Before this blog became my full-time focus, I spent nearly a decade working in the hospitality and lifestyle industry. Fresh out of college, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from an accredited university, where I developed a love for both detail-oriented service and everyday people’s experience with products and places.
After graduating I took a role as Assistant Manager and then Operations Lead for a boutique restaurant chain in the Northeast U.S., overseeing everything from décor selection to menu rollout and guest feedback. That experience taught me what people actually care about, and how little things matter—a lesson I carry into this blog.
Around 2022–23 I moved (for family and life reasons) to a smaller town in the Mid-Atlantic region, where I live today with my partner and our rescue dog. Here in a more relaxed setting I rediscovered the value of quality gear, well-chosen tools and thoughtful purchases—not just flashy brand names. In early 2025 I decided to turn that rediscovery into something useful for other people.
Why This Site
You might wonder about the name “The Mint Bethlehem.” I chose it as a nod to fresh starts and authentic value—mint meaning something newly minted, fresh and worthwhile—and “Bethlehem” because it represents a place of quiet community and grounding. While the domain may previously have had a different association (you’ll find traces of a past hospitality-oriented theme), I intentionally repurposed it to reflect a new chapter: credible product reviews, honest insights, and the kind of everyday recommendations I wish I’d found earlier.
On this blog I focus on products I’ve personally tested—whether they’re tech gadgets, home-and-living essentials, outdoor gear, or lifestyle upgrades. I don’t do hype. I don’t push items just because they’re trending. Instead I lean on real usage, real advantages, and yes—I’ll tell you what didn’t work too. My aim is that when you walk away from this site you feel confident about your next purchase, rather than second-guessing it.
How I Work
When I pick something to review, I live with it for a while—days or sometimes weeks—so I can report what it’s like beyond the “first impression” stage. I look at how products perform over time, how they hold up to normal use, and whether they’re truly worth the investment. Each review aims to include: what I liked, what surprised me, what I would change. I also try to keep things simple: you don’t need reams of technical jargon. just clear insights and honest take-aways.
Because I’m based in a modest-sized town, I understand what real people face: budgets, space constraints, usability, durability. So many “perfect” review pieces come from big studios or setups that don’t reflect everyday life. Here, I try to keep the perspective grounded.
Join the Conversation
This blog isn’t just me talking at you—it’s a place for us to connect. If you’ve used a product I’ve reviewed (or one similar), drop a comment or send me a message. If there’s something you’d like me to review next, I’d love to hear about it. While I might not cover everything, I will pick what matters—and what I believe you’ll find useful.
Thanks for being here. Whether you’re hunting for that next smart home device, a kitchen tool that actually works, or an outdoor piece that survives the seasons—I’m glad you’re letting me be part of your process.
Here’s to informed buying, fewer regrets, and discovering what truly earns its place in your life.
Author Profile
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Jerome Pinkston is the creator and voice behind themintbethlehem.com, an Amazon Affiliate blog dedicated to honest product reviews and genuine buying advice. With a professional background in hospitality management and years spent curating customer experiences, Jerome brings a trained eye for quality, functionality, and design to every review. His goal is to bridge the gap between marketing hype and real-life performance, helping readers make confident purchase decisions that truly fit their lifestyles.
Originally from the Northeast and now living in a quiet Mid-Atlantic town, Jerome runs his blog from home, testing products in everyday conditions—no studio setups or scripted impressions. Whether it’s a smart kitchen gadget, a home essential, or a tech accessory, he approaches each review with transparency, curiosity, and care. His writing combines practical insight with a conversational tone, making The Mint Bethlehem a trusted corner of the internet for thoughtful, experience-based recommendations.
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