We were lucky to catch up with Robert Hilo recently and have shared our conversation below.

Robert, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?

Oh, you better believe it, I am a vacation connoisseur! If I didn’t take some time off from the hustle and bustle, I’d probably start reliving past conversations while I’m all alone driving. Not pretty, trust me.

You see, I have this brilliant setup where my business rocks events on weekends, leaving my weekdays wide open for some serious R&R. And guess what? Travel prices take a nosedive precisely when I’m ready to skip town. It’s like the universe is saying, ‘Go on, treat yourself!’ So, naturally, I indulge in some impromptu bookings, chasing those elusive last-minute deals like a pro.

It dawned on me recently why my folks, bless their Burger King hearts, used to sneak off on mini-vacays. Mental health, my friend! When you’re juggling finances, managing clients, and wrangling responsibilities like a circus performer, keeping that brain of mine in top-notch productive mode becomes a non-negotiable.

Now, towards the tail end of my vacation, something peculiar happens. My entrepreneurial spirit starts doing jumping jacks in my head. Suddenly, I’m hit with a whirlwind of brilliant ideas and revolutionary methods to supercharge HILO Productions. It’s like my brain is saying, ‘Hey, while you’re lounging on that beach, here’s how we can conquer the world.’

But then, like a wise old man, a thought nudges its way into my sun-soaked brain: ‘Slow down, champ. Take a breather.’ Because, let’s face it, if you don’t recharge those batteries—both the physical and mental ones—you’re practically giving your business a one-way ticket to Disappointmentville.

So, my dear fellow entrepreneurs, always remember: you’re the captain of your self-care ship. Neglecting yourself isn’t just bad for your health; it’s a downright disservice to your business. Now, who’s ready to conquer the world—one piña colada at a time?”

Robert, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Robert Hilo, and I’m the proud owner of HILO PRODUCTIONS, specializing in DJ services, Emcee, Bilingual Emcee, and Lighting Design.

I wanted to share some heartfelt advice as you’re exploring your entertainment options. I know you want a great party and for your guests to have an amazing time. Let’s take it a step further. Let’s say we are already going to handle those aspects impeccably. My question is: What about you?

Planning a wedding is an incredibly personal journey, and every couple needs to leave their unique mark on their special day. At HILO PRODUCTIONS, we specialize in providing top-notch DJs and MCs to ensure that your wedding is not just an event but an unforgettable experience. In today’s world, where Instagram and TikTok often set the trends, it’s easy to fall into the trap of creating a wedding that looks like everyone else’s. But here’s the truth: your wedding should be a reflection of what genuinely makes you happy, not just what looks good in a hashtag.

As experts in the industry, we dedicate significant time to understanding each couple’s tastes, preferences, and vision for their big day. It’s not just about playing music or making announcements; it’s about crafting an atmosphere that resonates with who you are as individuals and as a couple. Trust me, it’s a process, but it’s worth every moment.

Millennials, more than any other generation, value authenticity and experiences over mere appearances. So, when planning your wedding, it’s crucial to focus on what brings you joy and satisfaction. Remember, what worked for others might not work for you. Your wedding should be a celebration of your unique love story, not a carbon copy of someone else’s.

One of the first things we emphasize to our clients is to set aside the pressure of social media perfection. Forget what you see on Instagram and TikTok. Instead, embark on a journey of self-discovery to find out what truly makes you happy. Do you miss your college buddies? Then, make sure you share a couple of shots at the bar. Are you the kind of person who lives for the dance floor? Then, prioritize a night filled with music and dancing. Perhaps you crave the freedom to move at your own pace after a day of tight schedules and expectations. Whatever it is, this day is about you.

I know that you want your partner to enjoy the night and your guests to have a great time. But for once, I encourage you to be a little selfish. Think about what you want for yourself. In 20 years, when you look back on this night, you should remember moments that were meaningful to you, not just a series of events that you went through because you felt you had to.

Some couples are foodies who want to savor their meals without interruptions while enjoying their HILO handcrafted playlist. Others want to be on the dance floor all night. Some simply want the freedom to go at their own pace after a day of being told where to be and what to do. It’s the same freedom where you can have fun at your leisure, similar to attending a music festival. It’s important to communicate these desires and make space for them in your wedding day schedule. Be present during each and every event. Make time for yourselves, so it doesn’t feel like you’re just ticking off boxes on a checklist.

This approach ensures that your wedding doesn’t feel like a nine-to-five job. Instead, it becomes a series of cherished memories that you’ll hold onto for a lifetime. Before you know it, the day will be over. So, make it count by doing things that speak to your heart and soul.

In the end, the most unforgettable weddings are those where the couple’s personality shines through every detail. So, take a step back from the cookie-cutter mold and design a day that is truly and uniquely yours. Our DJs and MCs are here to help you create that perfect atmosphere, ensuring that your wedding is not just a party, but a celebration of your journey together, filled with moments that bring you joy and memories that will last a lifetime.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

At HILO PRODUCTIONS, it’s not just about providing a service—it’s about investing our time and hearts into our couples. I take immense pride in getting to know each couple inside and out. They can feel it too; they know we’re truly invested in making their wedding day extraordinary. We understand that this is a significant investment for them, and we want them to know they’re more than just another transaction to us.

I believe in hand-holding our couples every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final moments of their special day. By taking the time to truly understand our couples, we uncover unique ways to personalize and tailor their wedding experience. Yes, I may be a DJ and Emcee, but I see myself as more than that—I’m their dedicated guide and expert advisor.

Ensuring a stress-free journey, from the moment they book with us to the heartfelt hugs exchanged at the end of the event, is my mission. This level of care and attention is deeply ingrained in HILO PRODUCTIONS, and it’s a commitment I hold dear and would never compromise on.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

During the late 2000s recession, life as a Burger King manager in Garden Grove, California was tough. Each day started early, before the sun rose, as I prepared for the rush of breakfast orders. But the work didn’t stop there. After closing up, I’d swiftly trade my Burger King uniform for DJ gear, ready for a different kind of performance.

With speakers slung over my shoulder, I’d head to wedding venues, transforming from manager to maestro. Setting up equipment became second nature, and once the music started, I seamlessly transitioned into the roles of DJ and master of ceremonies, keeping the party going until the early hours.

But in 2012, everything changed when my parents retired and our family franchise closed. Suddenly, I found myself without a job, facing rejection after rejection. It was a tough time, filled with uncertainty and disappointment.

However, a glimmer of hope emerged during a dinner with a friend who suggested starting my own Wedding DJ business. The idea sparked something inside me, and within weeks, I launched Hilo Productions, driven by determination and purpose.

The journey wasn’t easy, with fear and doubts threatening to derail me at every turn. But I pushed forward, believing in the power of following my passion. Through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, I discovered my true calling with Hilo Productions—a testament to resilience and the belief that in the face of adversity, passion can lead to success. I had found my calling.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.hiloproductions.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiloproductionsevents/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HiloProductions4
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roberthilo/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/hilo-productions-torrance

Image Credits
https://etherandsmith.com/ https://www.carissawoophotography.com/ https://klvphotography.com/ https://mopix926.com/ https://www.dparkphotoblog.com/ https://www.korinphotography.com/