Skip Halsey
Owner

One of the most-frequent questions he gets asked is how “The Funky Banana” got its name… “It would be rather boring to have named it Skip n’ Kristi’s Shirt Company… so I was looking for something that people would remember. Kristi said I was crazy when I said it the first time. But after much deliberation – here we are. I think we made a winning choice!”

I was a “Navy brat” all my life growing up, so moving was normal for me… but back in the 70’s the doctors told my dad that his heart condition was incurable and that he might have only a year to live. My parents sold everything and we bought a Coronado 35’ mono-hull sailboat. We sailed from California, down Mexico and Central America, through the Panama Canal, up to Florida, then back to the Virgin Islands. To make a long story short, my Dad lived for eight years and we enjoyed a wonderful life in the islands. Having had that remarkable opportunity… makes one realize that life – is just a little “different” in the islands. This could have greatly influenced our “theme” for “The Funky Banana.”

Be sure to visit Skip's "My Space".


Kristi Halsey
Owner and Graphic Artist

I’ve been doing graphics – for (shhh) over twenty years. I’ve always been artistic… but spent many years doing other jobs because I couldn’t figure out how to really make a living selling my artwork (since I really wasn’t in to the “starving artist” thing). Then came the evolution of the home computer. We bought the first one for the kids to have to play games on. *lol* A friend of mine introduced me to CorelDraw 3.0 and a scanner… and here we are after Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride.

A true conservative – living on the stable side of life – meets Mr. I’ve-traveled-the-world… and here we go again. We made a trip through the Islands on a Windjammer cruise and I fell in love. The stress-free lifestyle of the islanders, the amazing crystal-clear turquoise waters (untouched by PhotoShop, *lol*) … The opportunity to share a little of this with the “inlanders” has been great. We took Skip’s stupid (yeah, sorry… I called him stupid when he first said it.) name for this business… and made the monkey… and whew… here we are! We’re loving it all!

Be sure to visit Kristi's "My Space".


Angela McCloskey
Graphic Artist in Training

This is the hardest part trying to get something like this going. I started working at The Funky Banana in May in hopes to pick Kristi's brain when it comes to being a graphic artist. I figured once I learned it all I will take over ;-). No seriously it's a great learning experience working with the gang and I look forward to learning more each and every day.

As each person walks through the door or the phone rings it will be unique and different. Ah the joys of working for the public. that is why I enjoy doing it. I have personally known Kristi for over 10 years and I am looking forward to the opportunity to get to know her on a professional level as well.

PS. Kristi did I say all the right things - when can I expect a raise?

Be sure to visit Angela's "My Space".


Carmion Fuhrman
Chief Financial Officer

Wow! I have a flashy title, let me just say it again…..CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER! Okay I’m over it. I have a busy life! Let’s see, Paralegal by day and to add a little excitement in my life I work at The Funky Banana. I get to handle all the fun things like money, bills, money, bills, money. It’s quite a different world to go from big time legal world to wild, crazy banana land. But I love it!

Originally hailing from Alaska, land off snow, ice, and fish, I came to Tennessee in 2002. But let’s not forget our little playground…..Hawaii. So I’ve got some experience in the whole tropical thang. So when we go to the Virgin Islands with all the millions that we are going to make. (And we better make it!) I’ll be able to handle myself down on the beaches. So SHOW ME THE MONKEY!

Be sure to visit Carmion's "My Space".


Alice Hicks
Support Employee

Retired medical secretary, my pets and my grandkids consume most of my time. For many years we owned and operated a florist shop (loved it – outside of the wedding ceremony stress), and I owned and operated a beauty shop for many years…. So I’ve been around the “creative block” over the years. I love to fish – since I’m retired now I can fish when I want. *nanner, nanner* Last summer – I finally got to do something I’ve always wanted to do – go fishing with Steve McCadams. I’d rather fish for crappie than eat them… but…. (is this where the catch and release thing comes in?) Being support staff at The Funky Banana… is yet another excuse to visit with my children and grandchildren… and help, too! Durn this monkey! *lol*





Beverly Hicks
Support Employee

I am a registered nurse at HCMC in the out patient department. I have always wanted to be in nursing and have been for 20+ years (oops I told my age!). I am a glutton for punishment… I am active in Habitat for Humanity and Relay For Lie. I have several imaginative and creative bones in my body, so I’m always diddling in something (so now I “diddle” with a monkey?) My spare time (what I have) is spend with friends and family. I love to be out in the pool, travel to long faraway places, cruise, go to movies or just kick back with a friend, a margarita and time to reflect.




Kaitlin Autry
Support Employee So... if you think being a kid of the Banana is COOL... YOU'RE RIGHT!!! Even though it could be considered work to some, to me it is a totally awesome experience (excluding those darn transfers). I am not fortunate enough to be a full-time employee/monkey of the Banana(because of school), but I'm considered a support monkey. This means that I get to help out when I can. I am currently attending Jackson State for a degree in Graphic Arts so that I can open my own franchise someday.....hehe...

Be sure to visit Kaitlin's "My Space".






Tori Autry
Support Employee

I have had the wonderful opportunity to see The Funky Banana grow from one of Skippy’s random ideas to a grand success… so congrats guys!(and I don’t get paid to say that...lol) So… I’m a full time Nursing Student….. with graduation in May 2007! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!! So in my spare time I’m a support person… that means I have to fill in when the real staff … gets too much of the monkey!

Be sure to visit Tori's "My Space".