MAGAZINE
RAINE INSPIRE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS I N T E R N A T I O N A L I S S U E
QUARTERLY
VOL 18
“JUST ME” RAINEMAKER
CONSUELO VANDERBILT COSTIN
BARBADOS’ 25 BEST THINGS TO DO MEET INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER MANNY ROMAN
THE 5 MUST KNOW ENTREPRENEURS THIS SEASON
DISCOVER 4 RISING INNOVATORS IN FASHION TECHNOLOGY F
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MEET DR. SPICER
Meet Dr. Michael S. Spicer, renowned dermatologist and founder of Épicé, a leader in the beauty industry, with a focus on preserving your most precious asset: your skin. As a board certified dermatologist with a degree in biochemistry, Dr. Spicer has used his extensive knowledge to create the ultimate expression in care for all skin types. The Épicé line draws on Dr. Spicer’s years of practice developing products that are designed with your health in mind and driven by results that are lasting and beneficial. RAINE: Can you talk about your background as a doctor and entrepreneur? SPICER: I’m from Trinidad and my wife is from Barbados, and we currently live in Florida. I’m a dermatologist; I deal with a lot of skin problems and skin care has always been a passion of mine- in terms of finding the best product on the market for my patients. Over the years I came up with a line, and with my connections in Trinidad and Barbados, I was able to expand it there. RAINE: Dr. Spicer, why did you start a business in skin care? SPICER: Early in my career when I would see patients - usually children with severe eczema - I was taught to recommend moisturizing creams because it helps with itching, and I noticed that some creams worked better than others. Certainly, some of the brands that were popular at the time did not seem to do very well, and then there was a subset of moisturizing creams that did very well. I started to look into why there were some products that worked better, and that’s what got me into this whole thing. There really are some better ingredients, better formulations, and better ways of doing things that I don’t want to say aren’t popular. But, if you knew there were ingredients that worked better, then that’s what you’d make your cream out of - not just the standard oil and water or Vaseline and water, like most moisturizing creams out there. RAINE: How did you start your business? SPICER: I had some ideas and went to one of the local labs in the area. They weren’t skin care companies, but they made products for other people [other brands], but not specifically what I was doing. I gave them an idea, and through conversations, we were able to come up with the ingredients we have today. It has been a joint effort between the chemists, the aestheticians, and myself.
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RAINE: Why did you expand your business in the Caribbean? SPICER: We have a pretty strong presence in the Caribbean. I was doing it here in Florida, and I would visit, quite frequently, in Trinidad and Barbados- due to the family ties- and I kept talking with the local businessmen and the local aestheticians. I know some of the dermatologists, particularly in Barbados, and I decided it was a good idea to expand down there, especially with the business connections; and it’s really taken off. RAINE: What are the pros and cons of doing business in Barbados and other Caribbean islands? SPICER: Well, the double-edged sword is primarily the expense of trying to get [import] products- particularly into Barbados, because they import virtually everything, so there is a very high tax on imported goods. The pro is that a lot of other companies based in Europe and the United States pulled out in the last several years because of the economy, and that opened the door for me to promise that we would always have product in stock. So even though it has been very expensive, we’ve been able to keep our clients fully stocked. Unfortunately, bringing the product into the country is very expensive. We try not to pass the entire cost on to the customer, because then it would be ridiculously priced. So we absorb some that cost, so that local Barbadians can afford a quality skin care product versus competitors. RAINE: Can you tell me about the Épicé line and how you believe that your products are a leader in the beauty industry? SPICER: One of the ‘things’ that we offer is me: a dermatologist who can advise on what is best for the skin, so that a 25-year-old with oily, acne skin is going to have a different skin care regimen than a 55-year-old with very dry skin; someone who keeps environmental differences in mind and will also change your skin care routine. What we offer is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Over the last couple of years, what I have developed is a skin care regimen based on age, skin type, and geographic location. Technologically, it has been interesting trying to put all of that together, and that is one of the centerpieces of our company- to provide a skin care regimen that is unique to the client.
