If Vanessa Smithers believes anything, it’s that everyone has a story worth telling. Working with over 2,500 clients globally and helping secure more than 2,000 hires, she’s been doing just that for the past seven years. But if you ask her, the success isn’t just about numbers, if anything, they’re simply a byproduct of something so much deeper. “All the roles I’ve taken on—advocate, writer, leader, entrepreneur—fall under the same umbrella of storytelling, which not only keeps me centered and aligned, but ensures that whatever I touch is done with intention and care.”
The magic of Vanessa’s work—spanning career documents, grant writing, website copy, and even poetry—is that it’s deeply rooted in storytelling as a tool for empowerment. “When someone comes to me for support, the first thing people can expect is a personable, tailored experience. Everyone is different, so I make it a priority to personalize each interaction.” She adds, “This is a vulnerable space to work in, and I aim to create an environment that’s non-biased, non-judgmental, and fully human. It’s about collaboration and connection, not just consulting. It’s very non-traditionally corporate.”
Her clients aren’t getting a generic or superficial service; they’re getting a mirror held up to them, as an impactful reminder that their journey, skills, and experiences are valuable and worthy of acknowledgment and nurturing. “I believe in starting with an in-depth, casual conversation to connect and understand their unique story/where they’re at so that I can support them in connecting the dots for whatever it is that they need,” she explains. “Depending on what they’re looking for, our conversation may be followed by questionnaires or surveys to dig deeper, but building rapport and establishing trust always comes first.” People often don’t realize how much of their story is already inside them, waiting to be shaped.
On accomplishments, Vanessa discloses that “maintaining a high level of success while tailoring my services to diverse clients comes down to being genuinely interested in understanding people and meeting them where they are.” She adds, “I offer more than just polished resumes or LinkedIn profiles; I provide personalized, transformative support that helps clients articulate their value, navigate systemic barriers, and approach their careers with confidence and clarity.”
Vanessa fosters ongoing relationships through “an open-door and email inbox policy, offering follow-ups, check-ins, and long-term availability beyond just the service provided.” This level of care is what allows her clients to walk away feeling seen and heard. It’s similarly what has fortified her reputation for not only delivering results but for doing it in a way that feels both real, relatable and unintimidating.
Vanessa’s empathy and intentionality are reflected in the fact that 90 percent of her client base is Black, which, by the way, is not by accident—it’s by design. “Focusing on the Black community is deeply personal and profoundly important to me. Our stories—whether career, personal, ancestral, or generational—are what set us free and propel us toward upward mobility and change, yet, so many of us hold shame around our stories, which keeps us from embracing them fully.” She understands that in order to “free ourselves from that shame, we must learn how to shape our own narratives and, most importantly, tell them.”
By centering her work on addressing gaps and empowering clients to reclaim their stories, Vanessa aims to “create spaces where we can break cycles of silence, build confidence, and inspire transformative change within ourselves and our communities.”
Having spent 20 years in community advocacy, education, and youth work, it shows in the way she approaches her work now. “My approach is rooted in empathy, resilience, and the belief that we all have the power to shape our lives, no matter where we start.” Her experiences navigating foster care and overcoming challenges as a young person in Toronto profoundly shaped her approach to leadership and the way she mentors and supports others. “These experiences make me deeply non-judgmental. They’ve given me a unique insight into the complexities of life and a perspective that allows me to meet people exactly where they are, without assumptions or biases.”
Watching her clients begin to see their own worth, and their own resilience, is fuel, and it’s why her testimonials aren’t just reviews; they’re transformations. “Every experience we navigate—no matter how ordinary it may seem—shapes us and impacts others in meaningful ways. By reframing their perspective and celebrating these moments, I help them see the beauty, resilience, and meaning in their journey.” People step into new levels of confidence, and that energy carries into every part of their lives. Ideally the qualities and knowledge are inherited by the next generation so they’re not forced to navigate these same barriers alone.
