Maddy Bamba poses for a photo in the HELLO LOVE shop.

Studying away with NYU means more than just attending classes in a new city. It’s about connecting with a dynamic community, immersing yourself in local culture, and discovering opportunities that can shape your future. For Maddy Bamba, a senior majoring in Global Liberal Studies at the School of Liberal Studies, her study away experience at NYU London became a gateway to a unique internship at HELLO LOVE, a social enterprise that supports artists, brands, and charities.

HELLO LOVE is more than just a business. It’s home to the Hello Beautiful Foundation, a cancer prevention charity. Plus, it includes an event space, gallery, cafe, and dojo—and at least 50% of every sale supports charitable causes. Cofounded by NYU Stern alumnus Kevin Helton and brand expert Jane Hutchison, HELLO LOVE offers internships to NYU London students, giving them the opportunity to join a global network while making local change. “My passion for the arts drew me to HELLO LOVE, along with its founders’ ambitions and goals,” Maddy says. “Jane and Kevin run an incredible shop that blends artistic expression with community impact. It was really exciting to be part of that.”

Maddy Bamba speaks with the HELLO LOVE shop owner.
A Small Business with a Big Vision

At HELLO LOVE, Maddy learned what it takes to run a small, values-driven business. Every day was different. Some days, she packaged products, worked behind the cafe counter, and helped customers around the shop. Other days, she conducted research for Libra, HELLO LOVE’s health app aimed at cancer prevention.

She also saw the Hello Beautiful Foundation’s mission in action. Helton and Hutchison founded the charity after Hutchison was diagnosed with breast cancer. They aim to make conversations about cancer more approachable through art and education while offering patients free access to integrative services. “The assortment of tasks I completed grew my appreciation for the creativity and flexibility required to run a small business,” Maddy affirms.

Plates and knickknacks cover a table at the HELLO LOVE shop.
A Global Network That Opens Doors

Nearly a decade ago, HELLO LOVE began offering internships to NYU London students. Helton launched the initiative shortly after opening the shop, eager to connect with a new generation of students. “The relationship Kevin found with NYU London after graduation is a testament to the reach of NYU’s community,” notes Maddy. “He serves as a big inspiration to me as a student looking to work abroad in the future.”

HELLO LOVE is just one example of how NYU’s global network creates opportunities for students to gain direct experience while making a meaningful local impact. “We look forward to working with more NYU London interns in the coming years,” says Hutchison. “We’re always excited when previous interns pop back in to say hi, catch up, and tell us about their impressive careers.”

Maddy Bamba at work in the HELLO LOVE shop.
Loving HELLO LOVE = Loving London

Interning at HELLO LOVE also deepened Maddy’s connection to the city itself. “While my first semester in London was amazing, my second semester felt more fulfilling. And HELLO LOVE played a big part in that,” she says. She also credits the Global Liberal Studies program and her peers for creating a network of support. She recalls discussing “British working norms and the highs and lows of our placements” with her fellow students. Alongside her internship, Maddy took an experiential learning class that encouraged her to reflect on her role and growth. “I was able to blend the skills I enhanced at HELLO LOVE into my education at NYU London and vice versa.”

Framed HELLO LOVE posters cover a wall.
A Future Fueled by Connection

Looking back, Maddy feels that HELLO LOVE changed her perspective on what matters most in the workplace, showing her the value of meaningful relationships. “Jane and Kevin not only valued my experiences as a student and intern, but also took a sincere interest in me as a person,” she says. “We made it a habit to eat lunch together, and that sense of connection made a significant impact. Tasks that might have felt menial, like packaging or cutting, took on real purpose.”

For students considering study abroad, Maddy has this advice: “I would encourage all students to study abroad, and if given the opportunity, to intern at their site as well. Working in a new city helps develop a much deeper connection to both the area itself and the culture.”