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, Observer, PR News and The PR Net 100, Hello PR Group is a full-service, award winning 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 15 years of experience in interior design and home furnishings, is a Vice President at 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
Vice President
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
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.
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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.
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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
Senior Account Manager
delaney@helloprgroup.com
Ruby Wheeler joined Hello PR in January 2025 as an Account Coordinator, where she supports the team in executing strategic communications initiatives and securing press coverage for leading architects and interior designers. Ruby plays a key role in amplifying clients’ presence in the design media landscape.
A Southern California native, Ruby moved back to Los Angeles after she earned her B.A. in Communications with a minor in Business from the University of Colorado Boulder. She gained experience in editorial and digital communications during her time at The PR Net, where she helped produce weekly newsletters reaching a global network of PR professionals. Ruby’s interest in the industry was first sparked during a fast-paced summer in New York City, where she worked as an executive assistant and operations intern at H&S Communications.
Beyond her work in design PR, Ruby is an avid foodie and a go-to resource for restaurant recommendations across Los Angeles and beyond, always excited about the next new find.
Ruby Wheeler
Senior Account Coordinator
ruby@helloprgroup.com
Lilly Gastis joined Hello PR Group in February 2026 as an Account Coordinator, where she supports the firm’s execution of strategic communications initiatives. Her work focuses on elevating clients’ visibility across the design media landscape through thoughtful research and targeted outreach. From developing media lists to analyzing market trends, she contributes to impactful storytelling in top design and lifestyle publications.
Lilly moved to Los Angeles after graduating from Boston University, where she earned her B.S. in Advertising and a minor in History of Art and Architecture. Originally from Denver, Lilly loves exploring LA, enjoying the city’s art and design scene, and soaking up the California sunshine.
Lilly Gastis
Account Coordinator
lilly@helloprgroup.com
