Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Official Gift Lounge for this year’s 58th Annual GRAMMY Awards. The event was hosted by Distinctive Assets, an LA-based entertainment marketing company who knows how to throw a good and well-buzzed about event. This year’s GRAMMY presenters and performers (Adele, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga and more) were treated to a suite of luxury, fashionable high-end gifts in acknowledgment for their participation. That’s right, the coveted GRAMMYS swag bag.
Now don’t get me wrong, I can get starstruck like the best of them. But I’m a Southern California girl and I see “Stars Like Us” all the time. I get just as excited talking with the entrepreneurs and business owners who are behind the gifts that go home with some of our favorite artists. I want to know their story, how they went from starting with an idea for a business to gifting some of the world’s most talented musicians and who they’re most excited to meet. (I also like when someone says, “That’s a really good question.” It makes me feel like I’ve done my job.)
The set-up was nothing short of first class where everyone was treated like a celebrity. Now typically, I’d do these interviews as live 5 in 5 interviews, but when you have multiple brands being represented, artists and media working their way through the lounge and GRAMMY winning music grooving in the background, it’s kind of like asking people at a rock concert to hold it down so you can get the right sound for a video. So this is a different format, but don’t worry. I made sure we got a good 5 in 5 style question in when we played “Celebrity Jingle”.
What’s “Celebrity Jingle”? It goes like this, “You just found out you can have any artist (nominated or not) write and perform the jingle for your brand. Who is it?”
Tools by Gina
I love Gina! Ok, I love most anyone named Gina, but when this Gina happens to be Phenix Salon’s Beauty Expert, Gina Rivera, you know you’re in for a treat. Gifting her Pure Infrared Professional Styling Tools that steam the hair instead of applying direct heat, Tools by Gina leaves your hair feeling smooth, looking shiny and locking in moisture. That’s good stuff.
What’s in the bag?
Blow dryers and flat irons from their Pure Infrared collection. ($250)
Celebrity Jingle:
Gina went for a dream team jingle and who can blame her? She chose Meghan Trainor, Arianna Grande, Jennifer Lopez & Beyoncé.
Phillip Ashley Chocolates
I get to meet a lot of talented people in my work. A lot. And every once in a while, someone comes along who really stands out in a way where you know they are destined for big things – that’s Phillip Ashley Rix of Phillip Ashley Chocolates. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, Chef Phillip Ashley is known for his wildly imaginative flavor profiles such as bacon caramel shortbread, gorgonzola dolce apricot and barbecue. Yes, barbecue. Referred to as the “Real Life Willy Wonka” by Forbes and self-taught in chocolate, Chef Phillip Ashley is a true artist. I couldn’t get over the attention to detail in each piece. It’s edible art. Truly beautiful edible art. And the best part? They ship everywhere!
What’s in the bag?
Chef Phillip Ashley used vintage aged, luxury ingredients to craft the flavors for his 6-piece designer chocolate gift box called the Lux Collection. Flavors include Saffon, Aged Balsamic Vinegar and Japanese Suntory Whiskey. ($199)
And for the afterparty? One of the world’s most expensive pieces of chocolate: a 23k Gold salted caramel pecan praline. ($79)
Also on display, the debut of their 8-piece Louis XIII caramel set called Versailles. When purchased, the chocolates are couriered to your house and delivered in an aluminum case where the driver will hand you a card listing a number to call to receive a code to unlock the case containing your box of decadence. Each piece is hand gilded with 23k gold, weighs approximately 30 grams and takes about 40 minutes to do each one. ($3,000)
Celebrity Jingle:
Bring it on down to Chocolateville because Chef Phillip Ashley made the perfect choice. Also from Memphis, Tennessee – Justin Timberlake.
Live in Fitness/Fit Club TV
Located at their Hilton Head Island resort, Live in Fitness is a weight loss retreat program founded on science and results. Fit Club TV is their way of paying it forward to people who are looking to up their wellness game by giving individuals free access to a wide variety of instructional videos including dance, yoga, meal plans, cooking, behavioral videos and more.
