Movers and Shakers Interview with Gabriella Cruz

Published by: Dillon Kivo

Tell us your name and a little about yourself.

Gabriella Cruz is a small business web developer raised in Nashville, Tennessee. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Georgia State University, she began working as a software and web developer for major Fortune 500 companies. Today, Gabriella is located in Atlanta, Georgia, and focuses on website marketing and branding to help small businesses grow their online presence.

What exactly does your company do?

I consult and create websites for small businesses to help them grow their online presence. I offer website planning, reviews, and creation for businesses to market their services and products online. I serve as a trusted web developer for businesses to know what it takes to create a quality website and what technologies to include on their website, depending on their specific industry.

What were the biggest challenges you have faced, and how did you overcome them?

Pushing past contentment – A book name Good to Great by Jim Collins quotes, “Good is the enemy of great.” Good isn’t necessarily a bad thing, neither is contentment, which is why it’s so easy to stay in. When you’re comfortable, it’s easy to lose sight of your greater gift and what you have to offer the world. I have been blessed at a young age to have a secure job that offers a comfortable life for myself. Though I am grateful for all that I have been blessed with, I have had to push myself past being comfortable with a secure job and still work towards my personal passions.

What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?

You are in charge of your own happiness. If you’re not happy, then it’s your fault. It’s hard to be happy when you are not following your own passion. When I found myself being content in a job that provided security, it was easy for me to ignore my personal passions. It took me holding myself accountable to ensure I am working towards my passions – even if it included working overtime – when I found happiness on a daily basis. In addition to my career, I began implementing daily self-care routines to ensure I am keeping the best physical, mental and spiritual health.

Who are your biggest influences and people you admire, and why?

Rachel Hollis and Dana Chanel are my top two women that I subscribe to. Both women are strong entrepreneurs and really have missions to not only follow their own passion and desires but also help others achieve their own. I believe we’re put on this Earth to not only help ourselves but also to help others, and both of these women do just that.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are?

There have been many people who have helped me get to where I am today. The most vocal and influential person would be my mother. It’s easy to write off your parent’s opinion of you because it is their job to build you up. However, my mother has always spoken life into me and has had more belief in me, sometimes more than I have had in myself. When you have someone so close to you that believes in your potential, it’s hard not to live up to that.

What do you see as your greatest success in life?

I find success in being able to help others follow their passions. The most fulfilling feeling is being able to step away from consultation and a client walking away with a to-do list that they are excited to tackle.