What is Awakening Brands

We bring marketing
into focus.

Awakening Brands is a fractional CMO and marketing execution partner. We step into your organization to lead your marketing so it feels aligned, focused, and effective.

We assess what’s working, identify what isn’t, and build a clear path forward. Then we stay involved to guide execution and make sure the strategy translates into results.

Start with a Marketing Diagnostic Learn how we work

Marketing should not feel overwhelming or disconnected. 
It should feel clear, intentional, and built to support your growth.

Who You're Working With

Karen
Vasquez

Founder & Fractional CMO

Karen started Awakening Brands to help nonprofits and growing organizations build marketing that actually works. She brings over a decade of experience spanning communications, PR, and business operations. Her clients get senior marketing leadership, a team that handles execution, and a partner who stays invested in their results.

The Fractional CMO Awakening Method

A system, not a service list.

We don’t offer a menu of disconnected services. We offer a complete system to lead your marketing, from assessment to strategic direction to execution.

Marketing
Diagnostic

Before we build anything, we look at everything.

We assess your current marketing to understand what’s working, what isn’t, and where the gaps are. You walk away with a clear picture of where you stand and a focused direction for what to do next.

A clear audit of your marketing performance

A clear audit of your marketing performance

Identified gaps and opportunities

Identified gaps and opportunities

A prioritized path forward

A prioritized path forward

Strategic
Direction

This is the core of our work.

We step in as your marketing lead; guiding strategy, aligning your team, defining priorities, and supporting decision-making on an ongoing basis. Your team gains clarity. Your marketing gains momentum.

A clear marketing strategy aligned to your goals

A clear marketing strategy aligned to your goals

Ongoing guidance and 
decision support

Ongoing guidance and decision support

A team that knows what to
focus on and why

A team that knows what to focus on and why

Execution
Support

Strategy is only useful if it gets done.

We support implementation through our team. Execution is always guided by strategy.

Content & Social Media

Content & Social Media

Email Marketing & Communications

Email Marketing & Communications

Brand Strategy & Growth

Brand Strategy & Growth

What Problems We Solve

You’ve tried marketing help before.
It didn’t feel like help.

Most organizations we work with have already hired someone, whether an agency, a freelancer, or a social media manager. They did the work, ran the campaigns, and posted the content, but nothing really changed because no one was ever looking at the whole picture.

“We have vendors for ads, social, and our website, and none of them talk to each other.”

“Every agency we’ve tried just does what we ask. No one has ever told us what we actually need.”

“We’ve spent real money on campaigns that went nowhere. No one could explain why.”

“They didn’t understand our mission. They treated us like any other client.”

“Our marketing says one thing. Our sales says another. Nothing is aligned.”

“No one owns the outcome. Things fall through the cracks and it’s always someone else’s problem.”

“We’ve started wondering if we should just keep doing it ourselves.”

That is the gap we fill.

Let’s Talk

The Full Picture

One partnership.
Every capability you need.

Most organizations piece together vendors for different channels and end up with fragmented results.
Here is how working with Awakening Brands compares.

Typical agencies specialize in execution but do not lead strategy. An in-house hire covers strategy but cannot execute across every channel. Awakening Brands does both, fully integrated under one partnership.

What to Expect

Here is what working with us actually looks like.

Let’s Talk

You reach out

We schedule a short call to learn about your organization, understand where your marketing stands, and find out what you are trying to build. It is an honest conversation, not a sales pitch. We want to understand your situation before we say anything about how we can help.

We start with the Diagnostic

Every engagement begins here, without exception. Before we make any recommendations, we take a full look at your marketing. What is working, what is not, and where the biggest opportunities are. You walk away with a clear picture and a prioritized plan, whether you continue with us or not.

We build the engagement around you

Based on what the Diagnostic reveals, we design the engagement to fit what your organization actually needs. Whether that is strategic leadership, full execution support, or a combination of both, we figure it out together based on where you are and where you are going.

We stay invested

This is not a one-time project or a set-it-and-forget-it retainer. We show up as your marketing partner in the decisions, the strategy, and the outcomes, and we stay honest with you about what is working and what needs to change.

You reach out

We schedule a short call to learn about your organization, understand where your marketing stands, and find out what you are trying to build. It is an honest conversation, not a sales pitch. We want to understand your situation before we say anything about how we can help.

We start with the
Diagnostic

Every engagement begins here, without exception. Before we make any recommendations, we take a full look at your marketing. What is working, what is not, and where the biggest opportunities are. You walk away with a clear picture and a prioritized plan, whether you continue with us or not.

We build the 
engagement around you

Based on what the Diagnostic reveals, we design the engagement to fit what your organization actually needs. Whether that is strategic leadership, full execution support, or a combination of both, we figure it out together based on where you are and where you are going.

