Inside Look: Chat with Tropic Isle Living Co-Founder, Mrs. Lois Reid-Hines

If you're a fan of castor oil for natural hair and body care, you've more than likely heard of Tropic Isle Living's Jamaican Black Castor Oil. I recently had the opportunity to chat with Tropic Isle Living co-founder, Mrs. Lois Reid- Hines to learn more about how her and her husband started Tropic Isle Living over 20 years ago and where the company is headed today!

How did Tropic Isle Living begin and what was the motivation for its creation?

Me and my husband, Michael Hines, founded Tropic Isle Living with our love of Jamaican roots and our culture. We both have a deep-rooted love for the old time traditional products our grandparents used that are tried and true. When we were both working at Sundial in 1992 and Michael was looking for a path of his own, the owner Brother Rashan Abdul Hakim told us to “start selling the Jamaican Black Castor Oil”. And that’s exactly what we did. Our motivation is our passion and belief in a natural and traditional way of living, therefore providing our consumers with good wholesome and healthy products steeped in tradition.

What is the overall mission behind Tropic Isle Living?Our mission is to raise awareness and to be honest about the products you use on your hair and skin because those products effect your health and well being. It effects everything. Tropic Isle Living is a traditionally holistic approach for your soul, mind, and beauty. Without tradition, we don’t know where we are going. Without our roots, how do you look ahead. Our roots and does traditions run deep within all of us. That is why we choose to not compromise on our traditions and the quality. We believe the natural & traditional way results in a healthier, beautiful you.What types of products does Tropic Isle Living offer?We offer Hair and Skincare products. We offer encouragement and inspiration to our customers as well. Our Products are made with love, positive energy, good vibes, and most importantly, passion! Hopefully, others will join us on this quest for the 360 approach to beauty, from the inside and out.

One of your most popular products is the Jamaican black castor oil. Do you mind briefly sharing with us how it is made and what are the benefits of its use?We did studies on the Jamaican Black Castor Oil and paired the old traditional usage with the new trends that were coming out. As a Castor Oil pack for both breast and reproductive organs, excellent for detoxifying your lymph nodes, helps to stop bleeding from cuts, traditionally used to heal baby’s umbilical cord, fades scars and burns, helps any skin ailments including eczema and psoriasis, draws out skin boils, and so much more. Jamaican Black Castor Oil is truly the All-purpose healing oil that is made the traditional way. We pick the buds, dry the seeds, then parch those seeds. We DO NOT BURN THE SEEDS because the nutrients of the Castor seed will then be compromised. We gently roast the seeds to get the highest quality of Jamaican Black Castor Oil, resulting in the best results for our consumers. Tropic Isle living on sells the highest quality!Which products are your favorite to use in your personal beauty (inside and out) regimen?

I’ve used all of these products for years, so that’s a hard question! I love love LOVE the protein conditioner because of it’s nourishment, the Khus Khus Body Butter for moisturizing my skin, and the shampoo paired with the conditioner when used had a noticeable difference in the health of my hair. However, If I had to choose my top favorites it would have to be the Jamaican Black Castor Oil, the Strong Roots Red Pimento Hair Growth Oil, and the Coconut Oil with Rosemary and Vitamin E.

As a seasoned entrepreneur, what are your top three tips to others that are looking to start or grow their own businesses?

Embrace challenges because nothing is ever a bad experience. Remember to have grace under pressure.
Listen to your consumers.
Do not be in a hurry. Be steady, focused, and deliberate. Embrace continuous learning and growing in all things and always do the decent thing.

Remember to have grace under pressure - Mrs. Lois Reid Hines @TropicIsleLivn

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Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?There is and only will be one Tropic Isle Living. We are unique in our quest for bringing to the world the jewels of the tropics in our products, in our shared beliefs, in our roots, and our culture. I hope that while sharing everything that we have learned, we are making a difference and will continue to do so for years to come. I am truly grateful for the creator putting me in the position to help others along the way of life’s journey. I am thankful for the opportunity to inspire the natural and the traditional way to a healthy, beautiful you.

There's no question that I'm a fan of Tropic Isle Living and I love the positivity that Mrs. Lois Reid-Hines brings to her brand as well!

(P.S. I love using their Jamaican Black Castor Oil as a leave-in for my wash-n-go fro! It really helps my hair retain moisture and keeps it soft)