A storyteller because everything’s a story, right?
Hey! It’s me, Vanessa Smithers!
I’m dedicated to empowering folks to create a strong and healthy foundation within themselves; one that propels them to do all the things, go all the places, and become exactly who they want to be in this lifetime.
If not that, then what? If not you, then who?
Through narrative consulting, storytelling, speaking engagements, and workshops, I foster spaces that center truth, growth, grace, and self-discovery. I believe in the power of naming and owning our personal narratives, not just to drive change, but to hold vulnerability, confidence, clarity, and connection.
My mission is to equip folks with the language, tools, and courage to nurture generational wealth in non-traditional ways, by making room for joy, by honoring their truths, and by choosing peace as a practice.
“Not only are your resume skills top-tier, but so is your energy and commitment to pushing Black women to go after what’s theirs and to believe in themselves.”
“Whatever you need, girlfriend- I got the whole enchilada.”
(IYKYK)
If you know me, or you’ve seen me online, you know that I do a lot.
After 20+ years, my work shapes itself around people, so if you've got a story to tell, a thing to say, or a feeling you can't find the words for, chances are I can help. Bios, resumes, websites, pitches, grants, speeches, brand language- the stuff that doesn't have a name yet.
We figure out what's needed together.
That said, you don't have to email and wait to begin.
Some of my most popular services are already named, priced, and ready when you are.
If you’d like a place to start, go 'head and take a look.
If what you’re looking for can’t be found there, check out the pockets below & send me a note to let me know what you're building.
A note on pricing: Outside of my standalone services, every project is shaped a little differently. Where you're starting from, what you already have, and what we need to build from scratch all determine the investment.
Think of what's below as the kinds of work we can do together, not a fixed menu.
Gathering & Grounding
Let’s start by getting clear. This isn’t about fancy frameworks or complicated plans; it’s about making space for what matters and finding the starting points that feel true to you. In our work together, we’ll name your real priorities, explore creative possibilities, and map out a path that makes sense, without rushing or making it feel like more than it has to be. It’s about rooting into what’s already there and building from that.
One-on-one consults to explore your goals and story.
Creative ideation & brainstorming for new ideas and directions
Clarifying your narrative threads so everything aligns
Identifying what matters most to you right now
Thoughtful planning that holds structure and flexibility
Story Development & Strategy
Your story is the heartbeat of everything you do. We’ll take your experiences: personal, professional, and everything in between, and shape them into narratives that are clear, resonant, and uniquely yours. This is about turning ideas, journeys, and drafts into words that carry weight and feel honest to achieve your goals. Funding, opportunities, connections- all of the things.
Deck & pitch development that honor your voice and vision.
Bio & personal storytelling to capture who you are and what you stand for.
Speech & talk drafting that flows with your natural tone and message.
Career documents (resumes, LinkedIn profiles, cover letters) that tell your story with clarity and confidence.
Values, Mission & Vision Statements that speak to who you are and guide where you’re going.
Project Execution & Delivery
When it’s time to share your story, I’ll help you bring it forward with care and intention. We’ll refine the words, polish the final drafts, and make sure every piece lands the way you want it to. If you’re prepping to present or apply, I’ll guide you through the process so you feel prepared and grounded.
Final copywriting & editing to ensure clarity and flow
Visual & narrative cohesion so everything works together
Application refinement & submission guidance
Practice sessions & delivery coaching for confidence.
Ongoing adjustments & gentle support to meet you where you are
“Vanessa hosted two workshops for a business bootcamp that my company, Inspired Initiatives, hosted for youth. They absolutely loved her. She immediately connected with them and was able to make them feel comfortable enough to share their own stories. She empowered them in a way that no other facilitator did throughout the program. She has a very special gift for facilitation. Highly recommend.”
FAQs
…because of course you have questions!
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It begins with a conversation. Just you, me, and a real-time exchange about what you need (or don’t even know you need). Head to the contact form or email me directly at hello@vanessasmithers.com, and we’ll go from there.
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I help folks name and shape their stories on paper, online, and out loud. That includes resumes, LinkedIn profiles, bios, pitch decks, speeches, mission/vision statements, and more.
I’ve written maid of honor speeches, wedding vows, TED talks, books, SOPs, website copy, training manuals, and the list goes on and on.
If it involves words and truth-telling, I’m probably into it.
