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SUCCESS STORIES
Enjoy a few examples of how I've used brand strategy, grounded in research and insights to informed the content and creative direction of rockstar brands.
CASE STUDY
Transforming Herbal Habits with Strategic Branding and Digital Innovation
Herbal Habits: Fueling Bodies and Elevating Energy Through Sea Moss-Infused Wellness
Herbal Habits, based in Rahway, NJ, is redefining wellness through sea moss-infused drinks, gels, shots, and more—fueling the body naturally while elevating energy and well-being.
The Challenge: Building a Scalable Wellness Brand with a Vibe
Herbal Habits had the passion and products but needed a clear optimized website and growth strategy rooted in a brand strategy to build brand equity. With no existing brand strategy or messaging guidelines, the challenge was to build a scalable brand presence and foundation without losing its authentic, community-driven vibe.
How I Made It Happen
I immersed myself in Herbal Habits' world, conducting deep audience research to understand local demographics and customer needs. A competitive analysis revealed gaps Herbal Habits could fill, while market research shaped an approach tailored to the Rahway community.
From there, I developed a comprehensive brand strategy that highlighted Herbal Habits' unique offerings and vibrant energy. I redesigned the website, optimized the user journey, and crafted messaging that felt authentic, approachable, and energetic.
What I Delivered:
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Audience Research & Persona Development: Insights into Herbal Habits’ ideal customers, their pain points, and buying behaviors.
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Brand Strategy & Messaging: A clear brand voice, key messaging pillars, and competitive positioning that emphasized sea moss wellness.
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Website Redesign & Content: A user-friendly website structure, SEO-optimized content, engaging product descriptions, and strong CTAs.
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Marketing & Retention Roadmap: Strategies for customer retention, testimonial collection, and multi-channel marketing.
The Results: More Growth, More Impact
With a refined brand strategy, optimized website, and clear growth plan, Herbal Habits is now positioned to scale while maintaining its local charm. The new brand direction has enhanced customer experience, streamlined operations, and laid the foundation for long-term success.
Herbal Habits isn’t just another wellness brand—it’s a movement for holistic health, fueled by sea moss and driven by community. My work didn’t just transform their business—it empowered them to grow authentically while making wellness accessible.
Client Review
“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
CASE STUDY
Revitalizing KQH Mental Health Counseling’s Brand
KQH Mental Health Counseling: Empowering Women of Color Through Mental Health Care
KQH Mental Health Counseling, based in New York, is dedicated to helping women of color thrive—offering therapy that fosters self-awareness, healing, and growth.
The Challenge: Creating a Brand That Feels Human and Professional
KQH wanted more than a polished look—they needed a brand that felt real, approachable, and true to their mission, while standing out in the crowded mental health space. My goal? To bring their essence to life through clear messaging, authentic storytelling, and a fresh, professional design.
How I Made It Happen
I dove deep into audience research to understand what KQH’s clients truly needed and what drew them to therapy. A competitive analysis revealed what was missing in the market—and where KQH could shine.
From there, I built a brand strategy that wasn’t just about looking good—it was about feeling right. I crafted brand pillars that reflected KQH’s core values, developed a tone that felt warm and relatable, and curated a visual identity that was inviting yet professional.
What I Delivered:
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In-Depth Research: Understanding KQH’s clients and standing out from competitors
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Brand Strategy: Clear values, a distinct voice, and a positioning that felt authentic
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Messaging That Connects: Website copy, social media content, and email campaigns that resonate
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Visual Identity: A website and design elements (like colors and fonts) that bring the brand to life
The Results: More Growth, More Impact
With a clear, consistent brand, KQH attracted more of the clients they serve best—women of color seeking meaningful mental health support. The refreshed brand didn’t just look good—it felt like them, and that authenticity drove real results, from client growth to increased revenue.
