Today we’d like to introduce you to Lynette Pettinicchi.

Hi Lynette, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
As a teenager, I always had dreams of owning something though at the time I wasn’t sure what that would be. One of my favorite subjects in school was science so I attended SUNY Plattsburgh in upstate NY expecting to be a high school biology teacher. Unfortunately, test-taking continued to be a challenge for me, and I ended up changing my major four times (biology education –> nutrition –> music –> PR/advertising).

After explaining to the communications advisor that I hated writing, I still entered the program and graduated with a BA in PR/Advertising.

Because I changed my major so many times, I did my internships after graduation. I also dabbled in field marketing for bai (when it was a tiny start-up!), handling the entire Hamptons and LI region.

Keeping my interest in science in the back of my mind, I secured an internship at a consumer lifestyle PR agency, where I was promoted twice after, and worked on clients in all types of industries – medicine, beauty, activewear, restaurants, food, technology, wellness, you name it – which allowed me to develop media contacts across the board.

When it was time to move on, I landed at two more PR firms that specialized in health and wellness. And then it was time to leap.

In August 2016, I launched what is known today as Mint & Honey, Co., a PR and digital marketing agency working with start-ups and small businesses in the health, wellness, fitness, and medical industries to create fresh, new, exciting campaigns that produce results that stick and help give brands longevity.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It absolutely has not been a smooth road! While sometimes I wish it was, I wouldn’t have been able to gain some of the experience and knowledge that I have now.

Being in the PR industry can be considered a challenge on its own given the unique way ‘results’ are measured, the state of the media and influencer industries, and the uncertainty of outreach responses.

Owning an agency adds another element – you’re the guy for everything, especially when you’re first starting.

Struggles I’ve worked to overcome include undercharging for my worth in the beginning, managing time (ongoing battle!), not hiring soon enough, hiring too late, managing client expectations, and not having enough clients just in case, though I think the list could go on and on.

Having to find solutions to each has made me a better entrepreneur, publicist, and person.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
One of the many things I love about being an entrepreneur and owning a NYC PR agency is choosing what clients I work with.

What really sets me, and Mint & Honey, Co., apart from others is that I’m personally invested in our clients’ industries. Health, wellness, fitness, medicine, and food/bev all filter into science. The insight that I gain from consumers provides value for clients’ research and development along with allowing us to craft unique story angles, social media posts, speaking events, and more that we know will resonate with target audiences.

Having Pilates (and the series Hellgate Pilates) and nutrition certifications also help me provide value to clients.

I’m proud of many things but specifically right now, our impactful athletes project (pro-bono sector) is one of my favorites because I get to work with amazing humans that have turned into inspiring friends and dive into and learn about new-to-me parts of the sports industry.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Absolutely no other place compares to NYC but it will show you no mercy. This city has built me up and torn me down more times than I can count, but it’s home.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mintandhoneyco.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mintandhoneyco/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynettepettinicchi/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/lynette_nicole/