Today, marks my golden jubilee of life. I can truly say that I have experienced some of the most unexpected and spectacular things in life as well as traveled afar from my humble Caribbean roots to the globe’s most breathtaking destinations. I also have been unquestionably blessed to have had great oracles such as my beloved Grandmothers, Phyllis and Mavis, as well as Aunts Sheila, Neva, and Alma in my life. All of these amazing ladies have guided my path and played an intricate role in who I am.
Over the years, I have also had the great fortune to have met some of the most talented and compassionate people that I am happy to call my friends, family, and business counterparts. Thus far, its been a wondrous voyage that has had breathtaking moments and unexplainable pain such as the lost of loved ones to death. In life there is always a measure of pain, triumph and kisses in the rain.
What is life without love? In my lifetime, so far, I have been fortunate to have the unconditional love of many pure souls such as my Dad, Cordell, my first protector and mentor – he is now one of my guardian angels. Life is a journey that ultimately leads to divinity and God’s unquantifiable love. Hence, I embrace and appreciate every breath that I take. At the end of all the greatness that we achieve here on earth the true essence of life is that we are all merely walking each other home to our celestial dwelling.
For my month-long golden jubilee celebration, I have selected a sweet mix of some of my most adored brands such as Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, a libation of love that dates back to my twenties and the stunning shores of Venice, Italy.
As with every aspect of our lives, there’s always something profoundly exquisite and sentimental as well as something new and rapturous. My latest “obsessions” includes Hotel Chocolat, Heretic Parfum, Spongelle, BTL SVC Premium Cocktails, Sweet Lavender Morning, and Indigo Jones Eats.
To all of the exquisite brands that have been so immensely kind to bestow me with wonderful birthday gifts, I would like to say a heartfelt thank you.
Here’s a closer look at these fabulous brands that are the epitome of class, luxury, and conspicuous consumption – Here’s to 50 marvelous years!
A golden jubilee can’t be celebrated without vintage bubbles of love; for over 20 years Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin has been my all-time favorite Champagne. Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin is an exquisite French Champagne house based in Reims. It was founded in 1772 by Philippe Clicquot and is one of the largest champagne houses in the world.
Oh my, there are so many stupendous brands that I have worked with and loved over the years, from Cartier, Tiffany, La Perla, Baccarat to Lalique, Chanel, Lolita Lempicka, Audi and Mercedes Benz – I have owned them all, smile. With the passage of time, my tastes have changed and now I am inextricably drawn to the plethora of nature’s bounty.
As my heart is bound to the awe-inspiring shores of the Caribbean, it’s also the seat of Hotel Chocolat operations. This exclusive British chocolatier is one of the world’s few chocolate makers to actually grow cacao, on its beautiful Rabot Estate cacao farm in Saint Lucia, connecting cacao-growing with luxury chocolate making and retailing which makes it truly unique.
When it comes to perfume, my new love is Heretic Parfum. Known for creating amazing natural scents that feature an unapologetic sexy, sensual edge, Heretic is the queen of erotic sensory and rapturous gratification.
For a brilliant libation experience, BTL SVC, is my go-to uber high-end cocktail brand. Every aspect of BTL SVC cocktail boxes are beautifully presented. BTL SVC (an award-winning Los Angeles-based beverage company) has raised-the-bar for cocktails by creating scrumptious hand-crafted premium ready-to-serve cocktails.
Last Christmas, I discovered the stunning handmade wood ornaments by Catsi, a British creator of bespoke heirloom gifts. Catsi’s gorgeous artisanal creations are heartfelt treasures.
Three brands that have become mainstays of my beauty ritual are Wander Beauty, Spongellé, and Sweet Lavender Morning. For starters, Wander Beauty’s collection ranges from its posh, award-winning Play All Day Translucent Powder to Baggage Claim Eye Masks, and the must-have Mile High Club Mascara.
Spongellé is the creator of the world’s only luxurious all-in-one body sponge that’s infused with heavenly bath gel. The finishing touch of my beauty ritual is Sweet Lavender Morning’s beautiful Peony collection. Inspired by the pursuit of nature’s beauty, Sweet Lavender Morning is an organic skincare brand that incorporates the purest ingredients from nature.
In a league of its own is my favorite tresses extension brand Glam Seamless. This high-end brand is one of the leading hair extension companies that’s loved by top celebrity hair extension stylists like Chris Appleton, Priscilla Valles, and David Lopez – Glam Seamless is at the apex of it craft.
A true gastronome at heart, the two brands that have captured my palate are Indigo Jones Eats and J.Q. Dickinson Appalachian Mercantile. Indigo Jones Eats is a New York-based gourmet confectioner that makes each of its delectable delights from scratch, with pots of love, the finest ingredients, and a homemade touch. My newest favorite artisanal goods extraordinaire is J.Q. Dickinson Appalachian Mercantile, a company that pulls its inspiration from the stunning Appalachian region and culture. J.Q. Dickinson Appalachian Mercantile is a sweet piece of all things that are authentically Appalachian.
Over the month of August, my favorite brands will be showcased individually in all their wonderful splendor. SM
Santé
Nicole
