I’ve never regretted the day I decided to feature more than just an airbrushed beauty shot on the cover of each issue and what satisfies me the most is the positive response I get from the cover of each issue.

Jazz Browne photographed by Frederique Rapier 

The women featured on the 2^nd anniversary issue cover are very significant to me, but most importantly they are the definition of Complexd Women who have lived; loved; and learnt.  Jazz Browne who features on the right side of the cover is, the mother of my best friend of 14 years. She offered her guidance and advice in my most crucial years of self-discovery and just as supportive and encouraging of my dreams as my mother. For many years I have heard through my best-friend about all the amazing things she has done and it was my pleasure to finally feature her.

Portrait by Frederique Rapier/Make-up by Nishi V 

Vintage portrait of Terry Irwin 

Terry Irwin, who features on the left side is the mother of our Creative Director Rachel Irwin. Up until this issue I had no idea how Complexd Rachel’s mum was.

Terry and Rachel Irwin 

Since Rachel joined the team, Terry has been a big fan of the magazine and what we produce as it reminds her of the unique experiences she has had living in different parts of the world. We enjoy sharing stories about our experiences in the Bahamas and I love seeing old photo’s of Terry’s fantastic sense of island style.

Vintage portrait of Terry Irwin 

In a recent interview on a popular morning show in Grenada, I was asked if my team was also Complexd and I am proud to say that whether it’s directly or indirectly they believe in the concept as much as I do because they understand what it means to be Complexd. This cover is a tribute to the fact that in the 2 years I have been publishing Complexd magazine, I have always been surrounded by Complexd Women whether I’ve known it or not.

We have enjoyed our family holiday so far, but today I felt like me and mum needed a break away from the boys to spend some quality time. Five minutes away from the popular Grand Anse beach we found an intimate spa tucked away in the Fit for Life Health Club called Massagical Bliss.

I spend most of my time hunched over a computer reviewing, writing and editing copy and mum does a lot of running around. After listening to our body complaints spa owner and Massage Therapist Lynnel Gilbert, who was very approachable and concerned recommend a back and shoulder massage for me and a reflexology foot massage for mum.

I relaxed in the capable hands of Lynnel acutely unaware of the intensive workouts going on in the gym outside. Before the treatment we had a quick chat about her path into the profession and she admitted it was the encouragement of friends and family who told her to put her healing hands to good use. Throughout my treatment Lynnel had a firm but gentle consistency in her massaging technique. She was thorough and fearless with her hands, working through the tension in my body by using a hip twist technique to stretch my back and ease my muscles. After my treatment I believed in her gifted hands just as much as her friends and family and was as pleased as a proud relative that she made the decision to study Practical Massage at Trinidad & Tobago College of Therapeutic Massage.

‘I love my job! It’s a pleasure to wake up every morning and go to work knowing that I am going to make a difference in someone’s life with my hands and the knowledge I posses to help heal and soothe their body, mind and soul back to balance’

What I have appreciated the most about this trip is the Complexd Women I have had the chance to meet. Lynnel is not only a fantastic masseuse, she is also a bold business woman. After her training she started out working for resorts on the island until she took the plunge and opened Massagical Bliss in 2008. At just 26 Lynnel is an audacious business owner who knows that to ensure steady growth she needed to expand the business. She recently enlisted a team of beauty experts so that she could offer manicures, pedicures, waxing and hair care, while treating her clients and dealing with medical conditions, sports therapy and rehabilitation treatments.

When she spoke about her business she was very confident in the fact that her success boils down to good quality customer care and services. Massagical Bliss recently joined the Caribbean Spa and Wellness Association and Lynnel’s overall vision is to educate people on the importance of good posture in the office, at school and when sleeping to help them realise the benefits of looking after their body.

It was the most relaxing mother daughter experience we have had in Grenada and I highly recommend experiencing a treatment with Lynnel. If you’re based in Grenada check out her mother’s day treatment specials here

It was my first time visiting Spice Basket and I personally believe it is a long-awaited, but much needed educational and cultural experience for locals and tourist visiting the island. Spice Basket presents traditional Grenadian lifestyle complete with a theatre, restaurant, museum and gift shop through an assembly of authentically designed colourful wooden huts situated in such a way that it mimics a village environment.

Coming to life every Wednesday and Sunday, A Slice of Spice is a vibrant dance production that enlightens its audience about the myths, legends and spirit tales told through many generations in Grenada. During the show I would look over at my mother’s reminiscent gaze when the dancers swept away the she-devil La Diablesse with their wide white skirts enacting the tale of a beautiful woman who lures unsuspecting men deep into the woods only to reveal her skeletal face and cloven hooves. She laughed as she remembered the myth my great-grandmother used to tell her and lit up when the skillful dancers performed a traditional stick dance she enjoyed watching when she was growing up.

There were numerous costume changes and energetic routines so it worked out really well that dinner was served before the show. The mango crumble with coconut ice-cream washed down with tropical fruit juice was heavenly and the service exceeded it’s standards. Our waitress was just as entertaining as the show and truly personified the nature of Grenadian people.

The only two male dancers in the cast stood their ground amidst the collective of animated female dancers.  Passionate dancer Shanique Strachan exaggerated her moves with so much vivacity that I felt every twist, turn and hip rotate, while dancer Aniona Hamid delighted the audience with her bright beautiful smile and alluring charm.

Photographed by Vin Su

Dancing as an extra curricular activity for seven years and fitting the demanding rehearsal schedule around her everyday life, Aniona described performing weekly at Spice Basket as an escape from everything else. I was most impressed by the energy all the performers put into the dance sequences and it was evident that they live by the words of Choreographer and Artistic Director of Conception Dance Theatre Cecilia Griffith, who advises them to leave all their troubles behind and just dance!

Find out more about Spice Basket at www.spicebasketgrenada.com