We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Pagaran Headley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I launched Mint Value Media during the pandemic, as a way to support the hospitality industry to better connect with their audiences online. I combined my background in food, travel, and lifestyle journalism, and social media management to help curate brands’ online presence. It’s been such a rewarding process getting to collaborate with such creative, compassionate, and hospitable individuals. They truly inspire me every day to produce the best content.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Studying Literary Journalism at UC Irvine, I’ve always been drawn to stories, in all forms. During my time at Orange Coast, every day was exciting because I was introduced to so many wonderful people throughout Orange County. It thrilled me to know that there are so many stories just waiting to be told and so many people doing good things right here in our local community.

What I love most about Mint Value Media is that I get to craft authentic brand narratives in a constantly changing digital landscape. So, every day continues to be exciting and challenging all at once. I also get to form deeper relationships with my long-term clients, and I have the opportunity to document their journey in real time. I find that to be a truly beautiful thing.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In Lola Tung’s voice, “Oh my goodness, I love this question!”

Here are 10 musts if I’m on a mission to impress an out-of-towner:

Disneyland Resort
A full park-hopping day topped off with dinner at Napa Rose

Heritage Barbecue
Mouthwatering California craft barbecue with chef-driven sides and specials in historic downtown San Juan Capistrano

Crystal Cove Shake Shack
For the ultimate comfort meal (burger, fries, and shake) with a picture-perfect view of Crystal Cove’s charming historic district (preferably after walking along the state park’s trails)

Pirates Cove Beach
Ideal beach for swimming in Corona Del Mar

Active Culture
Simply because I crave this Laguna Beach Cafe’s Wholesome Bowl and Vegan Coconut Shake on a weekly basis

Aliso Peak Trail
The perfect combination of a mildly challenging coastal trek with spectacular, panoramic views (I also got engaged here)

Shaw’s Cove
A lovely cove in Laguna Beach that shows off the artsy beach town’s beautiful coastline

The Getty Villa
Living like the Romans did in this museum designed as an ornate Roman country home housing Greek and Roman antiquities

Vista Hermosa Natural Park
Quiet park set against the backdrop of the Los Angeles skyline

Hollywood Bowl
A quintessential summertime activity enjoying live music in the city of stars

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Personally, I’d love to shout out my family, especially my parents and husband, who have supported my path in pursuing a creative career and have cheered me on every step of the way.

Website: mintvaluemedia.com

Instagram: mintvaluemedia

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-pagaran-722342121/

Image Credits
Michelle Pagaran Headley

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.