We had the good fortune of connecting with Sally O’Connor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sally, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The success of our brand is ultimately down to our commitment to perfection; we sweat the small stuff and are not afraid to admit it! The details that matter to our clients are doubly as important to us. No two clients are the same and we approach every project with a fresh perspectivebut always with the Hesellic signature style at its heart. Our aesthetic has become recognisable and that’s something I’m particularly proud of. It’s a look that’s very considered and refined but also super cosy and completely liveable; designs that make a house a home.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Hesellic Design has flourished over the past 12 years, becoming renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and luxurious interiors. I have remained laser-focused on establishing a luxury aesthetic for my clients homes and building our brand through word of mouth. I am obsessed with space planning and like to ensure our spaces are exceptionally organized, balanced, and functional before we even begin to think about amazing fabrics, furniture and finishes. Not everyone understands detailed design and the processes involved but I’ve learned to be super honest with clients from the outset – it’s never a quick process which can be frustrating, it takes time and hard work on behalf of the design team as well as the client. It’s a collaborative effort and one that’s always completely worth it!

Growing the business into what it has become today has been a journey of sheer hard work and determination. When I look back on the early days, I am reminded of the 17 hour days eating, living, sleeping my work! I don’t regret a thing about that. I would not be the designer I am today if I hadn’t put in the shift back then. I made the mistakes; I learnt the lessons. Every day is a school day, particularly in the early days. I was a sponge – I was open to learning, to constantly improving myself as a designer and service provider. You realise that talent really is only a small ingredient to the success of a design studio, and nothing compares to hard work.

Our client list has grown over the years includes some of the worlds best sports personalities, TV personalities, writers, and entrepreneurs.

Making the decision to hire my first employee was one of the most pivotal moments in the story of Hesellic – the first step is always the biggest but you eventually realise as a business owner you can do anything, but not everything; you have to learn to delegate to be able to grow. Now we are a team of 10, it feels so satisfying to know we can continue to take on new challenges and projects, all over the world.

Expanding into the USA is a new adventure that we are all so looking forward to. There is an element of vulnerability that comes with any large step we take in business, but I try to remind myself daily of our philosophy which is that ‘nothing grows in the comfort zone’ – and that keeps us inspired, keeps us moving.

I would love for Hesellic to be known globally as the go to team that for luxury interiors, excellent customer led service … and kindness!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Expanding our studio into LA seemed like such a natural progression for us. It’s a truly vibrant city full of incredible talent, neighbourhoods, and businesses.

If you’re a lover of cool stores and hangouts with an independent spirit, then you will love Abbott Kinney. Bustling at the weekends with folks looking for individual art, fashion and food. I love the new sushi spot – Owa, it’s a laid-back urban interior with a very considered, curated menu.

The hanger at Santa Monica airport is home to some of coolest art fairs in California – Frieze in February and Other Art Fair in April. I’m always on the lookout for new artistic talent for our projects and I’ve picked up some cool pieces for projects at both.

As a Brit spending in time in the Californian sunshine I adore the outdoors and even in the evenings I look forward to spending time in the open air. One of my favourite outdoor event spots is the Greek Theatre, Hollywood. The gigs are intimate yet powerful, particularly on a clear starry night. Also fun for cinema drive through!

For anyone who loves design, The Pacific Design Centre down on Melrose and the surrounding streets are a haven! This area is a hive of design activity, not only for Interior Designers but for anyone on the lookout for design inspiration.

Heading East to Pasadena and Huntington library is a welcomed relief from the buzz of the bright lights! The Palm Garden at Huntington Library is one of my favourite ways to spend a slow Sunday.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Hesellic is an all-female team; a team that I am incredibly proud to have grown over the years. Individually I am truly grateful they are exceptionally talented and hardworking – collectively, they are a force to be reckoned with! As my team grows, I am most focused on fostering team work, collaboration amongst talented individuals is the key to success of a multi-disciplinary studio like ours.

We will always be thankful for the support of our clients; many of whom become special friends and mentors. Some will never truly realise what a huge impact they have made to our business by recommending us to their friends and family and colleagues. Hesellic is built on word of mouth, and we are so thankful that so many of our clients believe that ‘sharing is caring’.

Instagram has had a hugely positive impact on our business – I am thankful for the community of interior design lovers and other interior designers all over the world who are a constant source of support and inspiration on this platform. I am huge believer in ‘community over competition’ – some of my most treasured friends are also designers in the industry. Supporting and building each other up is the key to success for our businesses as well as the interior design industry as a whole.

Website: http://www.hesellicdesign.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hesellicdesign

Linkedin: https://www.instagram.com/hesellicdesign/?hl=en

Other: For all enquires worldwide please contact us via email at studio@hesellicdesign.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.