Vanessa Ratjen
Areas Of Expertise:
Content & UX Strategy, Website Flow & Structure, Narrative & Messaging Development, Competitive Positioning, Brand & Communication Strategy
Current & Previous Clients
For over a decade, Vanessa has collaborated with companies across a wide range of industries, drawn to the variety and complexity each project brings. With a focus that sits at the intersection of content, UX, and brand, her work centers on improving how people navigate digital environments, shaping effective messaging, and designing systems that make information easier to access and understand.
Throughout her career, she has partnered with both global brands and emerging start-ups, supporting teams from the earliest stages of an idea through to launch and beyond. Her approach often involves facilitating workshops to align stakeholders, refining content structure, and building scalable frameworks that support product and website growth. Regardless of the project's size or scope, her goal remains the same: to create digital experiences that are clear, intuitive, and genuinely useful.
What sets Vanessa apart is a passion for turning complex challenges into meaningful, user-centered solutions. She thrives on helping teams find clarity in ambiguity, crafting experiences that not only serve business goals but also meet the real needs of the people who use them.
"Vanessa not only posses an impressive skillset, she uses her skills and experience for effortless inter-disciplinary collaboration.
I worked directly with Vanessa on a number of complex projects, and was always impressed with her strategic mindset; seeing her focus on problem-solving for the bigger picture by nailing the project minutiae, was an impressive eye-opener for her colleagues and clients alike.
On top of all this, she brings a highly personable and caring approach to working with her teammates. As a leader she ensures everyone has everything they need to produce their best work - from data and assets, to encouragement and support. I’d highly recommend working with Vanessa the first chance you get."
--- Adam Jennings
"Vanessa is an exceptional content strategist with a strategic mindset and an outstanding work ethic.
Her ability to turn the impossible into reality through a multidisciplinary design approach is awe-inspiring. She brings immense value to the team, not just from a content perspective but also with her empathetic and human-centered approach.
Vanessa consistently delivers high-quality work and is always willing to go the extra mile to achieve the best results. She is a true team player, and I would love to work with her again."
--- Jean He
"Vanessa is an incredible partner for your brand.
I was introduced to Vanessa in my role as Media and Public Relations Manager at the Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino. Vanessa was contracted to assist with blog and newsletter content where with ease she captured the tone and voice of the Inn. Her projects expanded to assist in writing copy for the updated website for the Inn and The Pointe Restaurant along with assisting with press releases.
Knowing her extreme commitment and desire to represent the essence of the Inn, I was inspired to hire Vanessa when building my own company website. Vanessa’s attention to detail and ability to draw out my thoughts and goals along with her understanding of web development was invaluable. I highly recommend Vanessa."
--- Shawna Gardham
VANESSA’S
NICHE
Vanessa is especially drawn to working with founders and teams who are driven by purpose—people who care deeply about building something meaningful and are open to weaving in a sense of play or delight along the way.
She often returns to the Shaker philosophy: “Don’t make something unless it is both necessary and useful; but if it is both necessary and useful, don’t hesitate to make it beautiful.” That mindset guides her work, particularly in projects that include in-person or tactile elements.
Whether it’s shaping a physical space or crafting a digital one, Vanessa is energized by creating warm, engaging environments that bring people together and foster genuine connection.
