From our community:

Meet Leslie Kirchhoff

Each week, we check in with a different member of Thingtesting's community to ask what brands they've spotted, what they're testing, and take a peek into their recent reviews.

This week's feature is Leslie Kirchhoff, she's an artist, entrepreneur, and DJ. She's also the creator behind Disco Cubes and founder of Disco Inferno. Read on to discover the brands she's recently spotted and everything else in her current rotation.

Know a tastemaker who loves to try new things? Submit their name here.

COMMUNITY FEATURE

Hi Leslie, please introduce yourself.

My name is Leslie and I run an experimental creative studio and luxury ice business called Disco Cubes. I’m originally from Wisconsin, spent eight years in New York working in fashion as a photographer and DJ, and am currently based in Los Angeles. I launched Disco Cubes in April of 2018, and in April 2020 I released my cocktail book, Disco Cube Cocktails. Just recently, I launched my first DTC product — Disco Inferno, Liquid Heat — a spicy cocktail enhancer.

How did you begin experimenting with ice cubes?

It all began when I inadvertently made a really beautiful ice cube — I poured boiling water over a fresh blackberry and a rosemary sprig, in a big cube tray that I'd recently gotten as a gift. The beauty of it made me realize that there was a lot more that could be done with ice.

What are some brands you’ve recently spotted?

Hands Candles. Handmade candles that are true pieces of art. Beautiful in any state from beginning to end, creating an ever-changing sculpture as they burn.

Dirty Labs. The first environmentally friendly laundry care line I've tried that actually works! The packaging is both sustainable and beautiful enough to be displayed in my laundry room, the Magnolia Bergamot Cedar scent is amazing, and the Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster works wonders on tough stains. Truly the future of laundry.

PYM. Amino Acid and adaptogen infused "mood chews" to manage stress and anxiety, help focus, and generally make you feel like the best version of yourself — and wow do these work. I've turned several friends on to PYM after two little chews provided some much needed calm in moments of stress. I find them great before a social engagement, diving into a big project, or any time I feel a little more tightly wound than I'd like to be.

What is a brand you recently tested?

What are your top five favorite disco songs?

Dancer - Gino Soccio

Spring Affair - Donna Summer

Move Me Baby - Gwen McCrae

Dance Across The Floor - Jimmy "Bo" Horne

If He Should Ever Leave You - Tom Jones

What’s your go-to summer cocktail?

Spicy Mezcal Paloma

What else is in your current rotation?

I've been trying to perfect the art of tempura lately. It's going well!

Who are some spotters in your community who you look to for new things?

@marta, @shelbyekay, and @marlomunch!

Spotted on Leslie's bar cart...

Hands Candles & PF Candle Co, blending in with other items found on my travels.