Today we’d like to introduce you to Carolina Flores.
Hi Carolina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
After years of working in the events industry and taking a break once I became a mom, Hi Hello originally started as a creative outlet for me personally by curating thoughtful gifts for friends and family on social occasions.
Later, a friend hosting a women’s conference invited me to curate the welcome bags for her event. With my experience in large-scale events and love for all things hospitality, I realized this was something I, not only felt confident doing but, had a deep passion for. Hi, Hello was officially established in February of 2019 and it has been an incredible ride since.
I am a third-generation entrepreneur. I take after my father and grandfather in constantly thinking of new business ideas and how to grow them. I also inherited their love for people and the importance of valuing others and making them feel seen. I get to do all of that every day at Hi Hello. I come alive thinking of tangible ways to make others feel valued, special, and thought of.
Today, we provide tailored hospitality experiences in the form of corporate gifting, elevated event swag, and branded merchandise.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not! *insert chuckle here.*
Starting something new is never easy, especially when you are stepping into a space with so many big players like corporate gifting.
I believe at the beginning some of my more prominent struggles were mindset related; realizing the value of my work and approach in the industry was actually solving a problem; and then practice, learning through failures and loss to pivot my business model to make it profitable and not be discouraged by the setbacks.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Hi Hello?
Hi Hello is a creative agency specializing in custom corporate hospitality solutions and utilizing quality gifting as an effective brand development tool. Our mission is to execute a tangible expression of your gratitude and tell your story in every gift crafted exclusively for your clients and colleagues.
With 10+ years of experience in the hospitality and events industry, we have a unique understanding of the effectiveness of gifting; what works and what does not. Our expertise is delivering well-curated, intentional, functional, and thoughtful gifts that tell your clients, partners, and employees: We value you.
We also now specialize in curating and designing custom brand merchandise used to complement marketing strategies and raise brand awareness.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was curious, creative, and service-oriented; which makes total sense on why I am passionate about the things I am today.
My sister and I’s idea of playing with Barbie dolls was taking old fabric from my grandma’s sewing box and creating a whole new wardrobe line, which would, of course, be displayed in a full-on fashion show in our living room two days later.
In high school, I loved being involved in clubs and student council and actually started my first business right after graduation called “Papers and Strings” where I sold handmade notecards and bookmarks to raise funds for a water project for an impoverished community in the Dominican Republic.
Contact Info:
- Email: carolina@hihelloco.com
- Website: https://www.hihelloco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hihello_co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hihelloco
Image Credits
Ashley Maisonet Barragan