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“Skincare has always been a passion of mine.” RAINE: What advice do you give to your patients with skin issues, and how does Épicé Moisturizing Lotion combat the signs and symptoms of problematic skin? SPICER: Patients with problem skin are usually seen in my dermatology practice and treated medically. Épicé Therapeutic Moisturizing Lotion has been a great adjunct to my treatment protocol, especially in patients with eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and post-radiation- especially in women who have had radiation treatments for breast cancer. The aloe is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, the safflower oil is soothing to the skin, and Épicé Therapeutic Moisturizer contains no parabens, which are a concern for breast cancer survivors. RAINE: How did you manage to create a sunscreen that can be used on regular and sensitive skin? Is that due in part to using zinc in the formula? SPICER: The key was to try and create a zinc-only moisturizing sunscreen that does not burn the eyes or irritate the skin, so that it can be used as a daily facial moisturizer as well as a sunscreen. We do have other sunscreens that are coming out based specifically on personal preference, in terms of some people liking a heavier sunscreen and others preferring a more lotion-based sunscreen. We are also coming out with a mattifying tinted sunscreen, so that people with acne and oily skin can have a combination of blemish control and
something that is going to prevent shine at the end of the day…so we are really excited about that. RAINE: What is ClearZinc, and how does it set the Épicé line apart from brands that only use zinc in their formulations? SPICER: ClearZinc is a nanoparticle zinc formulation that goes on clear and contains a variation of micro fine zinc particles to reflect and refract the sunlight, protecting the skin from harmful UV radiation. Larger zinc oxide particles can leave a whitish hue or even make the skin look completely white. Épicé Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 20+ goes on clear and smoothly, so it doesn’t feel like it is there. RAINE: For people who want to protect their skin, what should they know about using Épicé Sunscreen? For example, do you need to wait to go out into the sun after you apply? SPICER: It is recommended, even though zinc oxide is a physical block, and it does protect you as soon as you apply it to your skin. If you look at the daily facial moisturizer, once it is on, it’s on and that’s it; you’re good to go. Our Epi Dry does have some chemical sunscreens that do have to absorb into the skin, and that does take 15 to 20 minutes. The newer thought of applying sunscreen is that if you apply sunscreen and then reapply 15 minutes after you have been exposed to the sun, then you have much better protection. RAINE: Dr. Spicer, if there is one thing that people should do on a consistent basis to keep and maintain healthy skin, what would that be? SPICER: Sun protection. About 80% of the aging process is from exposure to UV light. So by protecting your skin from ultraviolet exposure, you can maintain a healthy, youthful, appearance for substantially longer than if you were not using a daily facial sunscreen.
on her: Ribbon Halter Gown w/Bow Belt: Kevan Hall, Bracelet & Bauble Ring: Ice on him: Gianni Seersucker 3pc suit / Giorgio Armani White Button down shirt / Kenneth Cole Collection Ocean Blvd Brown Loafer
F RE SH FAC E S | F ILM
OM RE AE NT G ED AI SS CT HH EA NPE OWL AB NU ZC ZO Orange is so in this season: take it from the stellar cast of inmates at
RAINE: Since you spend a lot of time filming in prison garb, what is your
whose storylines and relationship arcs have made her a favorite among critics and fans. Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in New York,
usually dress for my mood, not the occasion.
Polanco brings a fresh perspective to the groundbreaking series. After acing her first Orange audition while still wearing her nursing school scrubs, Polanco is quickly becoming one to watch.
RAINE: When did you decide to pursue acting?
POLANCO: I have taken theatre courses pretty much throughout my early childhood and adult education. In 2010 my fiancé registered me in BIH acting studios with concentrations in film and television and that’s when I started pursuing acting more seriously. RAINE: How does your life experience and heritage influence your work?
RAINE: Why do you think Orange is the New Black has become such a hit? POLANCO: It has become such a hit for many reasons. Jenji Kohan and the writers have set up such interesting dynamics, storylines, and
unexpected plots. Jen Euston casted the show in a way that is diverse and represents the real world. The actors are able to portray these characters and give them depth and layers. The women of the world are represented in Litchfield. RAINE:
What
other
upcoming projects do
POLANCO: My experiences help keep me from judging the characters and
you have in the works? POLANCO: I have the
RAINE: Where do you find inspiration for your role as Dayanara? POLANCO: I find inspiration by remembering individuals I came across, grew up around. I tend to absorb my surroundings and observe and use
RAINE: What writers,
situations I encounter. I am willing to learn from and find commonalities in each character.
experiences where I felt similar emotions, even if it was not the same situation.
