We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gabby Gonzales a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Gabby, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
By putting in the reps and never quitting. I truly think that is the only way you overcome it.
I struggled deeply with imposter syndrome when we first started Sidekick Creative Company. There were nights I would lie in bed with tears streaming down my face because I did not feel worthy or qualified; I just knew I wanted to make a difference and disrupt the space I was in in a good way.
The moments when I considered a career change or thought about closing the doors but chose not to are the moments that slowly cured my imposter syndrome and reshaped my mindset. Every time I stayed, I proved to myself that I could keep going, even when it felt uncomfortable and scary.
In addition to this, being in rooms with people who do what I do, who are further ahead but vulnerable enough to share their struggles, helped a ton. Being able to bounce ideas around and share real stories with others strengthened my confidence and reminded me I was not alone in those feelings.
I learned that confidence does not come from believing I know the most or am the best. My confidence comes from knowing that no matter what comes my way, I will never quit.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Professionally, the focus is on helping small, service-based and blue collar businesses show up online with websites and marketing that actually support their real-world goals, not just look pretty. Sidekick Creative Company designs and develops websites, builds foundational SEO, and supports brands with services like logo and brand design, social media, email marketing, and growth-focused strategy so owners can stay focused on running the business while the marketing engine is handled.
Sidekick is intentionally positioned as the behind-the-scenes partner that meets clients where they are, works within real budgets, and builds practical systems that help turn online visibility into actual leads and jobs. Right now, the professional focus is on serving more trades and blue-collar service businesses, expanding ongoing support plans, and refining processes so every project feels both relational and results-driven.
Alongside Sidekick, there is also a personal passion project of mine called Made of Clay, a faith-centered apparel line that creates simple, meaningful pieces designed to encourage people with truth they can literally wear in the middle of everyday life. It is a space to merge design, storytelling, and faith into shirts and products that feel honest, hopeful, and rooted in the reminder that even imperfect people can carry a powerful message.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
A relentless pursuit of better has been one of the most impactful qualities in my journey. I do not settle for “good enough.” I want to have the best, bring the best, and provide the best. This shows up every day in how we serve our clients. If there is a way to make their experience even 1% better, we will find it and do it.
I also have a knack for creativity. I can see things very clearly in my head, and while I sometimes struggle to get them out on paper, tools like Illustrator and AI have helped me bring those ideas to life so clients can actually see and feel their brand coming together.
Lastly, and most importantly, my relationship with Jesus has been the biggest influence on my journey. I grew up a Christian, but I did not really understand what it meant to talk to God. This past year I have focused on deepening my connection with Him and letting Him show me the way. It has not always been easy, but when I look back over the last year, I can see Him everywhere.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
One hundred percent my husband and business partner, Phillip Heck. We truly would not be where we are now without him. He is the calm to my storm, the logic to my creative, and my best friend. It definitely comes with its challenges and disagreements, but working with him has been the best job I have ever had.
He is always there to pick me up when I am down and he is a wealth of knowledge. He is constantly helping me learn new skills (and there to fix my mistakes, ha!). It is a true blessing to have such a do-it-all guy as my husband.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sidekickcreativeco.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidekickcreativeco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sidekickcreativecompany
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