We stay invested

This is not a one-time project or a set-it-and-forget-it retainer. We show up as your marketing partner in the decisions, the strategy, and the outcomes, and we stay honest with you about what is working and what needs to change.

Let’s Talk

Find Your Fit

Every engagement starts
with the Diagnostic.

Is This You?

We work
best with organizations ready to move forward.

We partner with leaders who are serious about their marketing but need the structure and direction to make it work.

Growing  Organizations

We work best with organizations ready to move forward with marketing that is structured, consistent, and tied to their goals.

Teams Without a Marketing Lead

You have talented people but no one owning the big picture. We step in as that leader so your team has direction and your marketing has accountability.

Nonprofits

We specialize in mission-driven organizations. From fundraising marketing strategy to Google Grants management, we bring structure and clarity to nonprofit marketing.

Organizations Rebuilding  Their Marketing

Whether things have gotten scattered or you’re starting fresh, we help you build a foundation that works and a system that lasts.

Growing  Organizations

We work best with organizations ready to move forward with marketing that is structured, consistent, and tied to their goals.

Teams Without a Marketing Lead

You have talented people but no one owning the big picture. We step in as that leader so your team has direction and your marketing has accountability.

Nonprofits

We specialize in mission-driven organizations. From fundraising marketing strategy to Google Grants management, we bring structure and clarity to nonprofit marketing.

Organizations Rebuilding Their Marketing

Whether things have gotten scattered or you’re starting fresh, we help you build a foundation that works and a system that lasts.

Your team knows what to focus on.

With a clear strategy in place, your team stops guessing and spinning on small decisions because everyone understands the direction and their role in it.

Your marketing starts working together.

Channels, messages, and campaigns all point in the same direction. More consistency, more impact, less wasted effort.

You can measure what matters.

Once your marketing has direction, performance becomes measurable. You can see what is moving the needle, what is not, and where to focus your energy next.

Senior-level leadership without the full-time cost.

You get strategic depth and hands-on guidance at a fraction of what a full-time employee would cost.

You stop starting over.

We build systems that hold up over time. When priorities shift or team members change, your marketing stays on track.

What You Gain

What changes when your marketing has direction.

Book Your Diagnostic

Organizations We’ve Worked With

Trusted by teams doing meaningful work.

Testimonials

What clients say after working with us.

What stands out most is the trust. As someone who spent years doing my own marketing, it's difficult to hand over something so important. Karen and her team consistently deliver high-quality work, think strategically, and genuinely care about our success. They're proactive, adaptable, and easy to work with. Instead of waiting to be told what to do, Karen often helps us identify what we need and keeps us moving in the right direction. For the first time in more than 20 years leading Story District, I feel comfortable letting someone else steer the marketing ship.

Amy Saidman

Founder and Director of Story District

Karen was an excellent collaborator. Once immersed in the brand, she brought clear direction and conviction to every decision, while remaining open to new approaches as needs evolved. She developed a compelling visual identity and voice that communicated our brand to the outside world exactly as we envisioned it.

Christopher, Digital Spaces Manager

Working with Awakening Brands has been a great experience. What stood out most was their strong graphic design work, consistent follow-up, and ability to keep projects moving forward. They are organized, responsive, and do a good job of keeping me accountable and on track with marketing initiatives that might otherwise get pushed aside while running the business.

Cassie Zhang

Founder of SME Worx Accounting Services

“What stood out most was how well Karen understood my voice. She prioritizes long-term relationships and always manages to make herself indispensable.”

Chris, Caissa

“The Awakening Brands team genuinely cares about my business and my goals. My products now appear more interesting, consistent, and professional. The whole process was painless — I wish I had done this sooner.”

Matthew, Effitile Consulting

What stands out most is the trust. As someone who spent years doing my own marketing, it's difficult to hand over something so important. Karen and her team consistently deliver high-quality work, think strategically, and genuinely care about our success. They're proactive, adaptable, and easy to work with. Instead of waiting to be told what to do, Karen often helps us identify what we need and keeps us moving in the right direction. For the first time in more than 20 years leading Story District, I feel comfortable letting someone else steer the marketing ship.

Amy Saidman

Founder and Director of Story District

Karen was an excellent collaborator. Once immersed in the brand, she brought clear direction and conviction to every decision, while remaining open to new approaches as needs evolved. She developed a compelling visual identity and voice that communicated our brand to the outside world exactly as we envisioned it.

Christopher, Digital Spaces Manager

Working with Awakening Brands has been a great experience. What stood out most was their strong graphic design work, consistent follow-up, and ability to keep projects moving forward. They are organized, responsive, and do a good job of keeping me accountable and on track with marketing initiatives that might otherwise get pushed aside while running the business.

Cassie Zhang

Founder of SME Worx Accounting Services

“What stood out most was how well Karen understood my voice. She prioritizes long-term relationships and always manages to make herself indispensable.”

