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
Brian Chan, a PR professional with more than 10 years of experience in interior design, home furnishing, fashion, and lifestyle, is the Account Director at Hello PR based in New York. He heads up our lifestyle and brand division.
Previously, Brian was the Senior Account Manager at Karla Otto working on the design team with clients like APPARATUS, Cassina, GRT Architects, and Luca Nichetto. He also worked across the fashion team working with brands such as Gentle Monster and Nike. At Karla Otto, he led media relations and event management across departments. He was collectively at the agency for 8 years.
Previously, Brian worked at BPCM with the following clients - Assouline, Bremont, Perry Ellis, and Ulysse Nardin, among others.
Brian Chan
Account Director
brian@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 an Account Manager at Hello PR Group, where she facilitates media relations, executes campaigns, and coordinates events for clients across the design industry.
Her recent accomplishments reflect a deep appreciation for the role of interior design and architecture in our everyday lives. They include the launch and press tour for The Romo Group’s Temperley London x Romo Collection, book launches for architects Thomas Kligerman and John Ike, and the opening of the Coup d’Etat LA showroom.
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. She is a member of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Design Alliance, an avid reader of memoirs, and can often be found at a hot yoga class.
Risa Wadhams
Account Manager
risaw@helloprgroup.com
Delaney Bailey is an Account Manager at Hello PR Group. With a keen understanding of the nuances of effective communication strategies and impeccable attention to detail, Delaney plays a pivotal role in driving the success of the firm's client accounts.
During her time at Hello, she has collaborated with the firm's array of top-tier luxury design brands, including Tuuci, Kallista, and Rocky Mountain Hardware. Delaney has demonstrated her versatility and dedication by spearheading participation during key events and trade shows such as Salone Del Mobile, Design Chicago, BDNY, HD Expo, and more. These experiences have further enriched her understanding of diverse markets and enhanced her ability to deliver impactful results for our clients.
She joined Hello PR Group in 2022 after earning a degree in Marketing Communications from Emerson College. Originally from Maine, Delaney relocated to Los Angeles, where she enjoys the warmer winters.
Delaney Bailey
Account Manager
delaney@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 where she graduated earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication.
Throughout her academic journey, Dayna consistently demonstrated her commitment to her work, balancing her studies with practical experience in the field.
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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Julia Kelley joined Hello PR Group as an Account Coordinator in June 2024 after earning a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Chapman University. With a background in Sales and Marketing, Julia understands that a brand's success and profitability depend on effective and creative communication. Her role entails facilitating internal and client communications, providing essential administrative support, and conducting market research.
Prior to joining Hello PR, Julia was a Marketing Intern at ZGF Architects, where she created marketing proposals, established branding strategies, and collaborated with Architecture, Interior Design, Public Relations, and Graphic Design to streamline goals for business pursuits. Before transitioning into Marketing and PR, Julia began her career in Executive Recruiting, where she sourced and coached talent for startups and publicly traded industry giants.
Julia Kelley
Account Coordinator
julia@helloprgroup.com
