keen eye for world economics and finance, how he landed into the restaurant business and his ongoing quest to help improve his community.

His early years were spent sharing time in Mount Healthy and with his grandparents Idaylia Lettsome and Ivan Lettsome in East End Long Look. He also attended what is now the Francis Lettsome Primary School in East End from Classes 1 and 2. He then went to the Althea Scatliffe Primary and completed Class 5 at Isabella Morris in Carrot Bay.

His love for the financial field started from high school and following his graduation in 1991 from the then BVI High now Elmore Stoutt High, Christopher landed his first job in the Accountants Department at the Moorings, then at the BVI Ports Authority before heading off to complete his tertiary education.

Keeping in line with his passion for finance, Christopher graduated in 1998 with a BSc in Finance from Howard University in Washington DC.  Upon his return to the VI, the young Virgin Islander worked in the Accountants Department at Harneys Westwood and Reigels but soon after, left to pursue a Masters programme.

Christopher said he always wanted to be like a Wall Street broker and enjoyed trading stock until the .com bubble evolved and the market crashed in late 2000.

“I lost a lot of my investments,” Christopher revealed, “Basically the FCC and Securities Commission started blaming the crash on day traders and put new rules and regulations in place.  One of such required traders to have an investment of $25,000 to trade.” 

The former day trader explained that the new rules made it very tough for day traders like him to operate and it was at that point that he started to think of other options.

At that time, he was also beginning to focus on his spirituality, doing a lot of reading and researching of the vegetarian lifestyle which he began testing by cooking for his family and friends – the unofficial start of his prosperous business today.

“I became a vegetarian in 2001 and in cooking food for myself; my parents and family members were enjoying it and the natural idea came why not start a business doing something like that. We did it one year at Christmas on Main Street and everyone seemed to enjoy the food and then the opportunity came around to start Mellow Moods,” the young businessman explained the genesis of his business.

Coincidentally, his father had to move his barber shop from its previous location and with the new found location too large for the barbershop, it became idle for the restaurant’s inclusion. In 2003, Mellow Moods opened its doors and has since been a household name in the VI for quality vegetarian cuisine.

The young businessman also plans to expand in the near future into a full-fledged restaurant, offering a more comprehensive service. 

Thoughts of expansion and the success he has had so far would have been unattainable if it wasn’t for the support of his community and his staff Christopher said.  “I’m fortunate to have a great team at Mellow Moods, where everyone really pitches in and we are able to work together as a team.“

As for his passion for the financial field, Christopher said it is still there and he has since found himself involved in other ventures of economic interest.

“I am still very much interested in economics and finance and always pay attention to what is happening in the economy here and around the world, especially the various economic structures. Right now I’m keenly interested in Brazilian and Chinese economic models and how they were able to walk away unscathed after the 08 economic crisis.  I always find myself gravitating in that direction,” the businessman explained.

Christopher is a member of Ujamaa Investment Club which started in 2008, a club that seeks to engage members in projects that are meaningful in the community and to participate in the economic development and growth of the territory.

On the cultural side, Christopher is also actively involved in the African Studies Club, which promotes the study of African history and also extends to Virgin Islands history; seeking to promote a positive image of African people and the African culture.

Asked how his involvement in the club has been of benefit to him, Christopher said, “it has brought me more information about my ancestors, it has given me a sense of understanding the character of myself as an individual and as a people, developing that sense of character and understanding of what are my real traits. It has also helped me to create that positive self-image for myself as an African person.”

The young businessman acknowledged that being a business owner is very challenging, taking into consideration the dynamics and constraints in the VI but noted he has received great support from the community.

“Often times the ideas and visions you have in your mind you always have constraints implementing those ideas, but I must say once you maintain your vision and stay true to it, more so once you are fair with your community, you will be supported by the community.  That has been my experience,” he said.

He also had high praises for his wife, Sachkia Barnes who he said has been a wealth of support in everything he does. 

“She is my best friend. She is somebody that I can always talk to and share my ideas.  Whenever I am struggling to make decisions, she is one of the persons who keep me on track,” he said.

As a young businessman, Christopher said he would encourage other young people if they have a business idea to give it a try but to remember it’s a service to their community and not necessarily a profit venture alone.  He said ultimately it is the community’s support that will make any venture successful.

His advice to young men in particular is, “try to always maintain a positive image of self. And you have to guard it fiercely. Part of that is also maintaining a positive image of your community and your heritage. If you have a positive image of your community there is no way you would seek to destroy it but would want to build t up.  If it is threatened you would want to protect it. I literally look at my community as my grandmother, my mother, my wife, my sister and my daughter, and in my eyes I have to protect them.”

Christopher, who is also an active chess player and member of the BVI Chest Federation, also   enjoys reading extensively.  This has led him to set up his own community bookshelf at Mellow Moods where many can find what the avid reader said are rare and hard to find books on history, economics and spirituality among others.

As a young Virgin Islander, Christopher said he sees himself being a leader in his community and will continue to set a good example for others to follow.