Chris, Caissa

“The Awakening Brands team genuinely cares about my business and my goals. My products now appear more interesting, consistent, and professional. The whole process was painless — I wish I had done this sooner.”

Matthew, Effitile Consulting

Let’s Connect

Tell us what you need help with.

Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch to schedule a call. No commitment, just a conversation about where you are and how we can help.

Follow the
work.

We share practical marketing insight, behind-the-scenes thinking, and updates from our work. Follow along to see how strategy and execution come together.

FAQs

Questions we hear often.

If you don’t see your question here, reach out — we’re easy to talk to.

What exactly is a fractional CMO?

A fractional CMO is an experienced marketing leader who works with your organization on a part-time or contract basis. You get the strategic depth of a senior CMO without the full-time salary. We step into your team, learn your organization, and lead your marketing the same way an in-house CMO would.
How is this different from hiring a marketing agency?

Agencies typically handle execution. A fractional CMO leads the strategy behind all of that. At Awakening Brands, we combine both: we lead the strategy and support the execution, so everything works together under one clear direction.
Do we need to have a marketing team already?

No. We work with organizations at different stages. If you have a team, we lead and align them. If you don’t, we help you build the right structure and bring in the right support.
What does the Marketing Diagnostic involve?

The diagnostic is a structured assessment of your current marketing: your channels, messaging, performance, team, and tools. You walk away with a clear picture and a prioritized plan for what to do next.
How long does an engagement typically last?

Most of our clients work with us on an ongoing basis because marketing leadership is most effective when it’s consistent over time. We’ll discuss what makes sense for your organization in our first conversation.
Do you work with nonprofits?

Yes, we specialize in mission-driven organizations. We understand the unique pressures of nonprofit marketing and also manage Google Grants for nonprofits, which can unlock meaningful advertising budget for organizations that qualify.
How do we get started?

The first step is a free 30-minute consultation. We’ll learn about your organization, where your marketing stands, and whether we’re the right partner.

Clarity. Structure. Direction.

Let’s give your marketing some clarity

Let’s give your marketing some direction

Let’s give your marketing some momentum

Let’s give your marketing some light

Let’s give your marketing some clarity

Let’s give your marketing some direction

Let’s give your marketing some momentum

Let’s give your marketing some light

We bring marketinginto focus.

Karen Vasquez

A system, not a service list.

Marketing Diagnostic

Strategic Direction

Execution Support

You’ve tried marketing help before.It didn’t feel like help.

That is the gap we fill.

One partnership. Every capability you need.

Here is what working with us actually looks like.

You reach out

We start with the Diagnostic

We build the engagement around you

We stay invested

You reach out

We start with the Diagnostic

We build the engagement around you

We stay invested

Every engagement startswith the Diagnostic.

We work best with organizations ready to move forward.

Growing Organizations

Teams Without a Marketing Lead

Nonprofits

Organizations Rebuilding Their Marketing

Growing Organizations

Teams Without a Marketing Lead

Nonprofits

Organizations Rebuilding Their Marketing

Your team knows what to focus on.

Your marketing starts working together.

You can measure what matters.

Senior-level leadership without the full-time cost.

You stop starting over.

What changes when your marketing has direction.

Trusted by teams doing meaningful work.

What clients say after working with us.

Amy Saidman

Founder and Director of Story District

Christopher, Digital Spaces Manager

Cassie Zhang

Founder of SME Worx Accounting Services

Chris, Caissa

Matthew, Effitile Consulting

Amy Saidman

Founder and Director of Story District

Christopher, Digital Spaces Manager

Cassie Zhang

Founder of SME Worx Accounting Services

Chris, Caissa

Matthew, Effitile Consulting

Tell us what you need help with.

Follow the work.

Questions we hear often.

What exactly is a fractional CMO?

How is this different from hiring a marketing agency?

Do we need to have a marketing team already?

What does the Marketing Diagnostic involve?

How long does an engagement typically last?

Do you work with nonprofits?

How do we get started?

Clarity. Structure. Direction.

Fractional CMO & Marketing Leadership

Navigation

Ready to bring your marketing into focus?

Let’s give your marketing
some clarity

Let’s give your marketing
some direction

Let’s give your marketing
some momentum

Let’s give your marketing
some light

Let’s give your marketing
some clarity

Let’s give your marketing
some direction

Let’s give your marketing
some momentum

Let’s give your marketing
some light

We bring marketing
into focus.

Karen
Vasquez

Marketing
Diagnostic

Strategic
Direction

Execution
Support

You’ve tried marketing help before.
It didn’t feel like help.

One partnership.
Every capability you need.

We build the engagement around you

We start with the
Diagnostic

We build the 
engagement around you

Every engagement starts
with the Diagnostic.

We work
best with organizations ready to move forward.

Growing  Organizations

Organizations Rebuilding  Their Marketing

Growing  Organizations

Organizations Rebuilding Their Marketing

Follow the
work.