Meet the Team
Laurent: Founder + FRENCH DIRECTOR
Growing up in Europe, Laurent honed his wine + culinary skills while studying in Alsace followed by sommelier school in southern France at Tain L'hermitage, finishing his studies at business school in the US. His business acumen is built on a foundation of creating enterprises in Canada + France as well as guiding European companies through their North American launch. It provides him with unique insights as the head of our business partnerships and consulting services. Laurent and our travel team curate our epicurean + cultural journeys for travelers seeking exceptional experiences off the well trod tourist path.
JennifeR: Founder + US Director
A seasoned entrepreneur who has built + traded companies in the US and EMEA, Jen started her award-winning travel planning career 20+ years ago designing trips for diplomats. Her zest for travel led her across five continents, learning from renowned artisans in a variety of disciplines throughout the US + Europe. She utilizes a wealth of animal rescue + worldwide transport experience to help ensure that our pet travel team crafts your pet's travel services with careful attention to your four-legged love's safety and comfort.
Laurent DerhÉ - master sommelier
Laurent Derhé began his career as a sommelier in 1991, His posts have included working with famous names like Alain Ducasse in Monaco, Philippe Chavent at La Tour Rose in Lyon, and Chateau de Bagnols in Beaujolais. Laurent earned the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France Sommelier in 2007. In October 2011, he received the title of Sommelier of the Year during the trophy of gastronomy held by the Toques Blanches Lyonnaises and hosted that year by Chef Pierre Troigros. In 2016, he won second place in the national selection for Best European Sommelier. Laurent partners with us to taste & create our premium collection of wines.
xavier berger - master chocolatier
Since 2004, Xavier Berger has imagined & composed original chocolate creations with passion, elegant flavors and intense aromatics. Each of his chocolates + fruit creations showcase his artisanal savior-faire, combining time-honored traditions with a modern flair and just a touch of audacity. Winning the best chocolatier of France in 2010, Xavier is a craftsman of cocoa who never ceases to explore new tastes in an effort to achieve great pleasure for the gourmet chocolate lover. Working at the top of his field, in 2022, Xavier was recently awarded the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF) after two years of competition. He helps us make our client's chocolate dreams come true.
Callie & Zoe: Pet Travel Experts
Our four-legged advisors have traveled around five countries on multiple continents and 30+ US states via planes, trains and automobiles. They help us scout the most pet-friendly amenities available when you'd like to transport or vacation with your cherished four-legged family members.
Welcome to LJL Collection
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