Our Founders

OUR FOUNDERS

Tropic Isle Living Founders, Michael Anthony Hines and Lois Reid-Hines, got their start at Sundial Herbs, a Bronx-based retailer specializing in traditional herbal products and remedies. It was there that the seeds of their passion for beauty and wellness rooted in nature were planted. Working closely with Brother Rashan Abdul Hakim allowed the both of them to quickly discover the transformative power that natural and traditional remedies had on the body. Their vision was to create a line of multi-purpose natural products that would celebrate tradition and natural ingredients.

Tropic Isle began in 1992 with a suitcase, a gallon of Jamaican Black Castor Oil, a hand cart, and a dream to celebrate Jamaican traditions & remedies. Later it would become Tropic Isle Living. It was then that Michael Anthony Hines would coin the name that is now recognized as “Jamaican Black Castor Oil”. Following Michael's passing in 2016, Lois was given the option to sell Tropic Isle Living or to become the fearless leader that it greatly needed. Lois chose the latter.

Today, Lois has made it her mission to carry out Michael’s vision of making Jamaican Black Castor Oil a household staple, while continuing to create innovative new products that are rich in tradition, culture, and natural Jamaican-sourced ingredients. Tropic Isle Living continues to flourish and now can be found in many beauty supply stores, health food stores, and major retailers around the globe.

Where it all began

Tropic Isle began in 1992 with a suitcase, a gallon of Jamaican Black Castor Oil, a hand cart, and a dream to celebrate Jamaican traditions & remedies. Later it would become Tropic Isle Living. It was then that Michael Anthony Hines would coin the name that is now recognized as “Jamaican Black Castor Oil”. Following Michael's passing in 2016, Lois was given the option to sell Tropic Isle Living or to become the fearless leader that it greatly needed. Lois chose the latter.

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Where we are today

Today, Lois has made it her mission to carry out Michael’s vision of making Jamaican Black Castor Oil a household staple, while continuing to create innovative new products that are rich in tradition, culture, and natural Jamaican-sourced ingredients. Tropic Isle Living continues to flourish and now can be found in many beauty supply stores, health food stores, and major retailers around the globe.