Storms may have ruined Jam Bama festivities at the Foley Sports Tourism Complex on Sunday, June 30, but nothing could keep Bamboo Cottage Distributors from radiating positivity through the chaos.

You probably wouldn’t have needed more than one hand to count the locals braving rain in hopes the Jamaican-themed event could proceed as the evening approached six hours into uncertainty; nonetheless, Columbia, South Carolina-based business owner Nevado Blake was determined to provide consolation to those left in disappointment. Blake, serving jelly coconut water and sugarcane juice in true Jamaican fashion, gave Gulf Coast Media and a few faithful patrons a thorough, inside look into their process — demonstrating how to chop open the freshly picked coconuts, as well as cut, peel and juice their sugarcane.

When asked why Bamboo Cottage Distributors remained set up through the downpour and heavy winds, preparing product and conversing with an unmatched energy among a dwindling gallery of onlookers, for hours, Blake’s thought process was simple.

“We are here to provide a service and experience,” Blake said. “If we get to provide service, experience and knowledge to one person, we’re grateful. We are in the business of business.”

Surprisingly enough, Blake also told us the affinity for Jamaica within Alabama’s island community and the surrounding area is on-par with expected hot spots such as Miami and New York — something he was quickly drawn to after leaving his island country.

“Foley, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are really fascinated with Caribbean and international persons,” Blake said. “It’s a good place to make money. It’s a good place to experience America. If you come into America, I believe this is one of the places that you should go.”

From a farm on the countryside of Jamaica, Blake moved to the United States in 2018 and soon noticed his home is more than just the third-largest of the Caribbean islands; it’s a brand. Since recognizing a void in the American market four years ago, in addition to running his restaurant, he’s traveled all across the country offering authentic exposure to his culture for those interested in learning more.

“I realized that a lot of persons wanted this experience, but it was not available,” Blake reflected. “We found a niche and then made sure we put all things in place so we could’ve been consistent as it relates to supply. Jamaica is a brand here, and a lot of people across the world love brand Jamaica.

“We’re just expanding the culture and allowing persons to experience the culture who don’t have it to get a passport and travel to Jamaica.”