If you ask Gabby Gonzales-Heck how she’d describe herself, she won’t give you a typical business pitch. She might say she’s a go-getter, a little bit of the comedic relief, and someone who’s driven by goals. More than that, she’s passionate about learning people’s stories and helping them live with purpose. That’s also what fuels the work she and her husband, Philip Heck, are doing at Sidekick Creative Company in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
Co-founders in both marriage and business, Gabby and Phil launched Sidekick Creative Company as a full-service digital marketing agency that works with a select group of clients. “We’re not trying to scale to thousands of clients,” Gabby explained. “We intentionally work with a small group of clients so we can really get to know them. Whether you own a bakery or a home service company, we want to know your business like you know it so we can tell your story effectively.”
Their journey started from a gap they saw while working in their former roles. There was no one really stepping in to be the voice of the brand, to fill that marketing void in a meaningful way. So they decided to become that voice for others. Sidekick Creative Company was born out of the idea that every business deserves a dedicated partner to walk alongside them, not just another vendor to sell them services.
“I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs,” Gabby shared. “My mom owns a wellness clinic and med spa, and my dad has done everything from logging to land clearing. I saw firsthand what it takes to build something from the ground up.” That entrepreneurial spirit shaped her appreciation for the deeper why behind a business, and it’s something she now helps her clients identify and share.
Gabby and Phil’s approach isn’t about flashy marketing tricks or cookie-cutter templates. It’s about showing up, listening, and staying humble. “We’ve lost sleep over our clients’ struggles,” she said. “We care that much. This isn’t just a job for us. It’s personal.”
As Christians, the couple infuses their work with quiet integrity. “You won’t always hear us say it,” Gabby said, “but we try to show it. It’s about living by ethical principles and doing right by people.” That sense of purpose shows up in every interaction, every deadline met, and every story they help tell.
Gabby’s connection to the local community runs deep. Born and raised in South Arkansas, she’s lived in the area most of her life aside from a few travel stints, including a semester abroad. “What I love most about our community is how people truly show up for one another,” she said. “Whether it’s celebrating a win or grieving a loss, people come together. That reminds me so much of how Jesus loves and how we’re meant to live.”
Home these days is a tiny house on the river, a peaceful haven that fits Gabby and Phil’s focused, grounded lifestyle. Gabby is also actively involved in the community. She helps with her local youth group on Wednesday nights, offering teens a safe and joyful space to connect, praise, and grow in faith. And if she’s not working or mentoring, you might find her at the football field cheering on her little brother’s team. Many of those boys she’s known since they were kids. “They all feel like younger siblings,” she said. “It’s been a joy to watch them grow and succeed.”
The couple also values supporting other local businesses. Whether that’s buying meat from a local butcher, cooking with produce from the nearby stand, or taking guitar lessons at the neighborhood shop. “We try to eat locally as much as we can,” Gabby said. “We believe in community supporting community.”
When it comes to what clients love most about working with Sidekick Creative Company, it often comes down to how genuine and committed the duo is. “Clients say it feels like we’re an extension of their team,” Gabby noted. “They appreciate how passionate and patient we are and how we understand when life happens.”
They’re not slowing down anytime soon. Gabby and Phil are constantly exploring new tools and ideas to help their clients succeed. They’ve recently been diving into large language models like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini to help clients show up in modern, conversational ways. They’re also rolling out spotlight features and launching workshops aimed at helping local businesses stay competitive in an evolving digital space.
“We’re always asking, how can we bring more value?” Gabby said. “We want to keep helping businesses doing impactful work get seen, heard, and supported.”
Through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, Sidekick Creative Company has stayed true to its mission. They show up with consistency, humility, and a heart to serve. “It’s not about looking perfect,” Gabby said. “It’s about being willing to fail fast, learn faster, and keep going so we can help more people.”
If you’re a business owner looking for a marketing partner who truly cares, not just about your metrics but about your mission, Gabby and Phil are just a phone call, message, or email away. Whether you’re seeking branding help, strategy, or storytelling that resonates, Sidekick Creative Company is ready to be your sidekick.
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