Today we’d like to introduce you to Sally O’Connnor.
Hi Sally, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born and raised in the UK, I was possibly always destined or a career in Interior Design because from the age of seven, I would rearrange the furniture in my bedroom! I started my creative journey in television immediately after graduating from the University of Central Birmingham, where my true passion for Interior Design became apparent. I realized the potential of a big City to help learn the Interior Design trade, so I packed a bag and decided to head to London. With some courage and determination, I found my way into freelancing as a Design Assistant for a respected decorative finisher on some of London’s most prestigious homes. It was a very scary thing to do without the formal training, but I was never afraid; I worked long days, evenings, and weekends to learn the trade, hone my design skills, and truly understand what the luxury market required from an Interior Designer. In 2012, I took the leap and established my own business. I hit the ground running; my 1st contract was to design and supply some beautiful bespoke cabinets for a beautiful art gallery launching in Mayfair. This was the catalyst for the rapid expansion of my client list, which now includes some of the UK’s best sports personalities, tv personalities, writers, and entrepreneurs.
The client list includes many Premier League and International football players including Marcus Rashford (Manchester United and England International), Marvin and Rochelle Humes (Music Artists and TV Presenters), Molly Mae, and Tommy Fury (International Influencer and Professional Boxer).
With a track record of success, we continue to elevate Hesellic Design to new heights, consistently delivering exceptional results and creating spaces that exude style and personality. We have projects in the UK, Europe, and Dubai, and we are currently expanding our studio into LA! I travel a lot, which I love!
We also collaborate with some of the most well-loved brands, including Visual Comfort Europe, and are currently designing a Neon range for the well-loved UK brand ‘Bag and Bones’. In 2023, I was appointed Interior Design Consultant on an Interior Design programme for UK TV.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Hesellic Design has flourished over the past 12 years, becoming renowned for its meticulous attention to detail and luxurious interiors. However, it wasn’t always as easy to design and implement layer upon layer of luxury in the way we do now. I started my business in 2012 in a difficult economy which meant I had to learn very quickly how to be resourceful and creative, finding cost-effective solutions without compromising the overall aesthetic. I remained laser-focused on establishing a luxury aesthetic for my clients and building our brand through word of mouth. I am obsessed with space planning and we like to ensure our spaces are exceptionally organized, balanced, and functional before we even begin to think about amazing fabrics 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!
I like to be involved in all of the details on all of our projects! But I realised that with increased demand was a need to grow our team. It can be a challenge to find a group of like-minded individuals who care as much you do, but I got lucky – my team and I are completely in sync, and our work is our life and our passion. Residential design is incredibly personal, and our clients become special friends.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a team of dedicated interior designers and interior architects leveraging qualifications, experience, and expertise to deliver exceptional high-end residential design solutions. We are proud not to have a ‘signature style’ as such, instead we aim to truly understand exactly what our clients want and need from their homes, what their personalities are, and how we can translate that into their spaces – spaces they can come back to and feel energized and happy. There is no better feeling than when our client says they can’t wait to get home from amazing travels to their ‘happy place’.
What sets us apart is our commitment to delivering excellence in every aspect of our work. Over the years, we have established a strong network of trusted suppliers, contractors, and craftsmen who share our commitment to quality and craftsmanship. By engaging with these collaborators, we can source the finest materials, furniture, and finishes for our projects, ensuring that every detail is meticulously executed.
Repeat business and referral is what has made our studio what it is today. We will never take for granted the trust that our clients put in us to deliver their projects.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Right now, I am most excited about our expansion into the US, LA! As we build our studio in LA, I am constantly reminded that with determination and unwavering commitment to our craft, we can turn even our wildest dreams into reality. LA offers a vibrant and diverse landscape with a strong demand for innovative design solutions and we are excited about the opportunities that we might be able to create for local design and manufacturing talent. We firmly believe that our unique design approach, combined with our passion for creating exceptional spaces, will resonate with local talent and clients.
What I love about LA is its cultural diversity, vibrant arts scene, and outdoor lifestyle, which completely inspires the design process as well as contributes to a positive work-life balance. Being located in a city that fosters creativity and innovation enhances employee satisfaction, contributes to positive company culture and in turn creates an amazing client experience.
Pricing:
- Design services start at $1500 per room and are based on the level of input required.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hesellicdesign.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/hesellicdesign
- Other: Mailing Address: 2450 Colorado Avenue, Suite 100E, Santa Monica, CA
