More than a Hangout Spot

With a desire to inspire people to make more art, SDSU alumna Jennifer Ly (‘22) opened The Hangout Pottery Lounge in August 2026. 

After graduating from San Diego State University with a degree in integrated marketing communications and management, alumna Jennifer Ly (‘22) faced an unexpected career challenge that led her to reevaluate her path and pursue something she had dreamed of since childhood: opening her own business.

Although Ly had always imagined herself becoming a business owner, she never knew exactly what that business would look like. Over time, her love of creating art and her desire to inspire others to embrace their creativity led her to the idea for The Hangout Pottery Lounge.

Ly’s passion for art became the foundation for a business that would allow her to combine creativity with community. She wanted to create a space where people could explore their artistic sides, try pottery for the first time, and enjoy making something with their hands without feeling intimidated. What began as a childhood dream of owning a business eventually became a reality when she opened The Hangout Pottery Lounge in August 2026.

The name itself also reflects Ly’s personal history. Growing up, her childhood home was known as “the hangout spot” due to their last name being Heng, pronounced “hang,” and how it was always a spot where her family frequently hosted friends and welcomed people into their home. Ly always held onto the idea of using “The Hangout” as the name for her future business, carrying that sense of warmth and togetherness into her own space. 

Today, The Hangout Pottery Lounge brings that vision to life by offering a welcoming environment where people can connect, express themselves through art, and create lasting memories. 

For Ly, opening the lounge is not only the fulfillment of a childhood dream but also an opportunity to share her love of art with others and encourage them to make creativity a part of their lives.