We were lucky to catch up with Victoria Ravenell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Victoria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

I’ll never forget meeting my very first client outside of family and friends—it all happened through the power of networking! One day, I stumbled across an online event about funding for businesses, and I decided to attend. While the event itself was full of valuable information, what stood out even more was the incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals.

Determined to make the most of the experience, I set a clear goal for myself: before leaving, I would speak to as many people as possible and share my business card. It wasn’t easy stepping out of my comfort zone, but I pushed myself to have meaningful conversations and make genuine connections.

By the end of the event, I had handed out my business card to several attendees, one of whom would soon become my very first client. That initial connection turned into a valuable partnership and a pivotal moment for my business

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into the nonprofit and consulting world started in the classroom. I originally pursued a career in education, earning my degree and teaching in elementary schools for about four years. During that time, I often witnessed students coming to school without the basic necessities they needed to thrive. Seeing children struggle under those conditions deeply impacted me. I realized that I wanted to work with youth in a way that allowed me to understand and address their needs on a broader, more meaningful level.

This desire led me to explore the nonprofit sector, where I discovered my passion for creating solutions that make a tangible difference. Over the past four years, I’ve immersed myself in this space, gaining insights into how nonprofits operate and the critical role that funding plays in their success. I quickly noticed a significant gap, particularly among smaller, Black-led nonprofits, in securing the resources needed to sustain and grow their missions.

This realization was the driving force behind launching D&V Consulting Services, where I provide a range of tailored services to help nonprofits and small businesses succeed. These include:

Program Development: Helping organizations design impactful programs from concept to implementation.
Grant Writing and Reporting: Crafting compelling proposals to secure funding and ensuring transparent reporting to funders.

Grant Research: Identifying funding opportunities that align with an organization’s mission and goals.

Grant Reviews: Offering expert feedback to strengthen grant applications and increase their chances of success.

Nonprofit Assistance: Providing strategic guidance and support for day-to-day operations and long-term planning.

With a Master of Public Administration and a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management, I combine my academic background with hands-on experience to empower my clients. My services are designed to bridge the gap for organizations—particularly Black-led nonprofits—that often face challenges in accessing funding, managing programs effectively, and achieving sustainability.

What sets me apart is my genuine commitment to seeing my clients succeed. I approach each project with a clear focus on their mission and goals, tailoring my support to meet their specific needs. Whether it’s developing a transformative program, securing a crucial grant, or providing strategic guidance, I’m here to help turn their vision into reality.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the impact I’ve been able to make for my clients. Helping an organization secure its first grant, build a strong foundation, or expand its reach is incredibly fulfilling.

If there’s one thing I want potential clients, supporters, and collaborators to know about me and my work, it’s that I’m deeply invested in their success. I started D&V Consulting Services to bridge the gap for organizations that are often overlooked or underfunded, and I’m committed to helping them thrive. For me, this work is more than a business—it’s a mission to uplift and empower underrepresented organizations to obtain the funding to sustain their missions.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty by maintaining consistent, professional, and personalized communication through HoneyBook, my client management system. HoneyBook allows me to streamline client interactions, from initial inquiries to project updates and final deliverables. With its automated workflows, I can ensure that every client receives timely updates, reminders, and follow-ups tailored to their specific needs.

In addition to using HoneyBook, I prioritize building strong relationships by offering personalized solutions, regular check-ins, and transparent communication.

Where do you think you get most of your clients from?

Networking has been a game-changer for me! I took a step back to strategically identify the workshops and events that my ideal clients would likely attend. By showing up at those events, engaging in meaningful conversations, and sharing my business cards, I’ve been able to make valuable connections. This intentional approach to networking has become my most effective way of finding new clients and growing my business.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dandvconsulting.com/book-a-consultation
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dandvconsulting/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victoria-ravenell

Image Credits

Personal Photo: JEREMY THE VISUAL, LLC.