We’re looking forward to introducing you to Vanessa Iturbe. Check out our conversation below.
Vanessa, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
If I were a hospitality brand, I’d absolutely hire Social Brand Boutique. We’re not a big agency that gives you attention for a few months and then moves on — we stay consistent and become part of your team. We know your restaurant, your menu, and your guests, so we can communicate your story with authenticity and insight.
Our in-house photographer, Shane Dante Photography, has worked with some of the most prestigious restaurants, events, and communities in Houston — with features in the Houston Chronicle and other major outlets. Beyond content, we know the food editors, PR professionals, and media contacts that matter, so we can help your brand stay visible and relevant.
We include fast, high-quality photography in every monthly package and also handle newsletters, review management, and ads — always looking for new ways to grow your business and strengthen your presence.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I was born and raised in Mexico City, where culture and food are a way of life. Later, I moved to Paris to earn my MBA in Luxury Brand Management at ESSEC Business School, an experience that shaped how I approach storytelling, aesthetics, and service. For the past ten years, Houston has been home — a city with an incredible food scene and the warm, entrepreneurial spirit that inspired me to create Social Brand Boutique.
At Social Brand Boutique, we help hospitality brands shine online with a personal, hands-on approach. We limit the number of clients we work with so we can truly become part of their team — understanding their guests, their menus, and their vision. Our in-house photographer, Shane Dante, captures each restaurant’s essence through fast, high-quality imagery that brings our clients’ stories to life.
To me, hospitality and customer service are about connection, care, and consistency. Whether it’s a luxury hotel in Puglia or a local restaurant in Houston, my goal is always the same — to make people feel something authentic through every image, post, and experience we create.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
I’ve learned the most about work from every chapter of my career. While earning my Administration degree with a Marketing specialty at ITAM in Mexico City, I began my first job at American Express, where I discovered the importance of empathy, communication, and creating genuine connections. Later, I pursued my MBA in Luxury Brand Management at ESSEC Business School in Paris, which taught me discipline and the art of storytelling. My time with Swarovski México reinforced precision and teamwork, and managing several luxury brands at a top PR and marketing agency taught me adaptability and consistency.
All of these experiences shaped the foundation for Social Brand Boutique, where structure, creativity, and hospitality come together to help brands connect meaningfully with their audience.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there was. When I started Social Brand Boutique, I didn’t know anyone in Houston. Building a business in a new city — without connections or a support network — was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. There were moments I doubted myself, but I focused on showing up, being consistent, and building trust one conversation at a time. Slowly, that effort turned into relationships — and I got my first client. That moment changed everything. It reminded me that resilience and authenticity always open doors. Looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t give up, because those early challenges built the foundation of who I am and what my brand stands for today.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what really matters to me is connection. I’m a very social person, and I genuinely value friendship — it’s the foundation of everything I do. Many of my clients eventually become friends because I care about people on a personal level, not just a professional one. I believe in kindness, loyalty, and making others feel seen and appreciated. For me, relationships are what give meaning to both life and work — that’s where trust, creativity, and true collaboration begin.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I hope people say that I made them feel seen, supported, and successful. That I built a business rooted in kindness, creativity, and genuine connection — but also strategy and results. I’d want to be remembered for helping restaurants grow, strengthen their presence, and make more money while staying true to who they are. My goal has never been just to manage brands, but to bring hospitality into every detail. If people felt cared for and saw real growth from working with me, that would be the legacy I’d hope to leave.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.socialbrandboutique.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socialbrandboutique?igsh=MWJpbWY5MGQ5dWUzNA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15GGwyFnx17/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Shane Dante
