Hi Mélanie, please introduce yourself.

I am the founder and CEO of Ghia, the spirit-free aperitif designed to change the way we think about drinking and socializing.

Where do you look to for inspiration?

Julia Bainbridge really paved the way for people talking about sobriety as well as loneliness and drinking, and how closely intertwined these two are. She also seamlessly applies a critical culinary angle to the non-alcoholic drink that did not exist before, and set a new standard for the industry. On the personal side, I love people who do what they love, do it well, and are unapologetically themselves. So it could be Martha Stewart or my friend Yannis who makes the best coffee at Aime Leon Dore in NYC.

What are some brands you've recently spotted?

Comme Si. Luxurious socks from Comme Si are the life upgrade you didn’t know you needed. The Agnelli are perfect to wear in loafers, but my personal favorite are the extra soft Danielle.

Lettuce Grow. Chia pets have come a long way! I love my garden, but The Farmstand actually uses 95% less water than traditional gardening.

Heywear. This is revolutionary. Eye test, prescription, and new frames all same day for $99. I love mine so much and I’ve stocked up on extra pairs for my car and the office.

Jah Mama. My friend Jah’s mom’s recipe, makes absolutely everything taste better.

Pomelo Casa. LA-based brand that makes beautiful plates handmade in Spain. They make me feel like I’m having lunch in Europe.

What's a brand you've recently tested?

What else is in your current rotation?

I picked up surfing in May, and it’s all I can think about doing. I can’t wait for the world to reopen so I can explore surfing in warm waters.

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

I have a big girl crush on Jenny (Jing) from Fly by Jing, who always introduces me to new things and new flavors. Laura Reilly, who scans the internet for good deals then puts them all in her newsletter Magasin.substack.com, and many of my friends from Europe since I still prefer to shop there :)

Spotted in Mélanie's kitchen...

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Thingtesting is a place to discover and talk honestly about new online brands. We're not sponsored or paid by brands we feature. Read more about Thingtesting.

Create a free account to curate and share lists, write reviews, and receive our newsletters.

Feedback? Yes, please.