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Proof in Practice
Reviews from Health & Wellness Brands
“I'll never forget the first time Vanessa asked, "What emotion are you looking to express here?" That single question reoriented everything. For Herbal Habits, she didn’t just build a plan—she listened to my vision, understood my challenges, and crafted a messaging strategy that felt authentic to who I am and what Herbal Habits stands for. The clear, compelling messaging she developed has given me the confidence and tools to communicate our value and connect with customers in a way I never could before. Vanessa truly cares, and that made all the difference.” — John Maple, Owner | Herbal Habits
“As a mental health counselor, I've spent years trying to find the exact words for my brand that really reflected the message I wanted to convey to my audience. I half-joked that Vanessa was a mind-reader during our first call—she just got what I was trying to say. She also went the extra mile at every turn, and the messaging framework she developed has elevated our entire brand narrative beyond what we imagined. Vanessa doesn’t deliver “off-the-shelf” messaging—she dug deep to understand our unique voice and challenges. Her analytical yet creative approach to crafting our message has been invaluable. Vanessa is a true professional, and you won’t regret investing in her messaging expertise.” — Kezzia Quintyne-Hilaire, Owner | KQH Mental Health Counseling P.L.L.C.
“I first met Vanessa at an event she helped organize while she was the marketing communications executive at the Harlem Commonwealth Council, where her messaging work helped launch two key programs for entrepreneurs, 'Opportunity for Growth' and 'Growth Path.' So, when I found out she had become an independent consultant, I knew I wanted to tap into her expertise. Vanessa did not disappoint. She crafted messaging that clarified my brand’s voice and positioned SwingIt Inc. for retail success. Her strategic messaging guidance has been invaluable.” — Yvette Swinger, CEO | SwingIt Inc
“A big shout out to Vanessa for her exceptional messaging development work for The Leap Network, LLC. Her thoughtful approach to clarifying my brand voice and crafting my core messaging has been invaluable. Her expertise, creativity, and diligence transformed how we communicate our vision. Investing in Vanessa’s strategic messaging was one of the best decisions we’ve made. I recommend her without reservation!” — Bobby Tugbiyele, CEO | The Leap Network
“Vanessa’s messaging strategy for my brand transformed Indigo Beauty Cosmetics. At my lowest, I wondered if I should even continue. Her clarity and guidance in defining my brand message gave me the confidence to move forward. Her strategic insights have been priceless—since working with her, I’ve never looked back. I wouldn’t make any brand decisions without her.” — Tamara Farrell, CEO | Indigo Beauty Cosmetics
“I was left completely speechless at the messages Vanessa was able to identify for my brand. As I prepared to launch my business, her expertise in crafting my core brand message and providing the tools I needed gave me the confidence to establish my business. She truly cares about impactful messaging.” — Stephen J. White, Owner | The Hair Siren
“As a business owner, I was very pleased to work with someone who was so professional and who really listened to my needs. Vanessa is a systems thinking and messaging strategy guru who will take any project and produce real results. Highly recommended.” — Jacqueline Barimah, Owner | For Beauties Only
“Working with Vanessa was a wonderful experience from beginning to end. Her professionalism and passion stand out when communicating with her. She made herself available to discuss my needs, and I never felt rushed or pressured to make any decisions when working with her. Vanessa was also flexible and understanding when it came to timelines and payments. She delivered an audience insight report for my messaging that I was thrilled with. Ultimately, I would recommend Vanessa.” — Elizabeth Elohim, Owner | Kozmed App
Mission-Driven Brand Reviews
“Vanessa is just one of those people you wish you could work with forever. In addition to being a talented strategist, she is a wonderful person. Vanessa provides a high degree of enthusiasm and creativity. She is also quite communicative, intentional, and reliable. She clearly knows how to get things done! Since creating my website with her strategic guidance, I have received numerous compliments about the site, not only from visitors but also from media professionals. Vanessa provided just what I was looking for in helping to differentiate my brand and distinguish my book. If you are looking for a strategic partner to help uniquely present your brand with key messages that will resonate with your audience in a memorable and highly professional way…..Vanessa is the one.” — Carol Fulp, CEO | Fulp Diversity (Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations General Assembly and Museum of African American History’s Living Legend Award-Winner)
