Meet the Trinidadian Woman who Founded the Only Caribbean Cosmetics Line in the UK
Jiselle Douglas Founder of Island Play Cosmetics
written by Suhana Rampersad
Picture this: you’re getting ready for a night out. You reach for a lipstick called “Fete Red” in your makeup kit and apply the vibrant color to your lips. Then you blend pigmented eyeshadows called “Liming” and “Chutney” to your lids. It’s 2021, and your makeup finally represents you.
photo courtesy of Island Play Cosmetics
Island Play Cosmetics was founded by Jisselle Douglas in 2020 and is the United Kingdom’s only Caribbean cosmetic line. Inspired by the spirit of Soca, the Newcastle, UK resident made her dream come true during a global pandemic by launching the line called SOCA ORIGIN. Representative of Caribbean vibrancy, Island Play’s products are also vegan and cruelty free. With highly pigmented color labelled with fun its culturally-inspired names are evocative of island lifestyle.
Our Editor-In-Chief, Juanita D., had the chance to chat with Douglas. The Trinidadian-born business owner shared details about her entrepreneurial journey, her artistic inspiration and her take on West Indian representation in the UK beauty industry.
What inspired you to create Island Play Cosmetics?
“ I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset. Growing up in the countryside in the small but beautiful island of Trinidad, I was told go to school, get a good education to secure a good job and live a comfortable life. However, I worried that I would stay stagnant in life and feel unfulfilled because what I really desired was my own business.”
“I couldn’t bear the thought of living paycheck to paycheck and doing a job that I don’t enjoy for the rest of my life, and not have the freedom to choose the kind of life I want to live. So, I made a conscious decision to change that.”
“Island Play Cosmetics would fill the gap where there was a lack of cultural representation of the Caribbean in the beauty sector. I’ve always had a love for makeup so this would be the perfect way for me to share my culture with others while indulging in something I truly enjoy.”
photo courtesy of Island Play Cosmetics
Do you consider yourself an artist?
“ I think of myself as more of a creative mind. My goal is to bring the beauty of the Caribbean to others through makeup in the most vibrant, colourful and exciting way I can, by way of the senses --representing colours, cultural words and names, designs and scents. This is how my creative thoughts come to life in Island Play Cosmetics products.”
Who is Island Play Cosmetics for? Who is your ideal consumer?
“ Island Play Cosmetics is a unisex brand created for the fun-festive person with products that inspire while indulging in Caribbean culture. My products are designed for persons who have an interest in the beautiful Caribbean culture and enjoy wearing makeup that is easy and fun to use.”
How has your business changed since COVID-19?
“My business was launched during the second lockdown because it was postponed by the first lockdown. I made a decision to launch regardless because I felt that it was time to get my brand out there. I expected slower sales but the feedback for my SOCA ORIGIN Collection was amazing and more than I expected, given the social situation.”
Do you feel there is a lack of representation for West Indian women living in the United Kingdom, in terms of the beauty industry?
“The beauty industry has evolved and progressed in terms of inclusivity for all in the past years, but there is still a lot to be done. I believe that if inclusivity matters, then culture must matter. While some reports show that African and Caribbean women spend considerably more on beauty products as their non-Afro Caribbean counterparts, there are still not enough beauty events or products that cater to us and our own individual beauty and cultures. So yes, more representation is desired.”
How supportive have your family and friends been of your brand’s launch?
“My family and friends have been very supportive of me and my business from the conception of the idea to now. I count myself blessed to have this support because, during times like now, it’s extremely important to have a support system that can motivate you to keep doing what you love.”
How has the Caribbean community responded to the brand?
“My brand is still new to the market and there have been some setbacks due to the pandemic. But, the feedback that I have received thus far from the Caribbean community is great and I’m looking forward to releasing more products that more of my audiences can identify with.”
“I have received messages from customers expressing how happy that a brand like Island Play Cosmetics exists, because it’s now a beauty brand that showcases something that represents them individually, and their rich culture, which is often overlooked.”
Do you think Caribbean culture supports creatives and the arts? Is it more supportive of the 9-5 or employee lifestyle vs entrepreneurial path?
“Where I grew up and the home that I came from taught us to get a good education so that you can get a good job, whereas I had some friends whose families owned businesses and taught their kids how to run the business.”
“I can say for Trinidad and Tobago that it can go either way, it depends on the family you come from and what you are taught as a young person. My surrounding influences had a big part to play in the way I decided to go. I realized that I wanted to live a certain type of life, and just a 9-5 ultimately would not provide that.”
As for the future of Island Play Cosmetics, Douglas has many plans for the brand and is very excited about where it will go. She will be releasing new, exciting products and collections within the year, with product release dates being posted to her website, www.islandplaycosmetics.com. To become part of the #islandplaytribe, subscribe to the mailing list and receive exclusive discounts, gifts, and promotions directly to your inbox.
Caribbean Cosmetics Line
