A meeting with Melanie Masarin gets pushed back an hour, as plans often do in Los Angeles. I pour myself another glass of Ghia and question; is it too early in the day to have another? The drink itself is both fruity and tangy, comparable to biting into a kumquat or driving up the coast in California. Sea salt and orange blossoms. It’s refreshing in the way a juice is, but laced with rebellion. As an LA native, Ghia has long been circulating amongst my family and friends. It is a non-alcoholic apéritif, founded by Masarin, whose efforts lie in changing the way we think about drinking and socializing. Known as a trailblazing company in wellness-leaning lifestyle, Ghia’s drinks flaunting ingredients like yuzu juice and rosemary extract are all over the U.S.. Previously Glossier’s head of retail and offline experiences, which led to showrooms, immersive experiences, pop ups and stores around the world, Masarin also revolutionized the American chain, Dig Inn, making locally farm sourced meals more approachable as their Head of Brand & Marketing and Creative Director. Today, she sits with La Catena, catching us up with the busy lifestyle that seems inherent to her existence (and subsequent success).

Talulah: Let’s talk about jewelry. Do you have standard go tos? 

Melanie: I try to bring a set of earrings that are gold and a set that are silver. The necklace I bring is usually “the one of the moment” that I’m wearing a lot. It’s been my Carolina Bucci Downtown necklace for a while. I love things that are made with beautiful textures and are really fun. I feel like she totally hits that. It’s both quality and playful. I don’t have a lot of very precious jewelry. I have one pair of diamond earrings, some pieces from my grandma, and some I never take off. Jewelry is sentimental.

Talulah: Is there anything sentimental you always have with you? 

Melanie: My Rimowa suitcase comes everywhere I go. So does my jewelry. I have my little bag that goes on top of my suitcase that’s always ready. I never unpack it. It has my passport pouch, my wipes for the plane, my chargers, my lip balms, and my kindle. I have this little coin purse I love that I’ve had for twenty years. It’s a beaded depiction of Buttercup’s face, from the Power Puff Girls. I carry all my international coins in it. My notebook is the one thing I always have on me. It has my notes from certain calls, things I’m planning, and my to do lists. My brain feels less clogged when I put things down on paper. I sleep better. 

Talulah: Did you read anything on your trip?  How do you choose which book to bring? 

Melanie: A Gentleman in Moscow was my summer book. Now I’m reading Selling Sexy: Victoria’s Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon by Lauren Sherman. It’s about the rise and fall of Victoria’s Secret. Lauren Sherman writes the Puck newsletter. It’s really great. I tend to read a lot more on vacation. When I’m in France, I’ll go to my parents’ house for the weekend and just read and eat. I have a list of books on my kindle; Mastery by George Leonard, Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan, Strangers to Ourselves by Rachel Aviv, The Only One Left by Riley Sager, and All Fours by Miranda July. I love when people love a book so much that they post it on instagram. I have a whole album on my phone with screenshots of people’s recommendations and commentaries.

Talulah: How do you stay grounded while traveling? Is there an item you bring or practice you do to have a sense of home while you’re on the road? 

Melanie: I try to work out everywhere I go. It’s so hard with the time change, it’s often a nine hour difference. I try to get up, walk a lot, spend as much time outside as possible, and keep somewhat of a routine. It’s so easy to be in Paris and eat out twice a day but I try to create a rhythm and do a few wellness things consistently. It helps me get settled and keeps me balanced. I also try to not use my phone on Saturday mornings. It’s such a small time in the week but it’s very precious to me. I like to put it on do-not-disturb in a drawer somewhere. I don’t answer any texts. During that time, I try to do something more creative or if I’m in Paris, I’ll go to breakfast with my siblings. 

Talulah: Can you recommend one place in LA, NYC, and Paris? 

Melanie:

LA: The new Bar Etoile in Melrose Hills. It opened in October. The chef used to work at Voodoo, which was one of my favorite restaurants. He’s a friend of mine, so I was able to go for friends and family and try it before the opening!

NYC: The new Gem Home store from Flynn McGarry. I also love the shop, OUTLINE.

Paris: I love this new restaurant called Dandelion. Also Ramdane Touhani’s new store, A Young Hiker, is really amazing.

Talulah: Which Ghia flavor tastes like your current vibe? 

Melanie: In September we launched our new Le Fizz. I think it’s an outstanding product. I was in Europe so much and really missed having a glass of natural wine while out with friends. This flavor really hits the spot for me when I’m missing a flavor profile like that. It can also bring a summer feel as the weather starts to get chilly.

Talulah: What are you looking forward to in Ghia’s future? 

Melanie: I want Ghia to be available in more places. We’re working really hard to expand into more regions and more chains. Whole Foods was a big milestone because it was a big step towards that. I’m excited to meet more customers. I’ve never been to Austin so I’m looking forward to spending time in Texas. We have so many Whole Foods there. I love meeting more people from our community.