*During Grammy Week, DPA Music Lounge returned to the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel, a secluded urban oasis at the crossroads of Brentwood and Bel Air in Los Angeles. Nathalie Dubois, founder and CEO of Dubois Pelin & Associates (DPA), curated and produced the annual two-day music-focused gift lounge for Grammy winners, nominees, honorees, performers, and presenters at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. DPA also welcomed an eclectic group of international musicians, songwriters, producers, celebrities and VIPs from the world of music and entertainment including Allison Charney, Atia “Ink” Boggs, Autumn Charles, Ben Bliss, Bradley Conklin, Carla Patullo, Carol Connors, Charu Suri, Chef Sean, Cheryl B. Engelhardt, Chloe Maggs, Cody Matthew Johnson, Courtney Paige Nelson, Danny Zelibor, Dave Koz, David Caddick, David Longoria, Devony Smith, Ebony Burks, Emilia Vaughn, Felix Gamarano, Irene Michaels, Lil Mile (Filippo Migliorini), FLO, Gordy Haab, Harold Simmons II, Aura Simmons, Inas X, Irene Michels, Joanie Leeds, Jonathan Estabrooks, Joya Barman, Julia Garcia, Julia Mattison, Kathy Garver, Kirsten Agresta Copely, LaDarsia Walker, Leon Thoms III, Lil MiLi, Lili Haydn, Linda Chorney, Malik Yusef, Marc Marcel, Mary Kouyoumdjian, Mega Ran, Queen Sheba, Ray Angry, Siddhant Bhatia, Sidney Outlaw, Terri Lyne Carrington, Tish Hyman, and Will Liverman, among others.
DPA presented its celebrity guests with a wide range of unique, luxury, high-end products including an expansive array of international brands and the introduction of new global entrepreneurs.
To celebrate Grammy Week, Chief Schmoozer Ashley Shepherd of Shep’s Bar, hosted a tasting experience of Cola Blanca’s Bacanora and the Above-Board brands. Shep’s Bar motto, “Not just a bar, an experience” offers brand activations tastings and private events.
This year’s lounge featured several African American brand owners including Verniese Lorielle Moore, founder and CEO of VIE LORIE, an exquisite luxury handbag line, based in Northern Virginia. Each VIE LORIE creation is a masterpiece born in the hands of Italian artisans, where centuries-old craftsmanship meets bold contemporary visions. Moore is also a board-certified, full-time physician. More than 15 years ago, she was faced with a life-altering diagnosis when she was told she had only six months to live. That diagnosis inspired her to turn her challenge into a victory by creating VIE LORIE.
Jewelry Designer Jasmine Carter is the founder and CEO of Balacia, a growing Black-owned bridal fine jewelry business. Known as the “Engagement Ring Queen,” Carter traces her love for bridal jewelry to when her then boyfriend proposed to her on December 28, 2017. He gave her a one-caret round engagement ring, which was the exact style she dreamed of and that moment later blossomed into a full-fledged and successful business. Her husband, Devon launched Balacia’s men jewelry line in 2020.
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Another unique experience by an African American brand was Medase Cocktails, co-founded by lifelong friends Inga Dyer and Monica Cornitcher in 2023. While Dyer was courageously fighting cancer, the two business partners were inspired to create a healthier alternative to traditional cocktails. Dyer and Cornitcher created six dynamic organic, premium, non-alcohol cocktails with delicious flavors including Hello Sunshine Margarita, Sun Kissed Lemon Drop, Goodnight Moon Moscow Mule, Heavana Can’t Wait Mojita, Hey Big Dipper Old Fashioned, and Golden Hour Jamaican Rum Punch. In February 2024, the beloved Inga Dyer loss her battle with breast cancer.
Eme, an African American entrepreneur based in Los Angeles, is the founder and chef of Eme’s Baked Goods, and an advocate for health-conscious living. Each dessert is specially handcrafted using, gluten free flours, natural sweeteners such as honey, coconut sugar and monk fruit, and other sustainable ingredients. Eme’s Baked Goods offers a line of gift boxes, along with her signature Luxury Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Baking Mix. Products are available for shipping in the U.S. Growing up, Eme had severe food allergies. As a mom, she witnessed her kids face the same struggles with allergies and it has deepened her understanding of how isolating it can feel. Eme’s personal journey inspired her to create Eme’s Baked Goods, a place where everyone, no matter their dietary restrictions, feels seen, included, and cared for—and the desserts are delicious.
