Everything you’d ask before we begin.
Working with us
Do you work on retainer or by project?
Both. Some partners start with a fixed-fee Brand Growth Strategy or an Innovation Sprint (4 weeks). Others work with us on a phased Brand Build, a Fractional Brand Office or an ongoing marketing and digital retainer. We’ll recommend the right fit and provide high-level timing on our intro call.
Do you work with startups or only large brands?
Both. We’ve partnered with 200+ brands, from global houses like Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive and Shiseido to challenger brands like Little Spoon, Wisp and The Honey Pot Company.
Can you work alongside our in-house team or other agencies?
Yes, often. We slot in alongside in-house marketing, product and creative teams, and partner with media, PR and performance agencies. We agree who owns what at the start so work never falls between teams.
Where are you based?
New York City, where we’ve been building brands since 2011.
Categories & compliance
Which categories do you specialize in?
Beauty & Skincare, Hair Care, Personal Care, Telehealth & Digital Health, Connected Wellness & Devices, Wellness + Nutrition, Women’s Health & Femcare, Home, Pet & Family, Food & Beverage.
Have you worked in telehealth, GLP-1 or connected devices?
Yes: Freya Meds (GLP-1 weight-management telehealth), Wisp (women’s telehealth) and Blueair (air health and connected wellness).
Can you handle regulated categories like OTC, supplements or telehealth?
Yes. We write packaging and marketing copy with FDA and FTC guidelines in mind, and work hand in hand with your regulatory and legal reviewers so creative and compliance move together.
Retail
Can you get my brand retail-ready for Sephora, Ulta, Target or Walmart?
Yes. We design packaging and brand systems that work at shelf and create the sell-in presentations brands use to pitch buyers. Our founder mentors emerging brands through Target’s Forward Founders and Credo for Change.
How do you evolve a brand without losing existing customers?
We find the assets your customers already recognize, protect them, and evolve everything around them.
Digital & ecommerce
Do you build on Shopify Plus?
Yes. We’re a Shopify Partner, building on Shopify and Shopify Plus with UX/UI and conversion optimization that turn brand into revenue.
Do you work on Amazon?
Yes. We design Amazon brand stores, A+ content and listing imagery that match your site and packaging. For account management and advertising, we work alongside your Amazon partner or recommend one.
How do you use AI?
As a tool, not a replacement. We use AI to speed up research, explore more options and produce content variations faster. Our team leads every strategy and idea and reviews every final asset, and we never put your confidential information into public AI tools.
Pricing & process
What does it cost to work with SMAKK?
It depends on the engagement, from a focused strategy sprint to a full brand build or an ongoing retainer. Share a few details in our intake form and we’ll come back with a recommended scope and budget range.
How long does it take to launch a new brand?
Most new brands 3 to 6 months from strategy to launch, depending on scope. We’ll map your timeline on our intro call.
What happens after I reach out?
We reply within one business day, set up a 30-minute intro, then send a proposal shaped around where you are.