Our founders

MICHAEL HINES & LOIS REID-HINES

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.

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.

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.