Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhennel Joseph.
Hi Rhennel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Black Island Lifestyle is a Grenadian-based brand creating handcrafted, Caribbean-inspired home décor that blends bold artistry with everyday function. From sculptural lighting and hand-painted trays to island-shaped pieces like the Map and Divided Parish trays, each design is rooted in culture, storytelling, and a deep sense of place. The brand celebrates texture, color, and identity-transforming simple, functional items into statement pieces that spark memory and conversation. I have recently worked with IMA Grenada, creating custom trays and coasters, and River Antoine Estate Rum, where I developed bespoke trays and nutmeg-inspired décor pieces, along with several other local businesses, private events, and residential lighting projects.
At its core, Black Island Lifestyle is about connection-bringing the soul of the Caribbean into everyday living. This is reflected in my recent Island Market Magnet collection, inspired by nostalgic Saturday market mornings, which has been met with strong demand for the memories it evokes. Looking ahead, my vision is to continue expanding into thoughtfully designed collections that merge culture, functionality, and storytelling, while growing both locally and internationally as a brand that represents modern Caribbean living in a bold and meaningful way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road, but every challenge has helped shape both myself and the brand. One of the biggest struggles has been building a luxury handcrafted brand from a small Caribbean island, where access to certain materials, manufacturers, machinery, and shipping options can be limited. A lot of the process involves research, experimentation, and figuring things out through trial and error.
Another challenge has been balancing creativity with business. As an artist and entrepreneur, I wear many hats — from designing and creating pieces to handling branding, marketing, sourcing, customer communication, and operations. Because many of my concepts are custom and sculptural, bringing ideas to life in a way that is both artistic and functional can also take time and persistence.
I’ve also had to work hard to educate people on the value of handcrafted work and to create visibility for a Caribbean-based brand in international spaces. However, those challenges have also pushed me to become more innovative, intentional, and resilient, and they continue to inspire the evolution of Black Island Lifestyle.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Grenadian artist and creative entrepreneur, as well as the founder of Black Island Lifestyle, a handcrafted home décor and lifestyle brand inspired by the beauty, culture, and textures of the Caribbean. My work specializes in sculptural lighting, hand-painted trays, textured artwork, and custom pieces that blend art, storytelling, and functional design.
A large part of what I create is inspired by island life — from nutmeg and tropical textures to the colors, memories, and everyday experiences that make the Caribbean feel so unique. I enjoy taking familiar cultural elements and reimagining them in a modern, elevated, and artistic way.
I am known for creating the original 3D hand-painted nutmeg ornaments in Grenada, which were later featured as part of the Christmas tree décor at Silversands Grenada, as well as my Grenada Map trays, Island Map trays, Island Market Magnets, and originally my hand-painted trays. My handwoven lighting pieces at Aquarium Restaurant are also among some of the projects people recognize most.
I would say I am most proud of my Island Map trays because they allowed me to create functional art that feels patriotic without becoming generic. They also create a sense of connection for the Caribbean diaspora — whether it’s someone from Grenada, Trinidad, or another island wanting to keep a piece of home with them no matter where they are in the world.
What sets my work apart is the combination of craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and contemporary Caribbean design. Many of my pieces begin as original concepts and go through a lot of experimentation with materials, finishes, textures, and form before reaching the final product. I aim to create work that not only functions as décor, but also sparks nostalgia, conversation, and emotional connection.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can support my work by engaging with and sharing Black Island Lifestyle, purchasing pieces, collaborating on creative projects, or simply helping to amplify Caribbean artistry and craftsmanship on a larger scale.
I am always open to collaborations with hotels, restaurants, boutiques, interior designers, cultural spaces, and brands that align with creativity, storytelling, and elevated Caribbean design. Much of my work is custom, so I also enjoy working with clients to create unique pieces that feel personal and connected to their space or story.
Support also comes in the form of community — every share, recommendation, conversation, and opportunity helps independent creatives like myself continue to grow and create. My goal is not only to build beautiful products, but also to contribute to a stronger appreciation for contemporary Caribbean art and design both regionally and internationally.
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