What’s in the bag?
Fit Club TV “Ultimate Fitness Package”: Fit Culture Threads designer workout apparel and Live in Fitness VIP experience in a private villa, plus Fit Culture Fuel health and performance supplements. ($6,180)
Celebrity Jingle:
Things move fast in the Gift Lounge, so while I didn’t get to ask, I’d suspect a solid playlist would be more appropriate for this luxury brand.
Scuf Gaming
If you’re serious about gaming, you want to be on #TEAMSCUF. Scuff Gaming is a global leader and innovator in eSports, high-end accessories and customized gaming controllers for Elite Gamers. When they say, “Your SCUF, your way”, they mean it. SCUF controllers are now used by over 90% of the top professional gamers in the world! A true testament to the innovation and quality of their product and meeting their customers’ needs.
What’s in the bag?
Scuf Gaming was gifting their new SCUF Infinity Custom Controller designed to offer infinite levels of customization while offering interchangeable key areas of function, feather and design – and all on the fly! ($300)
Celebrity Jingle?
Everyone’s favorite Squad Leader, Taylor Swift.
SIS By Simone I. Smith
Simone I. Smith launched her signature jewelry collection with two goals in mind: to transform her life-long affection for accessories into a thriving enterprise and offer a helping hand to those in need. In 2004, Simone was diagnosed with stage III chondorosarcoma- a rare form of cancer in her left leg. Her treatment required invasive surgery that changed the appearance of her lollipop tattoo that now looks like someone took a bite out of it. It inspired the eye-catching and colorful A Sweet Touch of Hope lollipop pendants. A portion of sales goes to the American Cancer Society.
What’s in the bag?
SIS by Simone I. Smith signature look (big, chunky and fun) earrings and necklaces, plus from their new stylish collection – FOCUS for Men bracelets.
Celebrity Jingle:
None other than Simone’s husband of 21 years and Host of the 58th Annual GRAMMYS Awards – LL Cool J.
Koi Interiors
Specializing in interiors and staging, Koi Interiors has designed dressing rooms for such artists as Rihanna and Taylor Swift. Koi Interiors’ Design Philosophy: “Space is an art form. It is defined by the architecture that contains it and the fixtures and furnishings with which we fill it.”
What’s in the bag?
$1000 gift certificates to be used towards design and staging.
Celebrity Jingle:
Luxury interiors know they need nothing short of a luxurious sound and that’s Adele.
NOON VR
NOON can turn any smartphone with a screen size of 4.7 to 5.7 inches into your very own virtual reality device. All you need is your smartphone and the NOON VR app which is available (for free) through your phone’s app store. I got to try the roller coaster and I’ll admit, I didn’t expect much. But before I knew it, I noticed I was gripping the barstool (the swivel barstool) I was sitting on and finally closed my eyes at a steep turn to the right for fear I’d fall off the chair and although memorable (in the most humiliating way) never be invited back. It’s a lot of fun and worth adding to your wish list.
What’s in the bag?
The goods. The virtual reality device itself. ($89)
Celebrity Jingle:
Instead of going with a musical artist, NOON VR went in a different direction and chose Anthony Bourdain – an adventurous spirit to match an adventurous brand.
It was such a fun day and if you’re wondering where I sat during the awards, I had the best seat in the house. The GRAMMYS are a ton of fun. I’ve been and I’d go again in a heartbeat. But there’s nothing like being able to sit in your most comfortable spot, in your most comfortable clothes with a direct view of the stage from the comfort of your own home. (Although I wouldn’t have been disappointed to have found a surprise performance from Adele or Bonnie Raitt in my living room.)
But before I wrap, let’s play a Celebrity Jingle! You just found out you can have any artist write and perform the jingle for your brand. Who do you choose? Who DO you choose?
