What We Do
We strategically tailor our services to meet our client’s goals.
We offer clients personalized attention and expertise in recognizing the best ways to scale their business.
We support cross-category introductions. We often align like-minded clients looking to expand beyond their current offerings.
About Hello PR Group
Rated one of the Top PR Firms in America by Forbes and The PR Net 100, Hello PR Group is a full-service communications and strategic brand development firm specializing in design, lifestyle, and luxury brands. We work with national and international brands, small and large companies, and individual personalities to help them craft and showcase their brand stories.
Principals Erik Perez and Marisa Jones Issa each have more than 20 years of experience in the industry. They combine their deep passion for design, architecture, and interiors with a boutique approach to PR stemming from their extensive knowledge of large-agency and in-house experience.
Our Team
With more than 20 years of experience in public relations, marketing and branding, Erik Perez founded Hello PR Group in 2014 to provide a unique and personal approach to public relations to help clients reach their goals.
Prior to launching Hello PR Group, Erik was Managing Director at HL Group (in both Los Angeles and New York), where he focused on home, design and lifestyle clients. During his tenure at HL Group he was instrumental in the planning, development and implementation of strategic communication, social media, and marketing initiatives for his clients, which included Crate and Barrel, Kelly Wearstler, Ligne Roset, Donghia, Bespoke Global, Cisco Home, Waterworks and Caruso Affiliated among others.
Before joining HL Group in 2007, Erik obtained his master’s degree in Public Relations from Boston University, where he was part of the PR team at Sixty UK in London. He lives in Los Angeles in a 1940s home with his husband and his two huskies.
Erik L. Perez
Principal
erik@helloprgroup.com
Marisa is a public relations and marketing professional with more than 20 years of experience developing and executing creative strategies to build brand recognition and promote product, events, and industries through proactive media relations. She joined Hello PR Group in April 2017 as Partner.
Prior to joining Hello PR Group, she was Deputy Head of Camron PR in Los Angeles, where she relocated in March 2016. During her tenure at Camron, Marisa led the Bernhardt Design and MDB Family accounts from LA, as well as oversaw the home and lifestyle division in NY, which included: Artemide, babyletto, Bernhardt Design, Dornbracht, Kartell, the MoMA Design Store, Nursery Works, Restoration Hardware, and the House of Tai Ping, among others.
Before that, she managed the media relations and marketing for The Conran Shop. Marisa was also the publicist for The Museum of Modern Art’s retail division for five years.
Marisa Jones Issa
Partner
marisa@helloprgroup.com
Catherine Santonacita, a PR expert with over 14 years of experience in interior design and home furnishings, is the Managing Director of Hello PR based in New York.
Formerly a Senior Account Director at Camron PR, Catherine's impressive client roster included renowned names such as Bernhardt Design, Calico Wallpaper, Kartell, and Restoration Hardware. Her journey in public relations began at Anthropologie, where she immersed herself in the excitement of New York Fashion Week and successfully launched an expanded beauty division. Later, at HL Group, a strategic marketing and communications agency, Catherine led media relations and event management for top lifestyle and design brands.
Recognized as an innovative and creative communicator, strategist, and brand builder, Catherine has an exceptional track record of spearheading successful promotional campaigns for mass retailers, independent artisans, architects, and luxury brands.
Catherine Santonacita
Managing Director
catherine@helloprgroup.com
Lauren Margallo is highly experienced in Social Media Marketing, known for her skills in Branding, Strategy Development, Social Media Management, Analytics and Reporting, and Content Creation. Lauren joined Hello PR Group in March 2021, where she currently leads the firm's social media initiatives and works closely with their esteemed clientele.
Lauren holds a degree from California State University, Chico, and has also pursued courses in Interior Design at Palomar College, allowing her to bring creativity and understanding to her role as Social Media Director at Hello PR Group. Lauren has extensive knowledge of the digital landscape with a background in an array of industries, including fitness, beauty, retail, and hospitality. Having worked with established corporations as well as startups, Lauren has successfully built businesses’ social media from the ground up. She has previously held positions with brands such as Murad and Clutch Nails.
Lauren's innovative approach to Social Media Marketing stems from her commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the ever-changing world of social media. She stays up to date with the latest trends, emerging platforms, and algorithms best practices, ensuring that her strategies remain fresh, engaging, and highly effective.
Lauren Margallo
Social Media Director
lauren@helloprgroup.com
Risa Wadhams is a Senior Account Coordinator at Hello PR Group supporting media relations, campaign execution, and event coordination for clients across the design industry. With an innate passion for building relationships, Risa is driven to deliver outstanding results for her clients.
Risa joined Hello PR Group as an Account Coordinator in February 2022 while simultaneously completing her degree at Syracuse University. She graduated summa cum laude in May 2022, earning a Bachelor of Arts in writing and rhetorical studies with a minor in public communications, then relocated to Los Angeles to join the team full-time.
Prior to joining Hello, Risa worked as a Web Content Developer for the Whitman School of Business at Syracuse University, crafting engaging and informative digital content that showcased the school’s programs and initiatives. She also interned at luxury brand California Closets where she contributed to focused PR strategies and targeted social media efforts, gaining firsthand experience in the high-end design industry.
Risa Wadhams
Senior Account Coordinator
risaw@helloprgroup.com
Delaney Bailey joined Hello PR Group as an Account Coordinator in September 2022. With a background in marketing communications and public relations, Delaney understands the intricacies of effective communication strategies, and has a keen eye for detail. Her primary responsibilities include providing essential administrative support, facilitating press outreach efforts, and managing event logistics.
Delaney graduated from Emerson College, where she obtained a bachelor's degree in Marketing Communications. Throughout her academic career, she focused on honing her skills in public relations, and gained practical experience in the field through various internships and positions. Prior to joining Hello PR Group, she was an Assistant Account Coordinator for Intuitive Communications, a Research Intern at Society18, and a Blogging Intern for 617 Living Team at Compass. Originally from Maine, Delaney relocated to Los Angeles and is looking forward to warmer winters.
Delaney Bailey
Account Coordinator
delaney@helloprgroup.com
Nikki Wakeland joined Hello PR Group as an Account Coordinator in January 2023. She focuses on client relations, press opportunities, and administrative support.
Originally from San Diego, Nikki graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara, with a degree in Communication and Professional Writing and Journalism.
Before joining Hello PR Group, she was a Public Relations Assistant Coordinator for Scout’s Agency, a Social Media Assistant for UCSB’s Writing Program, and a Staff Writer for both the Daily Nexus and Her Campus UCSB.
Nikki Wakeland
Account Coordinator
nikki@helloprgroup.com
Dayna Puehlhorn is a Social Media Coordinator at Hello PR Group with a passion for staying ahead of the game in the dynamic world of social media. Born and raised in the vibrant city of San Diego, California, Dayna first joined Hello in February 2022, while pursuing her degree at Cal State University San Marcos.
Throughout her academic journey, Dayna consistently demonstrated her commitment to her work, balancing her studies with practical experience in the field. In May of 2023, she graduated from Cal State University San Marcos, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. Hello offered her a full-time position upon graduation, enabling her to channel her passion for social media into a rewarding career.
Dayna's expertise spans across various industries, including beauty, retail, and service, allowing her to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of social media with finesse. By continuously staying abreast of the latest trends, strategies, and platforms, she ensures that her social media campaigns are effective, engaging, and aligned with the goals of her clients. With her impeccable attention to detail, creative flair, and keen understanding of audience engagement, Dayna is well-equipped to make a significant impact in the realm of social media.
Dayna Puehlhorn
Social Media Coordinator
dayna@helloprgroup.com
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