“Vanessa does not miss a beat! At the very start of the pandemic, a teacher at my school highly recommended Vanessa to help me create a virtual home for our students. She worked tirelessly to develop the messaging framework and content for our website, helping us launch a 30-page website under pressure. As we work to elevate our brand to the next level, we are doing this with her. What can I say, I love working with Vanessa! She is the best!” — Leonna Austin, School Principal | PS 30M
Speaker Reviews
“Vanessa Matthew is a joy to work with! When I first reached out to her, I was hoping to persuade her to share her years of expertise and professional insights with a group of business students in Southern Illinois. Much to my delight, she enthusiastically wrote back and immediately set up a Zoom meeting to discuss how she could help and what I was hoping to provide for my students. She came to that Zoom meeting with so much energy and presence that I just knew the students of Southern Illinois University were going to learn a great deal about the importance of audience insights market research, the data and statistics driving it, and the strategies that go behind the scenes. Students, staff, and faculty received the event incredibly well. Students gave positive feedback regarding her topic, her approachability, and the depth of her knowledge. The faculty and staff praised and appreciated her words of wisdom and willingness to engage with the students authentically. This event was by far one of our students' favorites, and I am fortunate to have connected with her and very thankful that she feels called to share her passion.” - Jennifer Butler, Ph.D, Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion | Southern Illinois University
“Vanessa instructed a webinar on behalf of HCDC. She did an excellent job putting it together. Vanessa definitely knows what she is talking about! She also knows how to present it effectively, making it clear and concise so that anyone can grasp the concepts. I am now a convert.” — Curtis Archer, President | Harlem Community Development Corporation
“Attendees loved Vanessa! Vanessa was an ideal presenter for our webinar focused on approaches to email marketing. She shared interesting content with a natural and engaging speaking style. Most importantly, she offered a different perspective that our attendees appreciated. Vanessa has a unique ability to make complex subjects simple to understand.” - Francisco Guzman, Program Director, Small Business Services | Harlem Community Development Corporation
“I look forward to Vanessa’s webinars. She is a remarkably engaging presenter with a refreshing grasp of strategy. Her presentations strike a perfect balance between actionable advice and engaging stories. She also has a personable presence that puts her at the top of my list for speakers. Book her today!” — Darryl T. Downing | Chairman of I-AM-Harlem and Harlem Business Alliance Marketing Outreach Specialist
“Vanessa provided an enlightening presentation to the women in the FastTrac® NewVenture™ for the Female Entrepreneur Bootcamp. The presentation was well-received and provided participants with a new perspective on brand strategy and messaging, thanks to Vanessa's informative and engaging approach. I truly believe the information she provided has given the women in the Bootcamp a leg up on their competition.” — Tuesday Brooks, MBA, CEO | Ajoy Management Enterprise
Small Biz Creative Conference Attendee Feedback
“Loved!” “Holy moly, amazing presentation!”
“Great presentation. Wonderful job of making it actionable and illustrating the difference between brand and messaging strategy.”
“Wow, her presentation was incredibly in-depth!”
“This is the most thoughtful branding information I've ever heard! I love that it goes so deep into psychology. A lot of presentations aren't deep and advanced!”
“Such an informative presentation on messaging strategy. I'd love to read again to absorb it all.”
“This was great! I really appreciate that this was explained in human terms instead of marketing jargon.”
“Thank you for highlighting the importance of psychology in strategy & execution. It's huge!”
“I think I'm officially in love with you. This was awesome. I have been so intimidated by marketing my business, and now I feel like it's actually doable!”
“Thank you for a super informative session!”
“The talk you gave was so informative and genuine, and I found myself really motivated to take the next steps for my small business goals.”
“Your presentation was very thorough and just what I needed. I have been looking for a true brand and messaging expert, and I can tell you are an expert for sure.”
Hear Vanessa at a speaking engagement!