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Photo courtesy of Quintessentially Yours
For such high-society clientele, whose lives are often already choreographed by one or more personal assistants, Quintessentially’s services might seem redundant. But, says Simpson, the company’s draw lies in its reach. “No matter how good your personal assistant is, she won’t be global. She knows Los Angeles, but what happens when you’re in Chicago or Singapore?” Simpson asks. “We have expert partners in all sorts of different areas, wherever you are. All your PA has to do is ring us.”
Since its inception, Quintessentially has racked up a portfolio of spectacular feats on behalf of its members. Most impressive, perhaps, was an engagement party the company booked: One of the Egyptian Pyramids was hired out, 400 family members were flown in, the bride arrived in a horse-drawn chariot, and background music was provided by none other than Pavarotti. When another member, an heiress, found out there weren’t enough rooms in her favorite hotel in Mauritius for her 80-strong entourage, Quintessentially stepped in and helped move the hotel guests, paying for them to stay in other accommodations and giving them a free holiday later on in the original hotel. And once, a member fell in love with a young woman sitting next to him in first-class on a flight from South Africa—but he didn’t get her number. By asking the airline to pass the client’s message to the woman, Quintessentially managed to give a nudge to true love. The company has organized trips to the North Pole, thrown a member off a mountainside cliff (strapped to a snowboard, with a parachute on his back), and is even in talks with Virgin Galactic about reserving a sizeable chunk of their first seats into space.
And Quintessentially is more than just a concierge service; it’s also a club. There’s an online social network called Qube; a weekly newsletter that lists hot happenings in each of the company’s cities; a quarterly magazine covering fashion and the travel lifestyle; and members-only events worldwide, such as private viewings, opening nights, and parties co-branded with famous designers. One recent wine-themed dinner was held at the ancient Long Room of gunmaker Purdey (in business in London since 1814). There’s even Quintessentially Wine, which makes wine-pairing suggestions for dinner parties, then delivers the bottles for hosts who left the planning until a bit too late.
Like Bond’s Q, Quintessentially might even keep you alive. One female member, reportedly one of the richest women in the world, came out of the wrong door at Harrods. Her security officers were waiting at another door, and she walked for 20 minutes trying to find them. Kidnap central. She called Quintessentially from her cell phone, and the company guided her back to safety.
Crisis averted. And had the natural questions arisen—Where’s the best spot for a massage to work out that stress? And a drink for the nerves?—Quintessentially would happily have sent a masseuse and some Dom right over.
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