While “generational wealth” is a buzzword that continues to make the rounds online, for Vanessa, it’s not just about money. “Wealth is about creating a legacy of healing, joy, and well-being that transforms how we live and what we pass on to future generations. It starts with intercepting intergenerational trauma and addressing the cycles and patterns that have kept us stuck. It also means actively pushing back against the media and the limiting narratives others have created about us, particularly as Black people. Generational wealth is reclaiming our stories and living with intention.”
“I tell people all the time, the only way I can keep going is by fueling my creativity: I keep reading, keep writing, keep resting, and keep trying new things.” She also reminds herself often that, “Everything I’m doing now are things I once thought were impossible. That perspective keeps me grounded and grateful.” As has typically not been the case amongst Black women specifically, Vanessa also recognizes that it’s about rest just as much as it’s about work. “Rest is non-negotiable—I sleep a lot, I disconnect when I need to, and I lean on my friends for support and connection. It’s about honoring my energy, staying curious, and creating space to recharge, so I can continue to show up fully in everything I do.”
For those who may be wondering how she manages to balance being a creative and a businesswoman, she once again keeps it simple yet real, “Honestly, it’s something I’m still figuring out.” She continues, “I’m a community woman and a creative at heart, so the business side of things can feel overwhelming—especially as someone who’s neurodivergent and navigating ADHD unmedicated. Balancing the two requires constant effort and grace.” She shares that leaning on systems, tools, and support to help her stay organized, as well as embracing the fact that it’s okay not to have it all figured has been incredibly useful. “I approach business with the same curiosity and trial-and-error mindset that fuels my creativity. For me, it’s about staying authentic, setting boundaries, and remembering why I started in the first place: to build something meaningful while staying true to who I am.”
That same mindset extends beyond business—it’s a philosophy for life. Whether navigating career shifts, creative endeavors, or personal growth, Vanessa believes in embracing the process, even when the path isn’t clear. For those who feel stuck or overwhelmed, her advice is simple: “Try.” She encourages for to, “Just start somewhere. If it doesn’t work out, try something else. This whole life is trial and error, and there’s no shame in starting over—again and again if you need to.”
She reminds us to “Keep going until you find what feels good, and when it no longer does, give yourself permission to start again,” because this life is “yours to shape, and it’s absolutely okay to figure it out as you go.” She candidly shares, “I’ve lived like 28,392 lives at this point, and I’ll be blessed to live 23,920 more!”
This storyteller is living proof that we can curate the life we want as many times as we want. “At this stage in my life, I don’t believe in investing energy in things that don’t bring me joy or align with my values. When you’ve lived the life I have, where hardship and struggle were constants, there’s no room for anything less than love.” She continues, “Love fuels my creativity and inspires my storytelling. It’s my guiding principle, and it’s what allows me to approach every endeavor with authenticity and heart.”
And that love extends beyond work—it’s in the music she listens to, the food she eats, the places she travels. “I’m well-traveled, but nothing beats the magic of a Brooklyn summer.” She understands that for some, “New York might not seem like a typical vacation spot,” but for her, “It’s where I recharge. My closest friends are there, and the city’s energy has always felt like home. East Coast hip-hop, incredible food, vibrant culture, music, and that unmistakable New York vibe—it’s been my favorite place my whole life.” And while she’s eaten a lot of incredible things on her travels, one of the most unexpected? “Crickets,” she laughs. “Tried them in Cabo last year. Surprisingly delicious!”
Her mantra, “If not you, then who?” keeps her moving forward, and she’s carrying that energy right into everything she does this year. Everything she does reflects her mantra, but this year, it’s about intertwining that boldness with balance and intentionality. As such, the three words she’s chosen for 2025 are: Challenge, Slow, and Commitment. “Challenge pushes me to grow and step outside my comfort zone. Slow reminds me to pace myself, prioritize rest, and honor the process, and Commitment keeps me focused on staying consistent and true to my purpose.”
Her story is a testament to what happens when you bet on yourself. And if you’re ready to do the same, she’s the one to help you do it. Book a consultation with Vanessa here, connect with her on LinkedIn or Instagram, and if you’re looking for the perfect vibe to go with this energy, check out her playlists—because storytelling, like life, is always better with a bomb soundtrack.
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