French entrepreneur and nightlife virtuoso, Alexander Ghislain, is adding a unique flavor to the crowded Los Angeles club scene with his recreation of the renowned Raspoutine nightclub in Paris. In a city filled with long lines, where exclusivity reigns supreme, Raspoutine is focusing on a more elegant, experienced demographic of club goers to separate itself from the massive competition that the club scene is known for in Los Angeles. Many clubs in Los Angeles don't last long, with a shelf life of about 6 months to a year before they have to rebrand or switch venues. Ghislain has used his in-depth industry knowledge and business savvy to make Raspoutine a staple in Los Angeles, he hopes to expand the brand to areas like New York, Las Vegas, and London.

Ghislain knew he wanted to become involved in the entertainment industry when he was just 14 years old, throwing parties for his friends when their parents were out of town. He did everything from organizing the bouncers, getting drinks, and would even DJ the parties himself. Ever since, he has been working with various nightclubs and venues, before eventually opening Raspoutine.

Ghislain believes that being a successful club owner in the crowded Los Angeles market isn't as difficult as some may think, he says that once you find the proper demographic and start seeing regulars, the word can speak fairly quickly. He underscores the value of having the right team in place, as well as the critical essence of timing. He says that the key to maintaining a hot spot in a major metropolitan city like LA is "the door", as selecting the right clientele is truly an art. He says that it is integral to have the right combination of people to create an atmosphere where the environment meshes perfectly, creating a pleasant ambiance with people from all walks of life.

Ghislain says he was able to apply the regal ambiance of Raspoutine's Parisian charm by finding the perfect location in West Hollywood. Although the size of Raspoutine in LA isn't as big as the Paris location, Ghislain made it work by adding a cozy and private element to the club, making the location perfect for what he envisioned.

Ghislain is looking to continue to thrive in the hospitality space by developing more restaurants, bars, and nightclub concepts. He is also set to launch his own premium vodka brand, Comete 1811.