Meet the Team
Jennifer Lesaigle: Founder + US Director
A seasoned entrepreneur who has created + traded companies in the US and EMEA, Jennifer started her award-winning travel planning career 20+ years ago organizing trips for diplomats invited by the Department of State's IVLP program. She is passionate about our collection of travel and wine services. Her wanderlust has led her to five continents, learning about winemaking from renowned winemakers across California + Europe. With decades of animal rescue + transport experience around the world plus a pet CPR-certification under her belt, Jen ensures your pet's travel services are crafted with special attention to your four-legged love's safety and comfort.
Laurent Lesaigle: 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. He manages our European partnerships. 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 consulting collection. Laurent curates our epicurean + oenological journeys for travelers seeking exceptional experiences off the well known tourist path.
Alpesh chauhan - UK Director
Alpesh Chauhan grew up in the London restaurant world. He started his career as a chef and learned the ropes in Michelin Star restaurants. He then spent several years in the UAE, opening restaurants in Dubai for international powerhouses. Alpesh used this culinary knowledge to dive in as an entrepreneur and open his own restaurants in London, launching him into the world of wine. His passion for hospitality took over and that passion led him to invest in wine and build a private collection. Alpesh oversees the UK export side of our business, with a keen eye on the pulse of the rapidly evolving UK wine scene.
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. We are thrilled to partner with him to help make our client's chocolate dreams come true.
Shelen boyes - New zealand specialist
Shelen Boyes was born & raised in Northern California wine country. She is a kiwi at heart and relocated to New Zealand soon after falling in love with the islands during her first visit there. Shelen is an ambassador for a boutique New Zealand winery and spends much of her free time in pursuit of the best spots for fly fishing. As an outdoor enthusiast and lover of artisinal wines, she can be found traveling often between wine regions in the US and New Zealand looking for new adventures while creating a bridge between the two cultures. Shelen oversees our New Zealand experiences with pizazz: guiding our guests through unique wine tastings, gourmet meals at hidden gems and outdoor adventures in stunning locales.
ricardo Bailon - US + Mexico specialist
Born in Mexico City, Ricardo has over 20 years of experience in international business development. After 15 years in the luxury market at Swarovski, and spending several years in Los Angeles soaking up the California sun, his move to France plunged him into the world of exploring unique vineyards. Ricardo loves traveling, epicurean adventures and enjoying fabulous wine with friends and family. He enjoys sharing his passion for French wines + culture with our clients in North & South America.
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 vacation with or transport your cherished four-legged family members.
Welcome to LJL Collection
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