Meet Michelle Ravelo-Santos | Brand Strategist and Communications Specialist | Founder of MR+PR Consulting

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Ravelo-Santos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After eight years working for one of the leading entertainment PR firms, I saw an opportunity to use the 20+ years experience to start a consulting firm. The skills I’ve learned and the relationships I built throughout the years, gave me the confidence to launch my own practice. Starting my own consultancy allowed me to be more selective and intentional in the clients I pursued, working with brands I believe in and tailoring strategies without the constraints of large-agency structures. It was also a way to provide white-label support to agencies and corporate teams, giving them senior-level expertise on a flexible basis. Launching my own business not only gave me the flexibility to be more present for my kids as they entered their next level in school, but also the freedom to apply my PR expertise in innovative ways, continuing to shape meaningful brand narratives while maintaining a healthier work-life balance.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is a boutique communications consultancy that I launched after more than 20 years of working with global brands and agencies. What sets me apart is the ability to bring big-agency expertise: strategic storytelling, national media relations, executive thought leadership, and integrated brand campaigns into a more nimble and personalized structure. I get to be slightly selective on what I work on, which means I work with brands I truly believe in, across categories like consumer lifestyle, hospitality, health and wellness, CPG and even dabbling in emerging industries like cannabis.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built along the way, both with media and with clients, that continue to drive my work forward. It’s not easy leaving the security of a large agency. It means navigating uncertainty and handling the ebbs and flows of the freelance space. But by leaning on the skills I developed, the reputation I built over time, and the trust of people who have continuously believed in me, I was able to carve out my own lane.

The biggest lessons I’ve learned are the importance of adaptability, the value of strong relationships, and the need to stay curious about culture and where it’s headed. I built my business rooted in passion for storytelling and delivering results, but also in creating authentic connections because without that, you can’t be successful in communications. My story is about resilience, reinvention, and keeping the joy in what I do, while also building a career that allows me the flexibility to be present for my family.

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.
If my best friend was visiting LA for a week, we’d definitely eat our way through the city because LA has some of the best food in the world. First stop would be Leo’s Taco Truck for their legendary al pastor tacos and burritos. It’s truly a rite of passage. We’d also spend an evening in Koreatown for KBBQ. There are so many great spots, but my current favorite is Daedo, and then we’d wander into one of the many nearby bars for a nightcap.

For culture, I’d take them to LACMA Jazz Night on a Friday in the summer. It’s the epitome of chill LA vibe, sitting outside with great music and people-watching or Cinespia to watch a classic movie at the Hollywood Forever cemetery. No trip would be complete without a hike, so we’d do Runyon Canyon or head up to the Hollywood Sign for those can’t-miss views. You can’t get more LA than that.

To mix things up, we’d spend a day at the beach in Malibu or Manhattan Beach, walk the boardwalk, or we’d catch a show at the Hollywood Bowl, which is one of my favorite music venues in the city. We’ve got a vibrant mix of food, culture, and nature, I’d fill each day with a totally different itinerary and atmosphere.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been really fortunate to have mentors and supporters who helped shape my career from the very beginning. Jill Eisenstadt and Desiree Gruber gave me my first PR internship and job at Full Picture, which opened the door to everything that came after. Jenni Benzaquen inspired me to explore in-house communications and brought me into W Hotels, where I had the chance to meet people across so many industries and build relationships with media and industry leaders, many of whom I’m still close with today. And I’m deeply grateful to Michael Nyman and Monica Chun, who have continuously believed in me throughout my career, whether through hiring me for projects or recommending me for new opportunities. Their support has been invaluable. Each of them played a role in guiding me, challenging me, and reminding me to pay it forward whenever I can.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleravelo-santos/