George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Meet the startGBC #WhyNotMe September 2026 Entrepreneur Spotlight: Stephanie Joseph-Flatts, CEO, Off Menu Consulting Agency
About Stephanie
Stephanie Joseph-Flatts is a marketing strategist, brand architect, and creative leader with 17 years of experience leading marketing strategy, brand development, and integrated campaigns across both corporate and entrepreneurial environments.
Stephanie’s cross-industry work spans lifestyle, sports, art, travel, finance, fashion, and beauty, helping organizations build brands that resonate with audiences and drive meaningful business growth.
Throughout much of her career, Stephanie operated at the intersection of corporate leadership and entrepreneurship, building her agency while leading marketing roles within major organizations. Today, she leads OFF MENU, working with global brands, athletes, artists, public figures, and small businesses on marketing strategy, branding, design, and creative initiatives.
Beyond her client and corporate work, Stephanie is a mentor, educator, and speaker. She regularly leads marketing workshops, guest lectures, and participates in industry panels focused on marketing, branding, and creative strategy. She is deeply committed to developing emerging talent and expanding access within the field and established the Stephanie Joseph-Flatts Leadership in Marketing Scholarship at George Brown Polytechnic (College), now in its third year.
OFF MENU is a marketing and branding agency that leads strategic marketing, brand, and communications initiatives for brands and individuals. We develop integrated strategies, campaigns, and creative direction that drive visibility, audience connection, and meaningful business growth across global brands, athletes, artists, public figures, and small businesses.
Services offered by OFF MENU are Marketing Strategy, Branding, Design, Creative Production, Copywriting & Communications
Academic Background
GBP Business Admin Marketing, 2009
What made you want to become an entrepreneur?
I’ve always been a builder at heart. Entrepreneurship gave me the opportunity to take ownership of my ideas, shape meaningful work, and create impact through marketing and branding in a way that felt intentional and aligned.
Why did you create your business?
I created my business during the 2008–2009 recession when I saw a need for many small businesses that needed to navigate marketing and branding effectively. While beginning my corporate career, I launched OFF MENU alongside it to support businesses and brands with thoughtful, strategic guidance. What started as a response to that moment has evolved into a long-term platform to help brands show up with clarity, strategy, and intention.
What successes have you enjoyed so far with building your company?
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a range of clients across industries, from global brands to athletes, artists, public figures, and small businesses. Building OFF MENU alongside a full-time corporate career for over a decade is something I’m especially proud of, as it reflects both consistency and commitment to the work. More recently, I’ve transitioned into leading the business more fully, continuing to grow its impact through strategic marketing, branding, and creative direction.
What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs?
Lead with passion, own your brand, and stay visible. That’s how opportunity finds you.
Any books or podcasts you would recommend?
I always recommend What to Say When You Talk to Yourself by Shad Helmstetter. It’s a powerful reminder of how important self-talk is, especially in entrepreneurship, where mindset plays such a critical role. You need a strong, resilient mind to navigate the highs and lows, and this book helps reinforce that.
Anything else you would like to share?
Give yourself permission to grow as you build. You won’t have all the answers at the start, but staying curious, committed, and open to learning will take you further than you think.
Website and Socials
Website: www.offmenubyrequest.com