We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren Jack & O’ryan McKinney from Hey. Hi. Hello! and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren & O’ryan, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
We are both big believers in work life balance, because life is too exciting to spend all of your time on work. O’ryan and I both love what we do, but it doesn’t mean that there aren’t other projects & interests we would also love to have time to explore. Lauren is an artist and usually has a few projects going in the background. O’Ryan is very involved in her son’s school. We both make space for each other to have outside lives, so that the working relationship is one that is long lasting and doesn’t lead to burn out. We also find that it feeds into what we do at Hey. Hi. Hello! Creating a richer experience for our customers, because we are leaving space for new ideas to come in.

We do this partially by instituting a 4-day workweek when we can, leaving an extra day open for each person to work on outside interests. This forces us to focus our time when we are working to accommodate the shortened week. We recognize that balance every day is an unachievable goal, so it is more of a quest for an overall feeling of balance in the longterm. The nature of what we do can be pretty seasonal as well, so we make more space for personal projects in quiet times, and understanding that certain seasons (the holidays) will feel a lot less balanced. What we love about our partnership is that we communicate with each other and work hard to support a full life both within Hey. Hi. Hello! And outside of it.

What should our readers know about your business?
Hey. Hi. Hello! is a gifting service that goes beyond the ordinary. We are a full-service custom and curated gifting concierge that takes immense pride in delivering exceptional an experience to our clients. What truly distinguishes us from others is our unwavering commitment to conscious sourcing and our unparalleled level of customization. We believe that every gift should embody thoughtfulness, uniqueness, and genuine care.

Over the years, we have garnered valuable insights into the power of collaboration and supporting businesses that align with our values. We actively seek out small makers, with a special emphasis on women-owned, BIPOC-owned, and LGBTQIA+-owned enterprises, ideally based in Los Angeles. By championing these artisans, we not only promote inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability but also offer our clients a meticulously curated selection of handcrafted and responsibly made products.

We consider ourselves curators of emotions and memories. Our pride lies in our ability to transform gifting into a personal and meaningful experience. From the moment our clients share their vision with us, we invest our expertise, creativity, and attention to detail into every step of the process. We curate bespoke gift options, tailored to suit the occasion, recipient, and budget, ensuring that each gift resonates profoundly.

Our brand story is one of passion, authenticity, and a genuine desire to create a positive impact. We have diligently built a network of like-minded individuals, forging connections that transcend mere transactions—choosing Hey. Hi. Hello! means you are not only selecting a gifting service but joining a community of individuals who value thoughtfulness, quality, and conscious living.

At Hey. Hi. Hello!, we are thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead. We continuously seek innovative ways to enhance our offerings, ensuring that each gifting experience becomes an unforgettable memory. Our unwavering dedication to personalized service, conscious sourcing, and supporting local artisans is what drives us and we invite you to embark on this journey with us, where the art of gifting is elevated to new heights.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
O’ryan and I both grew up in LA so the list is a little long:

-Places
First Fridays at Natural History Museum
LACMA Jazz nights
Cinespia/Rooftop Cinema
Spitfire Girl
Show at The Bellwether
Skylight Books + The Annex
626 Nightmarket
Dog Days at The South Coast Botanic Garden
Brunch at The Alamo Drafthouse
Huntington Gardens
Bike Ride LA River, stop at Spokes Cafe
LACMA Jazz nights
Getty Museum Gardens (get a tour)
Space Shuttle Endeavor
Museum of Jurassic Technology Tula tea room
Tuesday Night Movies at the Academy Museum

-Contemporary Art
Gagosian at the Marciano Art Foundation (Lauren helped open MAF, so it holds a special place in her heart)
James Turrell Skyspace at Pomona College (go at sunset)
Hauser and Wirth Downtown
David Kordansky Gallery

-Food and Drinks
Here’s Looking at You
Baking With Ish at Blossom Market Hall
The Alcove Los Feliz
Sushi Note
101 Noodle House
Agnes Cheesery
Kippered LA
Hatchet Hall
Yangs Kitchen (dont forget the chili crisp)
Little Coyote Pizza
Villa Tacos
Playa Provisions
Sidecar Donuts
OTOTO
Tsubaki for dinner
Covell
Park’s BBQ
Alimento
Bowery Bungalow

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We love a shoutout to people who support us, and for that I think we would both overwhelmingly say our partners and our families. That being said, we also like to call out organizations in the community who are doing great work, because recognizing people outside of our story allows for a bigger picture!

Peace4Kids is an invaluable organization that provides consistency, stability, and community for foster youth. Through mentorship, fieldtrips, STEM programs, and creative expression they provide a stable and safe environment that creates enduring relationships. With 35,000 children in the foster system in Los Angeles alone, organizations like theirs design a roadmap for success.

Website: www.sayheyhihello.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hey-hi-hello-llc

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@heyhihelloco Threads: @sayheyhihelloco

Image Credits
Polaroid of Oryan and Lauren: Sam age 7 (O’Ryan’s Son) Remainder Images ©Lauren Jack

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