Q and A with Archie from Baguio City, Philippines

“Every obstacle, every tough moment, is a chance to discover your inner strength and capabilities.”

Q: Hi! Tell us about yourself.

A: Hello, I’m Archie Gonzales, the proud owner of Create with Archie & Co. I’m also a proud mom, taking care of my beautiful 9-year-old daughter. Balancing the responsibilities of entrepreneurship with the joys and challenges of motherhood has added a unique dimension to my journey.

I’m deeply passionate about a few key aspects that have shaped both my personal and professional journey. Firstly, I’ve always been driven by a thirst for personal growth and learning. This passion led me to establish Create with Archie & Co., a freelance virtual assistance business. I noticed the challenges faced by start-ups and small to medium-sized business owners who often find themselves juggling multiple roles within their enterprises. My goal became clear: to provide comprehensive virtual assistance that allows these entrepreneurs to focus on their core competencies while I handle the rest. Creativity is another cornerstone of my passion. I believe in infusing every project with a touch of innovation and originality. This belief translates into the ethos of my business: going beyond the routine and mundane to deliver unique and impactful results.

Currently, I’m channeling my passion into a new venture, ‘SocialMedia Pro by Create with Archie & Co. Link is here: https://www.createwitharchie.com/socialmediapro.’ Recognizing the time constraints and creative challenges faced by business owners in creating their social media presence, I’m launching a subscription-based service. This service provides a monthly supply of carefully curated and engaging social media content. Business owners can opt for flexible packages, ranging from monthly subscriptions to 6-month or 1-year plans. The goal is to empower entrepreneurs with a hassle-free solution for maintaining a vibrant online presence with our content, allowing them to focus on what they do best. In essence, my passion for personal growth, learning, and creativity is the driving force behind Create with Archie & Co., and it’s my pleasure to extend this passion to fellow entrepreneurs through my business.

Q: What were your younger years like?

A: I’m from the beautiful Philippines, born and raised in a household characterized by strictness and conservatism. This upbringing significantly shaped my approach to life, instilling in me values of resilience, determination, and independence. Tragedy struck early in my life when my mother passed away when I was just 15. Growing up without her presence was undoubtedly a challenge, but it was during this time that I found strength and guidance in my father, who emerged as not only a parent but a great mentor. His lessons about life and perseverance continue to resonate with me today. Despite the difficulties, I excelled in academics during my younger years, demonstrating a determination to rise above the circumstances. Financial struggles were a constant companion, and I vividly recall moments of financial scarcity, eagerly anticipating birthdays for the joy of indulging in delicious meals and cake. Life’s challenges taught me the value of hard work and resourcefulness. I engaged in various jobs, from selling goods and street foods to working in a restaurant under minimum wage, experiencing the demanding graveyard shift in a call center, and even teaching English as a second language to Chinese kids. Reflecting on those experiences, I see them as a crucial chapter in my life—a period of growth, resilience, and the forging of an unyielding work ethic. Each of those roles contributed to my development, providing insights that now shape my entrepreneurial journey. Looking back, I appreciate the progress I’ve made, recognizing that the challenges of the past have played an instrumental role in shaping the person I am today.

Q: What is something valuable you’d like others to know?

A: One of the most valuable lessons life has taught me is the transformative power of resilience. In the face of adversity, it’s our ability to bounce back, learn, and adapt that defines our journey. Growing up in challenging circumstances, facing financial hardships, and the loss of my mother at a young age, I learned firsthand the importance of resilience. It’s not about avoiding difficulties but about navigating through them with determination and a positive mindset. I’d like others to understand that setbacks are not the end of the road but rather opportunities for growth. Every obstacle, every tough moment, is a chance to discover your inner strength and capabilities. Embracing challenges, rather than fearing them, can lead to personal and professional breakthroughs.

I hope my story conveys the significance of hard work and perseverance. Life may not always be fair, and success may not come easily, but the journey itself is a profound teacher. Every experience and every job I undertook, contributed to my growth and shaped my entrepreneurial spirit. In essence, I want others to embrace resilience, view challenges as stepping stones, and recognize that their unique journey, no matter how difficult, has the potential to shape a remarkable future. Life’s hardships are not roadblocks; they are opportunities for resilience to shine and illuminate the path forward.

Q: What does feminism mean to you?
A: Feminism, to me, is the belief in and the pursuit of a world where individuals, regardless of their gender, have equal rights, opportunities, and treatment. It isn’t about favoring one gender over another; it’s about dismantling the constraints that limit the potential of all individuals. It’s about recognizing and challenging ingrained stereotypes, biases, and systemic injustices that disproportionately affect women.

Connect with me!

My links: Fb profile: https://www.facebook.com/archieg.pro/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/createwitharchieandco

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/archie-joy-gonzales-b63a241aa/

Business Website: https://www.createwitharchie.com/home

SocialMedia Pro: https://www.createwitharchie.com/socialmediapro