FINESSE HONEYS | HELLO SISI
by Finesse Finesse
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Sienna, the talent behind Hello Sisi, has built a brand that blends nostalgia with individuality, resonating with a growing community since its start in 2018. Influenced by her early love for Hello Kitty and childhood memories of making jewellery with her mother, Sienna’s designs reflect her passion for bold colours, playful patterns, and meaningful details.
Through Hello Sisi, Sienna has not only shared her art but also built a vibrant community of supporters, from workshop attendees to loyal customers worldwide. Her designs—whether crafted with iconic prints or her signature Market Bags—carry stories of care, connection, and creativity.
As she balances running her business with her return to university, Sienna remains grounded in her studio space, surrounded by friends and the tools of her trade. Whether sharing her love for horror movies or packing her bag with the most essentials, Sienna’s authenticity is at the heart of everything she does.
Having started Hello Sisi in 2018, we have really loved watching your business flourish! What’s been the most exciting milestone for you so far and how has your vision for Hello Sisi evolved?
Thank you so much. For me there hasn’t been one milestone in particular. I think for me the exciting this has always been all the people I have met through Hello Sisi. I have made so many new friends and met the most beautiful people. Especially when I had my store and ran workshops - meeting people who I had chatted to online in real life and bond over all things cute.
Your designs often exude a playful energy and nostalgic elements. How much of that comes from your personality and influences growing up?
I have always been really drawn to bright, colourful and cute things. Hello Kitty is my favourite and inspired my brand name Hello Sisi (Sisi being short for my name Sienna). When I was younger I would have been 6 or 7 I would make little sparkly earrings with my mum who was a jeweller. I called the brand Firefly and sold them to the local fairy shop. Back then I also would go by the name Sparkle Lee (pronounced Sparkly of course) hahaha so I have always loved making cute things.
When you see someone wearing one of your designs—whether it's in your local community or halfway across the world—what emotions come to mind? How does it feel to know your creations resonate so deeply and are cherished by so many?
It makes me feel so lucky. To have people who believe and support your work is so amazing. Seeing someone wearing and loving a piece that I have made never gets old. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported Hello Sisi over the years. It’s always scary creating and putting yourself out there. I still get nervous and shy at times. But the love that comes back always makes my heart smile.
Looking back at your creations, is there a particular design or fabric that stands out as your favourite or most memorable?
There is a Japanese fabric production company called Kokka and I always look out for there fabrics, the quality and designs in the printing are always so unique. In 2021 I did a bag called the Market Bag. It was a digital print of a florist with all the flowers and the little signs saying how much the flowers are. This bag will always be my favourite. It brings me so much joy. I emailed Kokka maybe 4 times over the years to see if they will make this print again but sadly no. It makes the bag even more special as I was only able to make around 50.
What’s a day in the life of Sienna like? Can you walk us through your routine?
At the moment it varies. I decided to go back to Uni this year I start in March. So in January and February I am just enjoying long days at the studio. I share the space with my best friends and boyfriend so it’s a lovely place to be. I try to get in around 10am and will work on website or custom orders. I am definitely guilty of doom scrolling for longer then I would like to admit - I am loving a swim at the baths in the middle of the day as it’s just across the road. It makes me feel calm.
The Sandy Liang Salomon’s are truly a perfect match for you! Do you find yourself drawn to certain clothing or accessories that complement those hues? What are some of your go-to styling pieces right now?
Yes absolutely - I am such a pink girlie. I am so drawn to anything pink, it doesn’t matter what, I love it. When I opened the box and saw these shoes I couldn’t believe it - they are me in a shoe. My style changes so much day to day I can’t pick a particular piece. But my favourite brands at the moment are Relax Lacrosse, Yume Yume, anything vintage Moschino and Needles.
Tell us, what's in your bag today?
TOO MUCH - I always have everything at all times. Ok in my bag I have phone, Hello Sisi purse, keys, Tatcha moisturiser (my fav), Hurrah lip balm - cherry flavour always, sunglasses, band aids (blister queen) hair tie for when I start getting over stimulated by having my hair down and I always have some kind of plush toy just to keep me feeling ok and the anxiety at bay.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
Oh that’s a hard one - I am a pretty open book. Maybe that I absolutely love horror movies. They are my favourite.
Running a creative business isn’t always easy. What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned since starting Hello Sisi?
The biggest lesson I have learnt is a simple one and that’s just don’t overthink things so much. I am an anxious people pleaser and I have a tendency to overthink. I really try to each day make sure I am present in the now and not worrying about things that dont need to be worried about.
Thank you so much for featuring me, I feel so lucky and am very grateful.