Client Review
“If you’re looking to build your brand and website, Vanessa is the expert you need to hire. She exceeded our wildest expectations and went above and beyond at every turn. Her analytical and creative approach to brand development and website design sets her apart from the rest. With Vanessa, you won’t get an “off-the-shelf” solution. Instead, you’ll receive a tailored, professional approach that delivers outstanding results. We highly recommend Vanessa to anyone looking for a true professional who can help take their brand to the next level. Trust us, investing in Vanessa is worth every penny.”
— Kezzia Quintyne-Hilaire, Owner | KQH Mental Health Counseling P.L.L.C.
CASE STUDY
Building a Bold, Authentic Online Brand for Healthcare Recruitment: The Leap Network’s Transformation
The Leap Network: Placing Talented Healthcare Professionals Where They’re Needed Most
The Leap Network connects diverse, underrepresented healthcare professionals with community hospitals and federally qualified health centers—improving patient care by ensuring providers reflect the communities they serve.
The Challenge: A Brand Without a Clear Voice
The Leap Network came to me with an existing brand, but it lacked personality and clarity. They needed a stronger presence that would resonate with both clients and candidates.
The goal wasn’t to tear it down, but to refine it—adding personality, clarity, and a compelling voice. Together, we built a brand strategy and website that showcased The Leap Network’s unique value and mission.
My Process: Blending Strategy with Soul
I started with in-depth research—exploring the market, audience needs, and competitors—to uncover what truly matters to The Leap Network’s community. From there, I developed a brand strategy that infused authenticity into their voice and positioned them as a trusted partner in healthcare recruitment.
The new website wasn’t just a digital space—it became a resource, complete with a job board and blog. Social media and email campaigns followed, each piece crafted to build connection and trust.
What I Delivered:
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Strategic Research: Audience insights and competitor analysis
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Brand Strategy: Clear values, distinct voice, and a compelling position
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Messaging That Resonates: Authentic, engaging content across platforms
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Content Creation: Website copy, social media, and email campaigns
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A Digital Makeover: A fresh, functional website with a job board and blog
The Impact: Connection, Growth, and Better Patient Care
The Leap Network’s new brand presence attracted top healthcare talent and built meaningful connections with clients. Their refreshed messaging and user-friendly website supported growth and, most importantly, helped improve patient care through diverse recruitment.
Testimonial
“I am pleased to offer a heartfelt recommendation for Vanessa. She was an exceptional consultant during The Leap Network's branding and website design process. Her expertise, hard work, creativity, diligence, and thoughtful approach to my business and vision were instrumental in creating a brand and online presence that accurately represented my company. Vanessa’s work included the development of a comprehensive brand strategy, including the development of branded website content, email marketing content, and social media post content and designs. She was a true professional, working tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the branding and design process was completed to the highest standards. Her attention to detail and ability to understand the needs of my business was truly remarkable. If you need branding and marketing services that deliver results, look no further than Vanessa.”
— Bobby Tugbiyele, Owner | The Leap Network
CASE STUDY
Building a Bold Brand for Social Change: Espirit Consulting
Espirit Consulting: Transforming Nonprofits with High-Performance Fundraising Strategies
Espirit Consulting helps nonprofits drive social change through smart, high-performance fundraising strategies that transform communities.
The Challenge: Standing Out in a Competitive Nonprofit Space
Espirit Consulting needed a brand identity and messaging that would set them apart from other fundraising consultancies—and a sleek, modern website that made it easy for potential clients to reach out.
The Solution: A Brand Refresh Rooted in Strategy
I developed a bold brand and messaging strategy that included renaming the company from Synergist Strategies for Philanthropy to Espirit Consulting—a name that feels fresh, energetic, and impactful. From there, I created a regal, modern visual identity and a website that not only looked great but encouraged action.
