Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m blessed with 3 kids, two daughters in their mid 30’s and an 18-year-old son, can you say surprise? LOL. Our bonus boy! We also have the most amazing grandbabies with the oldest being 17, the youngest is 7 months, and one we will meet in November.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I started behind the counter right out of high school, and I’ve been here ever since! I became a manager about 35 years ago and 7 years ago partnered with another long-term co-worker, (Todd),  and we took over the business from the founder. I really love the people we get to meet and help, especially new business owners. But truth be told we could do none of this if it wasn’t for our incredible staff.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Buddies in Holt is our “go-to” restaurant, but we also like Bad Brewing in Mason.

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
My entire life!

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
It’s not just one person. I am constantly blown away by the different talents and gifts of the people I encounter every day here.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
It would be someplace where my toes are in the sand and a cocktail is in my hand!

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
“The Family Stone” is my favorite movie, and “This Is Us” is my favorite TV show.

Q: What advice would you give to people?
Maya Angelou said that people might not remember what you said or did, but they’ll remember how you make them feel. More than anything else, I’d advise people to be kind, do what’s right, not what’s easy, and always lead with integrity.

Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Traveling more — and to just about anywhere!

Q: Who is your “go-to” band when you can’t decide what music you want to hear?
Anything Marvin Gaye.

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
DeLuca’s Italian Restaurant. It was big deal for us to go out to dinner when I was growing up, and this is still one of our favorite places.

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I would take a group of phenomenal women I’m lucky to know, and we’d probably go to The Soup Spoon Cafe.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love that our community responds, over and over, to requests for help for others in our area.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Continuing to grow Paper Image and remaining involved in our community.

Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I don’t know if it’s interesting but everyone assumes I’m a Melissa when my birth name is actually Michilynn.

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Grand Canyon. Go there and you’ll be reminded of how small you are!

Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? Best single day on the calendar?
October. Thanksgiving. Christmas Day.

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A day at the beach.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I’d say my kids, definately.

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Freshly-cut grass; Vanilla; and the smell of fall.

Q: Who would you like to see nominated for The Faces of Ingham County?
Ben Schartow from Building TwentyOne here in Holt. They’re doing great work with our youth.

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Laughter. Music. Peace.