In the heart of St. Philip, among the salt-sprayed breezes and quiet charm of Diamond Valley, lives a woman whose story is as rich and flavourful as the popcorn she’s become known for. Santia Jones, the proud owner of Santi’s Popcorn, is more than just a local entrepreneur she is a daughter of the soil, deeply rooted in the traditions, values, and community spirit of the parish she calls home.
Santia’s connection to St. Philip runs generations deep. Her father’s family hails from the areas of Caveland, Collington Drive, and the historic Foul Bay Beach places etched with memories of barefoot childhood days and the comforting presence of neighbours who became extended family. Her father, affectionately known as “Cowboy George,” was a farmer and animal lover who raised rabbits, tended to cows, and maintained a kitchen garden. He also sold treats like cooking birds and Super Santa to support his family. From both her mother’s and father’s side, the spirit of retail and community trade was ever-present something that clearly left its mark on young Santia.
Growing up, Diamond Valley was more than just a neighbourhood it was a haven. Santia recalls a time when she could walk from her dad’s home in Collington Drive through Pounders into Diamond Valley without fear, shielded by the warmth and familiarity of community members. Two women in particular, Cerlene (now deceased) and Shauntelle Franklyn, played pivotal roles in raising her, embodying the protective, nurturing spirit that defined St. Philip.
Family and food have always gone hand in hand for Santia. Her grandmother, known fondly as Aunt Daw, and her aunt, Susan Maynard, helped shape her early life, along with community matriarchs like Miss Jackman, whose spicy fish cakes remain an unforgettable part of her culinary memory. These women were more than caretakers; they were torchbearers of tradition, passing down recipes, resilience, and a sense of purpose.
Those early influences came full circle with the creation of Santi’s Popcorn, a beloved local brand known for its flavour and flair. Santia’s entrepreneurial spirit is a continuation of her family legacy infused with the same hustle and heart that Cowboy George and Aunt Daw displayed. Each bag of popcorn tells a story of St. Philip: of community, perseverance, and love.
Santia’s bond with Foul Bay Beach is especially profound. Her grandmother once had a house on the hill overlooking the sea, and though the landscape has changed, her memories remain vivid. She even recalls nearly drowning there as a child, a moment that underscores her enduring connection to the beach and its place in her family’s narrative. Events held at Foul Bay and nearby Sam Lord’s Castle were once fixtures of community life, gatherings of music, laughter, and tradition. As a little girl, Santia would travel to these events on her own, fearless and full of promise.
Today, she speaks not only with pride but with a vision. Santia dreams of giving back to her community, of helping guide and uplift the youth of St. Philip. She acknowledges the gaps left by past generations who weren’t always able to pass down land or wealth but sees hope in collective progress. “It takes a village,” she says, echoing the very spirit that shaped her.
Santia Jones is more than the face behind Santi’s Popcorn. She is a living testament to the strength of community, the richness of heritage, and the power of returning home to give back. St. Philip is not just where she comes from it is who she is.
