Story & Lesson Highlights with Christina Paganelli of Redondo Beach

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Christina Paganelli. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Christina, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
For me, wandering is about curiosity and discovery—but I see it as a journey with direction. I am on a journey of discovery, and my mission to help others has always kept my compass pointed in a straight line.

Yes, wandering can mean exploring the unknown, and I certainly do that—literally, in my business, by driving between the U.S. and Canada to source ingredients and deliver products. I’ve crossed Yellowstone Park more than 35 times, and while for many people that’s a bucket-list adventure, for me it’s part of the rhythm of building and growing my company.

But even in those moments of exploration, my compass has always been fixed on serving others and creating authentic value. That balance—between wandering into new experiences and staying true to my mission—is what has guided me for the past fifteen years.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Christina Paganelli, founder of Drinkme®, a mission-driven brand dedicated to making whole-food, plant-based nutrition accessible to everyone. I started Drinkme® over fifteen years ago, inspired by my own health journey after overcoming stage IV cancer and MS, and by a desire to create products that genuinely support people’s well-being.

What makes Drinkme® unique is our commitment to authenticity, sustainability, and quality. Every product is crafted with care—using the whole plant whenever possible—and we maintain a personal connection with our customers by selling both at retailers like Whole Foods Markets and directly at local farmers’ markets.

Beyond business, Drinkme® is about creating a lifestyle of health, planetary care, and curiosity. I continue to innovate in ways that honor our brand vision, whether that’s introducing new products, refining sustainable practices, or inspiring others to live a more mindful, nutritious, and vibrant life.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that truly shaped how I see the world was going through two life-threatening illnesses — stage IV cancer and MS. Facing those challenges stripped away all fear and taught me how precious and powerful the present moment really is.

That experience gave me a kind of clarity — I learned that life isn’t something to tiptoe through, it’s something to run toward. Every challenge, every obstacle, is an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to create something meaningful.

It’s why I live the way I do now — unafraid, curious, and committed to making a positive impact through my work and my brand. Because when you’ve been to the edge, you realize how much beauty there is in simply being alive and being of service to others.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The defining wounds of my life are both physical and symbolic. I carry a seven-inch scar across my neck from stage IV thyroid cancer, which also affected my voice box, voice nerve, and trachea. The neck is such a sensitive spot — it carries your voice, your energy, your ability to express yourself. For me, it’s always been both a literal and figurative center of vulnerability.

Even recently, two months ago, I was bitten in the throat by a Cane Corso dog. The bite missed my jugular, but it was a shocking reminder of how vulnerable this part of me is. And yet, I feel awe and gratitude for my survival.

Healing, for me, has been about integration — transforming vulnerability into strength. My scar and experiences have taught me to honor my voice, to live without fear, and to fully embrace my purpose. This journey of survival directly informs my business and public voice. It fuels my drive to serve others, to speak boldly, and to create meaningful impact through Drinkme®.

I don’t just carry these wounds — I carry the lessons, the resilience, and the perspective they’ve given me. My voice, my mission, and my work are all stronger because of them.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
The belief I am most committed to is the power of serving others. Through my story, my products, and my brand, I strive to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives — no matter how long it takes.

I am committed to leading by example and to continually growing, both personally and professionally, through the culture I’ve developed at Drinkme®. From creating whole-food, plant-based nutrition to maintaining personal connections with customers at farmers’ markets, my mission has always been to provide support, inspiration, and authentic value. This is a lifelong dedication, not a short-term goal. Every decision I make, every product I create, and every story I share aligns with that commitment to service — helping others live healthier, more vibrant lives and contributing to a better world.

For me, success isn’t measured by speed or scale alone, but by the impact I can make, the culture I nurture, and the example I set along the way.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I never set out to own a brand — that opportunity found me. What started as a personal pursuit to support my own health and lifestyle evolved into something much bigger: a business, a mission, and a way to serve others.

Looking back, it’s clear that I’m doing exactly what I was born to do. I’ve built something that aligns with my values, my passions, and my purpose — even though I didn’t set out with that plan. It’s a reminder that sometimes the path finds you, and when it does, it’s worth embracing fully.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://drinkmebeverages.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drinkmebevco/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-laham-paganelli/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drinkmebevco/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@drinkmebeveragecompany

Image Credits
Christina Paganelli