International entrepreneurs and brands included Aurélie, a Japanese skincare line by acclaimed Japanese actress and beauty expert, Megumi, whose motto is “beautiful skin strengthens the soul.” Her products focus on anti-aging, hydration, and skin health. She presented guests with the Aurélie Moisturizing Oil in Cleansing Water and the Wrinkle Repair Rich Serum. Armenian Fashion Designer Von Vemian based in Hollywood, CA, showcased his new, one-of-a-kind collection of signature red carpet looks with a blend of classic couture. Guests were also gifted with $300 gift certificates to use when visiting his new showroom.
By popular demand, Stingray returned to the DPA Music Lounge with its number one pick of Oprah’s Favorite Things in 2025. The owners gifted their signature brand, Instant Spot Remover, in three sizes. It is a magical non-toxic spot removing spray, which is good to use on carpet, fabrics, laundry and auto vehicles.
Now, on my list of top ice cream spots, 28 Wishes Ice Cream Shop, located in downtown Los Angeles, has some of the best flavors, including Vegan Summer Lemon Squeezy, Banana Caramel Pecan, Belgium Chocolate, Matcha Oreo, Cookies & Cream, Strawberry Sorbet and Mango Sorbet, just to name a few! Guests also enjoyed multiple dessert options from Cookie Mallow, a home-based premium dessert company, located in Los Angeles. Dessert flavors included Fruity Mallow and Chocolate Forest.
Niara High Jewelry is a women-owned and operated luxury brand based in Houston, Texas. From Paris to New York and beyond, Niara High Jewelry is fine jewelry mixed with 14k gold, diamonds and interchangeable gems with bold, bright, and vibrant colors. Guests were gifted with a signature pair of earrings.
Best Day Brewing’s, whose core mission is to create the best-tasting non-alcoholic beer for its clientele. Made with premium, non-CMO vegan components from the finest natural ingredients including water, barley, hops, and yeast that are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory polyphenols. Another beverage treat was Waterloo Sparkling Water Blackberry Lemonade, a zero-calorie, zero sugar and zero sodium sparkling water that blends tart lemon with rich, juicy berry notes. The product features Non-GMO Project Verified natural flavors with lively carbonation. It’s a vegan-friendly drink and is available at major retailers including Kroger and Publix, among others.
Author Maureen Anne Meehan generously gifted three books from her series, A Mary MacIntosh Novel, which included her new book, Red Hands, along with previous titles including Deputy Dawg or D.B. Cooper, and Gilgo Beach. Before becoming an author, Meehan embarked on a career in law and later became a judge. Her life took a dramatic turn following a tragic event that ignited her passion for storytelling, which led her to write a series of successful legal thrillers.
Children’s book author and illustrator Oshri Hakak creates books around issues of mental health, mindfulness, and interbeing. He is a Los Angeles-based artist and musician. Guests were able to choose from a variety of Hakak’s book titles.
Based in Southern California, The OP Games is a leading developer and manufacturer of board games and puzzles, created with a twist. DPA guests were able to select their game choice, which included the Telestrations 8 Player Pack.
Ele Kauai, the self-made businesswoman behind Ele Kauai, a candle and body care product company, who turned her passion for art and science into a thriving small business, located in Kauai, one of the Hawaiian Islands. She grew up in Southern California and attended the University of California San Diego (UCSD), where she studied biology. She later pursued a career as a patent attorney in New York City and California. All of Ele Kauai products are handcrafted including her candles and body products. Guests were gifted with their choice of product. Anna’s Secret Garden is a Los Angeles-based floral design shop known for creating unique and beautiful arrangements for everyday living and special occasions. Guests were presented with $200.00 gift certificates.
Naked Sundays is a beauty company redefining modern skincare. Founded by Samantha Brett, a former Australian television news reporter, who was in search of finding remedies to protect her skin from the scotching hot sun in Australia. Brett witnessed two of her colleagues undergo surgery to remove skin cancer from their face that started her journey to Naked Sundays. Guests were gifted with her signature SPF 50 Cabana Clear Water Gel Serum.
Fazit is a beauty brand that enhances and boosts results with easy form makeup and skincare patches. Guests were presented with Golden Eye Speckles, 12 eye shadow patches. SIYAH Organics is a health and beauty, all-natural organic brand with all ingredients grown in Senegal, West Africa. Guests were treated to a range of products including Hibiscus Bar Soap, 100 percent natural ingredients including hibiscus flower power, hibiscus oil, lavender essential oil, coconut oil, castor oil, shea butter and vitamin E.
DPA’s luxurious gifting suites are a staple in Los Angeles and beyond, especially during the major award season. Her company manages prestigious international film festivals, including Cannes, Venice, and Toronto. In 2017, DPA expanded its global reach by opening its first Asian office in Tokyo, Japan, further solidifying its influence in the Asian market.
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