"Judy's" line of gourmet sauces and jellies from the Caribbean was created by one extraordinary woman, Judy Schmelzenbach. She grew up in the US, raised five children as a single-parent, while working as a nurse. Several years after her youngest child left home, she accepted a position as a crew member on a National Geographic tour. It was on her second tour that she visited the small Caribbean island of Antigua. She instantly fell in love with the friendly locals, peaceful lifestyle, and of course, the wonderful sailing opportunites. It did not take long for her to pick up and "set sail" for the small island of Antigua in 1988, at the age of 55. She was able to get a work visa to work at a small clinic there. She later became an Antiguan citizen.
Although she did work as a nurse for a short period, she began focusing her endeavors "in the kitchen." With a knack for creativity, and a shortage on the island for gourmet sauces using the local fruits, she began making some. Her love for incredibly hot foods inspired her first sauce, "Judy's Absolutely Hot Sauce." It was an instant hit. She began selling this hot sauce, as well as her other wonderful jellies and chutneys. Her sauces were eventually sold in gift shops, boutiques, grocery stores, and to many hotel chefs.
Judy was a "one-woman-show!" Although she had been known to have an occasional helper in the kitchen, she did everything herself. She was very hardworking and meticulous, and made sure every aspect of her business was done properly, from picking out produce, to cutting out each label. She still set aside time to do the other activities she loved. At one point she was known as "The Whale Lady", while working with Greenpeace. She loved to sing and belonged to an extraordinary local singing group, Expression. She was a member of the American Women's Club and she volunteered at Eric Clapton's rehabilitation center, Crossroads, every Sunday.
Over the years, her business grew steadily. By 2004, her business was on the verge of expanding, with future plans into the United States. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with cancer in October, 2004. In early November, she left Antigua enroute to Texas for treatment. By the time Judy was diagnosed, she was already Stage Three of Multiple Myeloma. Judy passed away January 28th, 2005 at the age of 72. She leaves behind two sisters, and four daughters! Her memory will, without a doubt, live on forever! She found peace, happiness, success, and most of all, friendship, on the beautiful island of Antigua. She was whimsical, musical, witty, and extremely creative. She will be greatly missed.
Judy's business has been taken over by her youngest daughter, Konnie Hart, in Austin, Texas. Visit our product gallery and watch for new products coming in Spring, 2006.