What I Delivered:
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Strategic Research: Audience insights and competitive analysis
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Brand Strategy: Values, positioning, persona, and naming
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Messaging and Voice: Clear, compelling content that resonates
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Content Creation: Website copy designed to engage and convert
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Visual Identity: A sleek website with a bold color scheme, strong typography, and modern design elements
The Results: More Consulting Opportunities, More Impact
With a clear, memorable brand and a modern website, Espirit Consulting saw an increase in consulting contract opportunities. The new brand identity and messaging helped them stand out in the nonprofit space, while the website drove more traffic and encouraged potential clients to reach out for fundraising solutions.
Your brand should be more than just a logo—it should tell your story and drive results.
Testimonial
“Vanessa’s expertise in web design, strategy, and messaging exceeded my expectations! Her creativity and attention to detail produced a website showcasing my business in the best light with content that conveyed my core message. Not only did she create a beautiful design, but she also ensured that it was user-friendly and optimized for search engines. Working with Vanessa was a joy, as she was always responsive, patient, and collaborative. I am thrilled with the results and have already seen increased engagement and inquiries from potential clients. Thank you, Vanessa, for your exceptional work!”
— Pamela R. Babb, Owner | Espirit Consulting
CASE STUDY
Maximizing Contracting Opportunities with a Strong Online Presence: F2M Fire and Drafting Designs
Introducing F2M FADDS, a Leading Fire Sprinkler System Design Company
With 20 years of experience, F2M Fire and Drafting Designs (FADDS) specializes in fire sprinkler system design for new construction, retrofitting, and renovation projects. Known for their innovative, code-compliant designs, F2M consistently delivers top-quality fire protection solutions on time and within budget.
The Challenge: A Website That Didn’t Reflect F2M’s Brand or Value
F2M’s website missed the mark when it came to representing the company’s mission and values. The content was company-focused rather than client-focused, and the services weren’t clearly defined—making it harder for potential clients to see F2M’s unique value.
Refining F2M’s Brand Strategy and Positioning
I worked with F2M to develop a streamlined brand strategy grounded in audience research. Insights from this research shaped messaging that positioned F2M as a reliable partner for general contractors and architects. This new, audience-centered content became the foundation for a refreshed website and updated capabilities statement, giving F2M a strong, professional presence that resonated with their target audience.
What I Delivered:
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Audience Research: Insights into client needs and industry expectations
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Brand Strategy: Clear values, voice, and positioning that reflected F2M’s expertise
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Messaging: Client-focused content for the website and capabilities statement
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Website Content and Design: A user-friendly site with clear, compelling language and structure
The Results: Increased Visibility, Engagement, and Business Growth
With a refined brand strategy and updated website, F2M saw a noticeable uptick in engagement and business:
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15% increase in inquiries from general contractors and architects
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10% increase in new business within six months
The new brand positioning and professional materials helped F2M stand out from competitors, solidifying their reputation as a trusted partner in fire sprinkler system design.
Testimonial
“Vanessa transformed our online presence and helped us establish a trustworthy image that has enabled us to compete effectively for contracting opportunities. Our previous website was outdated and didn’t accurately reflect our services or values. Vanessa listened attentively to our needs, and her insights and recommendations informed our brand messaging and website design. The result is a professional and modern website that we’re proud to showcase to potential clients. Working with Vanessa was a pleasure, and we look forward to collaborating with her on future marketing projects to further grow our business.”
— Fernandez and Farah McKenley, Owners | F2M Fire and Drafting Designs
CASE STUDY
Revitalizing a Nonprofit’s Brand: How Harlem Commonwealth Council Transformed its Marketing
Harlem Commonwealth Council (HCC) Inc.: Empowering Upper Manhattan and the Bronx for Over 55 Years
For more than five decades, Harlem Commonwealth Council (HCC) Inc. has been a cornerstone in the Harlem community, championing education, economic empowerment, and business growth in Upper Manhattan and the Bronx.
