Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Gabriela Gonzalez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Gabriela thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

One of the most transformative risks I’ve ever taken was posting myself on social media and committing to a life of content creation. It might seem like a small act to some, but for me, it was a leap into the unknown—a decision that challenged my self-esteem, tested my resilience, and ultimately reshaped my life.

The Backstory

For years, I admired content creators from afar, marveling at their ability to connect with audiences, inspire change, and express themselves authentically. But I also saw the darker side: judgment, criticism, and the constant pressure to perform. I hesitated for a long time, fearing rejection and the vulnerability that comes with putting your life on display. Still, something inside me yearned to share my voice and creativity with the world.

The Risk

When I finally posted my first video, it felt like standing on a stage in front of millions—exposed and uncertain. The risk wasn’t just about facing public scrutiny; it was about confronting my own insecurities. Would people care about what I had to say? Would I be enough? The digital world can be ruthless, with its algorithms dictating visibility and strangers quick to judge. Yet, I decided to embrace the fear and take ownership of my narrative.

The Challenges

Content creation is far from glamorous behind the scenes. The pressure to stay relevant, generate fresh ideas, and maintain authenticity while navigating trends is immense. There were days when negative comments stung deeply or when the numbers didn’t reflect the effort I poured into my work. Burnout loomed as I juggled creativity with consistency. But every challenge became an opportunity to grow stronger and more self-aware.

The Outcome

Taking this risk has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. Over time, I built a community of like-minded individuals who resonated with my journey. The connections I’ve made are genuine, and the impact—whether inspiring someone to chase their dreams or simply making them smile—has been humbling. Most importantly, this experience taught me that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the decision to move forward despite it.

Why This Matters

Content creators often face misconceptions about their work being “easy” or “superficial.” In reality, it takes immense courage to share your life so openly in a world that can be both uplifting and unforgiving. It’s a daily practice of vulnerability, creativity, and resilience. By taking this leap, I’ve learned that risks are where growth happens—and sometimes, they lead you to discover not just your passion but your purpose.
To anyone considering taking a similar risk: trust yourself. The path may be uncertain, but what you gain in self-discovery and fulfillment is worth every moment of doubt.

Gabriela, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

About Me and My Journey

For those who may not know me, my name is Gabriela, my friends call me Gabs. I’m from Guatemala. I’m 24 years old. I’m a passionate UGC (User-Generated Content) creator specializing in photography, videography, and creative storytelling. My work spans across fashion, recipes, and product reviews, three areas that allow me to blend my love for aesthetics, creativity, and authenticity. My journey into this world began in an unexpected yet deeply personal way. With my family living in a different country, I initially turned to my phone as a tool to stay connected with them. What started as a means of sharing my daily life, blogging moments, meals, outfits, and experiences—soon evolved into something much bigger.
I discovered that through content creation, I could not only connect with loved ones but also build a bridge to a global community of like-minded individuals. It was in these small, everyday acts of documenting my life that I realized the power of storytelling and how it could resonate with others.

What I Provide

As a UGC creator, my work focuses on creating authentic and relatable content that connects brands with their audiences in meaningful ways. Here’s a closer look at what I do:
• Photography & Videography: Whether it’s capturing the perfect shot of an outfit or filming step-by-step recipe tutorials, I create visually engaging content that tells a story. My goal is to make every frame feel approachable yet aspirational.
• Fashion Content: I showcase styling tips, outfit ideas, and wardrobe essentials that inspire confidence and creativity. Fashion is more than just clothes—it’s self-expression—and I aim to help others find their unique style.
• Recipes: Food is universal, and sharing recipes is one of my favorite ways to connect with people. From simple comfort meals to creative culinary experiments, I focus on making cooking fun and accessible.
• Product Reviews: I provide honest and thoughtful reviews of products I genuinely use and believe in. Whether it’s skincare, kitchen tools, or lifestyle items, my goal is to help my audience make informed decisions.

What Sets Me Apart

What makes my work unique is the heart behind it. My content is rooted in authenticity. I create to connect. Having started this journey as a way to stay close to family across borders, I deeply understand the importance of building genuine relationships through storytelling.
I also pride myself on versatility. Whether it’s fashion, food, or product reviews, I approach every project with creativity and attention to detail. My background in photography and videography allows me to elevate everyday moments into something visually compelling while still keeping it real and relatable.
Another aspect that sets me apart is my commitment to community. I don’t see followers as numbers—I see them as people who trust me with their time and attention. That trust fuels everything I do.

What I’m Most Proud Of

I’m most proud of the connections I’ve built through this journey. Hearing from someone who tried a recipe I shared or felt inspired by an outfit idea is incredibly fulfilling. But beyond that, I’m proud of taking the leap into content creation despite the fears and uncertainties that came with it. This path has taught me resilience, creativity, and the value of staying true to myself.

What I Want You to Know About Me & My Work

At its core, my work is about celebrating life’s little moments, whether it’s finding joy in putting together an outfit, cooking a meal that warms your soul, or discovering a product that makes your day easier. Through my content, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own creativity and find beauty in the everyday.
For brands or collaborators considering working with me: know that you’re partnering with someone who values authenticity above all else. Every piece of content I create is crafted with care because I believe in building trust, not just between me and my audience but between your brand and its customers.
For followers: thank you for being part of this journey. Your support means everything to me, and my goal will always be to create content that adds value to your life, whether it’s through inspiration, information, or simply a smile.
In essence, my work isn’t just about creating content; it’s about creating connections between people, stories, brands, and communities. And if there’s one thing I want readers to take away from this introduction: it’s that no matter where you are or what you do, you’re a powerful person you can take on any challenge that comes your way, your story matters and sharing it might just change your life like it did mine.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the belief that hard work is the only path to success. Growing up, I was taught that relentless effort and long hours were the ultimate keys to achievement. However, after experiencing burnout and diminishing returns in my past jobs, I realized the importance of working smarter, not just harder.

Smart work involves leveraging tools, prioritizing tasks, and focusing on strategies that maximize impact while minimizing wasted effort.

The turning point came when I embraced planning and innovation. I began using productivity techniques like time-blocking and automation tools, which freed up mental energy for creative problem-solving. This approach not only improved my performance but also earned recognition for efficiency and leadership.

Unlearning the “hard work equals success” myth taught me that success is not about exhausting yourself, it’s about creating value intelligently. By working smarter, I discovered that true progress comes from balance, strategy, and intentional effort.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

One book that profoundly shaped my understanding of psychology is Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck. It explores the transformative power of adopting a growth mindset, showing how our beliefs about abilities can define success in every area of life. For personal growth, Atomic Habits by James Clear offers actionable strategies to build life changing habits.
As for podcasts, The Confidence Chronicles by Erika Cramer stands out. It’s a raw and empowering series that dives into self-love, confidence, and personal growth with practical advice and inspiring stories.
Finally, as a content creator, much of my inspiration comes from the vibrant and creative content I see on social media daily. The authenticity and passion of fellow creators fuel my ideas and philosophy, proof that even the smallest posts can spark big transformations

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/gabs.gz
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabs.gz
• Other: Tik Tok. https://www.tiktok.com/@gabsdotgz?_t=ZP-8uhBnxkHxxn&_r=1