RAINE: What do you enjoy about being a part of such a talented ensemble cast? POLANCO: Watching castmates becoming these incredible characters and do such a great job at it - makes me want to work harder. It motivates me to do my best when I am on set. I enjoy watching the project come to life. It is amazing to be able to be part of this creation.
RAINE: You’ve done brilliant work in a number of gripping scenes on
Orange is the New Black, which was the most challenging for you and how did you approach it?
POLANCO: The most challenging scene for me was when I had a scene with “RED” (Kate Mulgew) and she receives Daya in a moment of vulnerability. It is so difficult for me to allow myself to show vulnerability, especially to a stranger. For her to not have her mom or someone she trusts was very difficult.
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street style like? POLANCO: I love fashion and I dress in pretty much anything I feel like. I
movie Gimme Shelter coming out in January and also I just finished filming The Cobbler.
directors, or actors would you love to work with? POLANCO: I would love to work with many of the directors from Orange again. I’d also like to work with Quentin Tarantino, Tom McCarthy, Martin Scorsese, Alfonso Cuaron, Brian Depalma, and Spike Lee. I’d love to act with Angelina Jolie, Meryl Streep, Michelle Rodriguez, Zoe Saldana, Jennifer Lawrence, Anne Hathaway, Sofia Vergara, Melissa McCarthy, Liam Neeson, Leonardo Dicarpio, James Franco… in the end this question would be easier if I knew who would want to work with me! My list is endless. RAINE: What advice do you have for aspiring actors? POLANCO: It is a very competitive field and you must be able to not take rejections personally. It takes persistence, perseverance, and dedication. Train hard and be willing to fall, every fall just teaches you how to stay up longer. Aim beyond your goals and surround yourself with the art,. RAINE: What are three things your fans don’t know about you? POLANCO: I love cars and driving. I pretty much base all my choices depending on my mood: I like to call upon my mood ring to see if I’m feeling like a nut or not! And finally I want to win the lottery so I can share and help even more.
RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 18
Photos courtesy of Netflix.
Litchfield Penitentiary, fictional home to Netflix’s hottest original series, Orange is the New Black. Leading the pack is newcomer Dascha Polanco
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TRAV E L | E AT. S TAY. C H ILL
OF BARBADOS’ BEST THINGS TO DO…
1.
Oistins Fish Market
Visit the Oistins Fish Market on a Friday or Saturday night and enjoy
the excitement and buzz of Barbados’ most popular market place. Enjoy rubbing shoulders and partying with locals to the sweet strains of
Calypso music coming from the dance hall in the middle of the markets. Bajans dance arm in arm to music from the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Of course
all that dancing builds up an appetite, so head for the food and beverage
stalls and enjoy traditional Bajan fare such as fish cakes, Jug-Jug (guinea corn and green peas) fried fish and Pudding, all washed down with a
cool Banks Beer. Local arts and crafts can also be found in abundance as local craftsmen take the opportunity to display their wares.
2.
Flying Fish & Cou Cou
Sample the delicious local Bajan fare of Flying Fish with Cou Cou (a popular corn meal and okra dish) at the Atlantis Hotel and the Waterfront Café.
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FAS H I O N TO L IV E F O R
SWIM
CITY Photography: Milos- www.milosimage.com Styling: Elle Perring Art direction: Gemma McLellan Hair/Make Up: Lesley Cameron Model: Phoenix- London Management Sydney Photo Assistant: Jeremy Shaw, Levon Baird
Shakuhachi top & bottom Lovisa necklace
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RAINE MAGAZINE - VOLUME 18
MIllie Loves Min top & bottom Lovisa bangles
MIllie Loves Min top Ginja bottoms Ebony Fleur necklace
Lisa Marie Fernandez bodysuit Vera Xane jewellery