The Challenge: Raising Brand Awareness and Increasing Program Participation
Despite its rich history, HCC struggled with low brand visibility and participation in its programs. Recognizing the need for change, the executive director sought a comprehensive marketing strategy to enhance awareness, boost attendance, and meet program goals.
Crafting a Marketing and Communications Strategy to Elevate HCC’s Mission
I developed a tailored marketing and communications plan based on a full-scale assessment, audience research, and community insights. This strategy pinpointed the most effective channels and tactics to reach and engage HCC’s target audience.
What I Delivered:
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Strategic Marketing Plans: Clear strategies grounded in audience needs and competitive analysis
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Multi-Channel Campaigns: Social media, email marketing, event promotions, street team outreach, and paid ads across digital platforms and local newspapers
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Creative Content: Redesigned website with engaging copy, a curated photo library, and visually appealing social media posts and flyers
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On-the-Ground Engagement: Collaborated with local businesses for cross-promotion and served as HCC’s in-house photographer and live streamer
The Results: Increased Engagement, Participation, and Community Impact
The new marketing strategy delivered measurable results:
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500% increase in audience engagement and 2500% growth in followers
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100% increase in email subscriptions
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62% boost in program participation
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40% rise in website traffic within the first year
One standout campaign was for HCC’s GED program, which saw a 150% increase in enrollment—securing funding from the Department of Youth and Community Development. Beyond the numbers, these efforts fostered higher literacy rates, expanded youth participation in educational programs, and supported more young people on their path to college.
CASE STUDY
Driving Impact Through Strong Branding: Partnership with the Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund
Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund: Supporting Economic Growth in Underserved Communities
The Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund (HEF) is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) providing business loans to minority and women-owned businesses in Harlem, Washington Heights, and the Bronx. HEF plays a vital role in fostering economic growth and job creation in historically underserved communities.
The Challenge: Standing Out in a Crowded Market
Despite its importance and impact, HEF struggled to attract borrowers and was often overshadowed by a local competitor with a stronger brand presence. HEF needed a complete branding overhaul to differentiate itself—spanning visual identity, messaging, and a branded website.
Crafting a Brand That Resonates
I partnered with HEF to develop a comprehensive branding strategy rooted in audience insights. Individual interviews with HEF’s target market revealed what potential borrowers valued most—personalized, thoughtful support from loan officers who genuinely listened.
This formed the foundation of HEF’s brand strategy, which emphasized empathy, trust, and accessibility. An integrated communications strategy and creative brief ensured consistency across all platforms, while a media plan laid out targeted approaches for outreach and evaluation.
What I Delivered:
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Audience Research: Interviews and market analysis to uncover borrower needs
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Brand Strategy: Values, positioning, and persona reflecting HEF’s personal approach
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Messaging and Voice: Clear, empathetic communication across all channels
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Content Creation: Website copy, social media, and email marketing content
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Visual Identity: A cohesive design system, including color schemes, fonts, and website design
The Results: Increased Lending, Job Creation, and Community Impact
Despite leadership changes that presented implementation challenges, the new brand strategy delivered significant results:
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Over 2,000 local entrepreneurs received business assistance
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400 jobs created
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More than $1 million in business loans dispersed
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25% increase in loans within six months
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76% increase in lending clients
The shift to emotion-driven messaging resonated with borrowers, strengthening HEF’s presence and impact in the community.
Testimonial
“Vanessa is a masterful marketer and strategist whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with on multiple occasions. She was instrumental in developing the marketing and brand communication strategy for my division at the Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund (HEF), a Community Development Financial Institution in Harlem. She truly is one of the best and completely irreplaceable in her expertise. To say that Vanessa exceeded all expectations is an understatement. She is a true professional who listens carefully to her clients’ needs and delivers exceptional work every time. I’m confident anyone who works with Vanessa will be thrilled to have her on their team. Her expertise and dedication to her clients are unparalleled.”
— Lloyd Doaman, Director of Lending | Harlem Entrepreneurial Fund