The BR Affair
Taylor Keyes, Nikki Giavasis and Brigitte Vera
December 31 – I love celebrating the new year in Los Angeles, it has some of the most sought after zip codes like Hollywood Hills, this coveted area is laced with prime real estate and views of Los Angeles that come second to none. This year I attended “The BR Affair”, a New Year’s Eve event created by two female entrepreneurs Brigitte Vera, CEO and Founder of The Vera Agency and Taylor Keyes, founder of real estate company Keyes to LA, Inc. The BR Affair was hosted by Nikki Giavasis, one of the top influencers to follow according to Forbes magazine and Entrepreneur.
The party was held in the most gorgeous home in Hollywood Hills. As I approached the front door I could hear DJ Leenie getting the party started. I walked in to find the GLO Lounge, a makeup station sponsored by Smashbox Cosmetics, beGlammed and Watch Her Glo. Naturally that was my first stop as I grooved to the music. I sat in the director chair and had a makeup touch up by the lovely mua’s, attending the station, using Smashbox cosmetics. Well, to my total delight I was given the Smashbox lipstick. Feeling like the most pampered lady in the world, I walked over to the silent auction and giveaway table. It was laced with art, products, designer handbags, and the sexiest robe I have ever seen. Later, I learned I won a Michael Kors handbag! This easily became one of the best nights before the year end. Thank you so much The Divvi!
Hollywood Hills Mansion
A portion of the “The BR Affair” proceeds will go to the non-profit Girls Inc. of greater Los Angeles helping to empower young ladies to be strong, smart, and bold. I felt so inspired by this amazing group of female entrepreneurs I had to know more. I had the opportunity to interview Brigitte Vera, CEO and Founder of event production company The Vera Agency and Taylor Keyes, Founder of real estate company Keyes to LA, Inc. I love when companies team up to give back, here is a list of the amazing sponsors who helped to make this spectacular event possible: Billionaires Row Champagne, Smashbox Cosmetics, beGlammed, The Divvi, Essentia, White Tiger Vodka, and Fuego Tequila.
My interview starts with Brigitte Vera:
What brought you to Los Angeles?
I’m originally from Chicago and moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. I found that my passion and strengths lie in event production. Seeing how everything comes together brings me satisfaction even when hiccups occur and problem solving becomes key. It isn’t easy but that’s what I love. It keeps me on my toes and I’m blessed with the capability to see a blank canvas (different venues) and visualize what it can turn into. Doing event production gives me purpose. I’ve never been more focused.
What has been your favorite LA experience?
Honestly I’d have to say meeting Tay. Before I came to Los Angeles I didn’t know how or what I was going to do. My only motive was to get into entertainment and see where my place was. Taylor was the executive assistant and event manager for Dim Mak Records at the time before she started Keyes to LA. She recruited me to the the event team and took me under her wing. Tay mentored me and always supported my creative input. Because Tay took a chance on someone with literally zero experience, I found what I love to do. She’s like family now even more so my life (event) partner.
Why did you start The Vera Agency?
After gaining some experience working events with Dim Mak Records, I felt it was time to start my own company because I had a different vision and wanted to expand my reach. Since planning events with Dim Mak, I have produced music videos, photo shoots, red carpet events, premieres, press junkets, private parties and more. There really isn’t anything I wouldn’t take on. I love growing and learning.
How would you describe The Vera Agency?
The Vera Agency is a one stop shop that can assist with any budget! We pride ourselves in building partnerships and growing with all brands.
Why did you feel it was important to give to Girls Inc.?
Tay and I are all about female empowerment, I love their mission and support their cause. It inspired me to start my own non-profit called Watch Her Glo which will also benefit young women everywhere. Look out for us! We’re planning to do some really cool things this year to give back.
In one word describe yourself?
Focused
Feel free to reach out to The Vera Agency, it is a full-service Event Production company based in Los Angeles. Operating since 2015, they pride themselves on their highly customized and unique events. Whether planning your next Product Launch, Press Junket, Corporate Event, or a Fundraising Gala, They are here to make sure that each and every event we're involved with is inspiring, extraordinary, and unforgettable.
Email: brigitte@theveraagency.com
Phone: 708-435-3966
Website: https://www.theveraagency.com
Next, I had the opportunity to interview Taylor Keyes, Founder of real estate company Keyes to LA, Inc.
What brought you back to Los Angeles?
I was born in Newport Beach, CA and raised in Park City, UT I always considered myself a California girl at heart. I moved to Los Angeles to re-connect with close friends from my competitive equestrian days and college mates from Chapman University.
Despite Park City being as beautiful as it is and having my best friends and family within a 10 mile radius, something felt missing for me, and I was drawn to move to Los Angeles to pursue working bigger scale music events year round vs. seasonal like I was in Park City. I’ve never looked back and thrive off of the energy and lifestyle in this city.
What has been your favorite LA experience?
I moved from Park City, UT over three years ago on a mission to work for Steve Aoki’s record label, Dim Mak, the odds were against me to make that happen coming from a small ski town, even with extensive event management experience; or so I thought at the time.
With persistence and proving myself by starting as an intern, the day I was hired as the Executive Assistant to the President & Events Manager is a day I will never forget. That’s when I proved to myself, anything can be done when you put your mind to it and to never give up; no matter how hard it gets.
Why did you start Keyes to LA, Inc.?
I was always interested in pursuing real estate, and never found the time when I worked full time managing events when working in the music industry. After losing my Mom to suicide a couple years ago my priorities changed, and I resigned from the record label where I was working to have more time for family, friends, and my well-being. I can’t sit still for long, so that’s when I started my real estate career and with my last name being Keyes, I had to take advantage of that when coming up with my real estate business’ name.
Brigitte and I worked together at the record label (Dim Mak) and instantly grew a strong bond. We are all about female empowerment and with her starting her own event production company, and me wanting to use events as a creative outlet to build a constant pipeline of buyers and sellers it only made sense to collaborate and start throwing events together. It’s opened up so many doors, and it’s amazing to be able to work so closely with one of my best friends and now my event partner.
How would you describe Keyes to LA, Inc.?
Taylor Keyes Real Estate is Keyes to LA, Inc. where Taylor is a licensed Realtor® with Keller Williams Los Feliz and loves contributing to client’s residential or commercial needs. Helping people transition through the buying and selling process is not only immensely gratifying, there is a challenge to securing clients with the best options available that Taylor thrives off doing whatever it takes for her clients.
Why did you feel it was important to give to Girls Inc?
It was, Girls Inc’s mission, “Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold” that sealed the deal for me. Their programs that contribute to enriching these young girls lives is incredible, and is the perfect fit considering our events feature powerful women that are up to big things in the world.
In one word describe yourself?
Unstoppable.
Feel free to reach out to Taylor for any real estate questions or needs. Even if you are interested in making a plan to buy a home in the next couple years don’t hesitate to call or DM and start the conversation. Owning real estate is an incredible investment opportunity no matter how small or big.
Email: tkeyes@kw.com
Phone: 323.736.1214
Website: http://www.kwlosfeliz.com/taylor-keyes
