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Rave Reviews
Reviews from Health & Wellness Brands
“Working with Vanessa transformed Herbal Habits from a small local business to a brand with real growth potential. She didn’t just build a plan—she listened to my vision, understood my challenges, and created strategies that felt authentic to who I am and what Herbal Habits stands for. The new website, brand messaging, and growth strategy have given me the confidence and tools to take my business to the next level. Vanessa truly cares, and that made all the difference.” — John Maple, Owner | Herbal Habits
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“We’d recommend Vanessa to anyone. She went the extra mile at every turn, and the result is a brand that has exceeded our wildest exceptions. Vanessa is the woman to hire to help build your brand. She is analytical and creative in her processes. Vanessa does not do “off-the-shelf” brand development. She is a true professional, and you will not regret investing in her.” — Kezzia Quintyne-Hilaire, Owner | KQH Mental Health Counseling P.L.L.C.
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“I first met Vanessa while she was the marketing executive at the Harlem Commonwealth Council. She helped launch two of their programs for entrepreneurs, Opportunity for Growth and Growth Path. So, when I found out she decided to become an independent consultant, I knew I wanted to work with her after seeing all the amazing work she did for HCC. In working with Vanessa, she did not disappoint. When I desired to have my products placed in major retail stores, Vanessa created my pitch deck, including the content, and connected me with a marketer who specializes in getting products like mine into retail stores. She’s not the cheapest. She is the best. That is what matters.” — Yvette Swinger, CEO | SwingIt Inc
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“A big shout out to my marketer Vanessa for being an amazing consultant through the website design process for The Leap Network, LLC. Your expertise, hard work, creativity, diligence, and thoughtful approach to my business and vision are extremely appreciated. You know you’ve found something special when making that monthly vendor payment is more of a celebration than a pain point. Of course, I’d rather keep my money. But at the end of the day, I’m investing in another entrepreneur. Pay it forward! In closing, support businesses that are owned and operated by people of color. That’s REAL Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work. If we don’t do it, we can’t complain when others don’t. That said, if anyone is looking for an amazing marketer, holla at Vanessa! I recommend her without reservation!” — Bobby Tugbiyele, CEO | The Leap Network​
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“She is a genius with a million-dollar mind. What else can I say? Every time I think about what Vanessa has done for my brand, I nearly break down in tears. When I was at the lows of starting my brand, wondering if I should even continue with my business, Vanessa lifted me up and helped me to keep going. Let’s just say this, after hiring Vanessa, I’ve never looked back. She is a GOAT! Thank you so much for all you do for my brand, Vanessa. I don’t know where I would be without you, and I don’t even want to make any moves without you.” — Tamara Farrell, CEO | Indigo Beauty Cosmetics​
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“Seriously. You don’t need to go to anyone else. Vanessa’s design of my website left me completely speechless! I was so nervous about venturing out on my own as a business owner. She not only created my website but helped me with the resources and tools I needed to get my business established. She just really cares about her clients.” — Stephen J. White, Owner | The Hair Siren​
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“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 marketing guru who will take any project and produce real results! Highly recommended.” — Jacqueline Barimah, Owner | For Beauties Only​
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“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 it came to working with her. Vanessa was also flexible and understanding when it came to timelines and payments. She delivered a market research report that I was pleased with. Ultimately, I would recommend Vanessa because she is extremely dedicated to providing quality services to her clients.” — Elizabeth Elohim, Owner | Kozmed App​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
NOTE: Marketing services mentioned are now provided through trusted marketing partners.
Mission-Driven Brand Reviews
​​​​​“Vanessa is just one of those people you wish you could work with forever. In addition to being a talented brand 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 many compliments about the site, not only from visitors but from media professionals as well. 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 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)
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“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 help 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​​​​​​​​
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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 it was I was hoping to give my students. She came to that Zoom meeting with so much energy and presence that I just knew that the students of Southern Illinois University were going to learn so much about the importance of market research, the data and statistics driving it, and the strategies that go on behind the scenes. Students, staff, and faculty incredibly well received the event 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 her content and marketing. She also knows how to put it out there and present it in a cogent fashion that anyone can grasp the concepts. I am now a convert.” — Curtis Archer, President | Harlem Community Development Corporation
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“Attendees loved Vanessa! Vanessa was an ideal presenter for our webinar focused on email marketing. She shares interesting content with a speaking style that is natural and engaging. Most importantly, she offers a different perspective to marketing that our attendees appreciate. 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 marketing concepts. Her presentations are a perfect balance of actionable advice and illustrative stories. She also has a personable presence that puts her at the top of my list for speakers covering the topic of marketing. Book her today!” — Darryl T. Downing | Chairman of I-AM-Harlem and Harlem Business Alliance Marketing Outreach Specialist
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“Vanessa provided an enlightening presentation to the women in the FastTrac® NewVenture™ for the Female Entrepreneur Bootcamp. The presentation was well-received and gave the participants a new perspective on branding and brand strategy, as Vanessa was extremely informative and engaging. 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​
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Small Biz Creative Conference Attendee Feedback
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“Loved!” “Holy moly, amazing!”
“Great presentation. You did a nice job of making it actionable and illustrating the difference between business and brand strategy.”
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“Wow, this is incredibly in-depth!”
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“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!”
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“Such an informative presentation I'd love to read again to absorb it all.”
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“This was great! I really appreciate that this was explained in human terms instead of marketing jargon.”
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“Thank you for highlighting the importance of psychology in business strategy & execution. It's huge!”
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“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!”
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“Thank you for a super informative session!”
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“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.”
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“Your presentation was very thorough and just what I needed. I have been looking for a true brand expert, and I can tell you are an expert for sure.”
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Hear Vanessa at a speaking engagement!​