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Perfect. That’s what the Gathering & Grounding process is for. We’ll talk through your ideas, goals, and story threads, then co-create a direction that actually makes sense for you.
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Not at all. I’ve worked with everyone from tech execs and nonprofit founders to educators, artists, and folks fresh out of school. What matters most to me is that you're ready to tell the truth and build something very for real.
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Yes, but not in the generic, one-size-fits-all way. Career documents are crafted through the lens of story, strategy, and legacy. I want your resume to sound like you, not a corporate robot.
I’ve supported 3000+ folks with their career documents.
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Absolutely. Whether it’s a keynote, a grant pitch, or a full brand messaging revamp, I help folks say what they’ve been trying to say for years, with clarity, resonance, and flow.
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Yes! I speak and facilitate on storytelling, identity, creative career-building, and more, for youth and adult audiences. If you’re looking to bring me into your space, virtual or in person, let’s chat.
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Yes, for most services. If you're aligned with the work and need flexibility, just ask. My goal is to make this process accessible and human.
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I’m based in Toronto & New York, but I work with folks globally. I’m proud to say that I have worked with clients on every continent in the world. Who would have thought?
Most of my sessions happen online, and my dog, Girl, occasionally joins the call. So yes, you’re good, no matter where you are.
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Everything's in USD. My clients come from all over: the US, Canada, the UK, the Caribbean, and beyond, so I price in USD to keep a single rate for everyone rather than a number that shifts depending on where you live. If you're outside the US, your card or bank converts it automatically, so there's nothing extra you need to do on your end.
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Once we confirm what you need, I’ll send an invoice directly. If you would like to purchase any of my à la carte services, you can check out without an invoice on the product page.
Payments are typically made via a secure online invoice with debit, major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay or Klarna (for Canadian clients)
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Yup! Once we agree on scope, you’ll receive a professional services agreement that outlines what we’re doing, how long it’ll take, and what the investment looks like. Transparency is love.
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Because this work is custom and labor-intensive, refunds aren’t offered. But revisions? Of course. Most services include at least one round of thoughtful refinements to ensure the final product feels aligned and complete. If additional edits are needed beyond that, we’ll chat.
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Nope! That’s literally what I’m here for. Show up with your mess, your notes app chaos, your voice notes, or just a vibe; we’ll figure it out together.
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Then you’re probably doing it right. Vulnerability is part of the magic. I’ll hold the space and help you say the hard or beautiful things you’ve been carrying. You don't have to perform, just be real.
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Never. I welcome the chaos. I’ve read resumes written in Comic Sans, pitch decks with 112 slides, and bios that start with “So basically…” This is a judgment-free zone. Send it.
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Not quite, but people do cry sometimes (in a good way). This is story work, not soul surgery. But when we start naming your truth and connecting the dots? Yeah, it can hit deep.
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With love? Yes. I believe in big dreams and boundaries. If something’s overcomplicating your story or diluting your impact, I’ll say so, and help you keep what matters most.
“Vanessa is a powerhouse. I initially enlisted her services when I was creating a new professional brand identity. Her resume and cover letter package helped me confidently reintroduce myself in the tech space, as well as highlight my abilities boldly. But when I underwent a spiritual awakening and activation, I returned to Vanessa to help me refine my new identity- Mystics Manna Hypnotic.
Vanessa translated the vision in my head into a strategy that positioned me powerfully and created a firm foundation from which I could build. She’s not just talented - she’s intuitive, real, and multidimensional. Whatever you’re building, trust Vanessa to help you do it with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.”
Ready to grow?
Feel free to reach out via email or fill out the contact form if you’re ready to chat about what you’re building, dreaming, or navigating right now. Whether you’re a freelancer, creative, 9–5er, nonprofit, or a corporation, I’m here to help shape stories and strategies that feel like home to you.
No generic templates, no forced scripts, just space to tell the truth and exhale.
This is also the form to complete if you are seeking a keynote speaker or workshop facilitator.
Once you fill out the form, I’ll review it and follow up with an invite to a consultation, so we can go deeper, get clear, and figure out how I can best support you.
“It was a pleasure working with Vanessa! She was easy to talk to, super professional, and understanding of my needs as a small business. She also had a very quick turnaround time! I enjoyed working with her so much that I ended up booking 3 projects! She gave me clarity on my mission and vision for my business, and also helped me achieve my other major goals! ”