by Chie Davis
Former model, criminologist and cancer survivor, Neysha Soodeen has experienced her fair share of beauty and adversity. In 1999, this Trinidadian on a mission launched MACO. Produced in the Caribbean, by Caribbean women, the glossy publication was the first of it’s kind to illustrate an elegant and diverse picture of the Caribbean through art and interior design, architecture, cuisine and gardens. “The launch of MACO was instrumental in improving the appreciation we as West Indians have for our own culture as well as allowing the world to understand that we are not simply an archipelago of islands dotted with resorts,” Soodeen explains.
MACO has since grown on an international scale, distributed throughout the world. They have also expanded their offerings to: MACO Destinations, MACO Design Source Book and MACO Caribbean Homes.
This year MACO, a Trinidadian patois saying that means “to mind other people’s business,” celebrates its 10th anniversary. During a particularly challenging time for print publications Soodeen commented, “…it is phenomenal that we have made it to 10 years and in all honesty…it is also nerve wrecking being one of the Caribbean’s largest magazine publishers in this day and age with advertising dropping to an all time low and the future of print questionable.”
In addition to expanding their online efforts, where does Soodeen plan to take MACO in the future? “…we now print on matte coated paper, which is very sexy! Besides including more ‘green’ features, MACO in 2019 will be similar in a lot of ways to MACO 1999.”
Constantly looking to build – in 2010 Soodeen’s efforts will also be focused on ‘Brown Sugar & Spice’ –a children’s book for the ‘tween’ market, produced by MACO’s parent company Toute Bagai Publishing. “This is the first book of its kind to be written in the Caribbean and the story encompasses adventure with Caribbean history.”
Ocean Splash! caught up with Neysha Soodeen -in her rare downtime- taking a break in our Coffee Shop…
Coffee Shop Questions
CS – Are you living out your full potential?
NS – Yes and No! Although I appreciate where I have reached and the magazines and events I have produced, I always feel I should be accomplishing more. There is a little burn in my belly which reminds me that there is STILL so much I can do with MACO the BRAND; home products, a design company, a paint line for interiors…
CS – Top goals for 2010?
NS – Personally: get in shape and spend more time with my 7 month-old baby.
Professionally: launch the website and grow my distribution company ‘Moving Magazines’ to help other publishers market their product regionally and internationally.
CS – Favorite holiday song?
NS – ‘Drink a rum and a puncha-creama’ by the Merry Men
CS – Favorite visual artists?
NS – I am a huge collector of Caribbean art… hard to say which one is my favorite.
CS – Most prized piece of art or decor within your home?
NS – I have an original and signed Henri Matisse and a Salvador Dali, which I spent years saving up for.
CS – Favorite clothing item that’s hanging in your closet?
NS – I just bought two Lolita Jaca dresses. Usually, I buy Lolita Jaca from her boutique in St. Barths, but I found these two dresses at Calypso- Bal Harbour, Miami.
CS – One thing that gets you through Monday mornings?
NS – I need nothing to get me through a Monday morning. I LOVE Monday mornings much to my staff’s dismay.
CS – Your favorite hotel?
NS – The Raffles Resort on Canouan Island in St. Vincent & The Grenadines. It’s a fabulous resort, gorgeous rooms, spectacular service and delectable food. It is also one of the few places that ‘forces you to relax’ literally.
CS – Do you have an alter ego when you experience a “good hair / fashion” day?
NS – If you know me, you would know that I never have a good hair day and fashion is not my strong point! I am a jeans and white t-shirt type of gyal!
CS – What are your top 3 favorite children’s names?
NS – Tej (the name of my son), Zhara and Soliel.
CS – If you could eat one food in excess-without gaining a pound, what would it be?
NS – Mashed Potatoes! Proper mashed potatoes with cheese, sour cream and lots of salt!
CS – 3 things that you often dream about at night?
NS – George Clooney, Denzel Washington and Harry Connick Jr.
CS – One luxury item that you could do without if giving it back would help to boost the economy?
NS – I could do without my car if I were allowed to ride a scooter!
CS – Your favorite mantra?
NS – ‘My way or the Highway’
CS – Favorite indulgence?
Wine / champagne
CS – Top 3 things that make you feel sexy?
NS – 1. When I’ve just closed a big deal
2. When I’m the only girl at a boy’s lime
3. Sexy pajamas!
CS – 1 favorite beauty item that makes you feel like a girl?
NS – Lip Gloss
CS – Favorite fine dining restaurant?
NS – In the world… NOBU…in the Caribbean, Daphne’s in Barbados
CS – Favorite perfume?
NS – ‘Gardenia’ by Chanel… It is not widely available and exclusive to Saks.
CS – If you could walk in the shoes of one person who would it be?
NS – I would love to be Oprah for a day, and I would probably give her shoes back as they would clearly be too big for me!
CS – All time favorite book?
NS – ‘Golden Hill’ by Shirley Lord… unknown to most, but the book is based in Trinidad in the 1800’s and is filled with excitement, love, sex, murder and tons of history on the island.
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