Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabby Starnes.
Hi Gabby, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey started as a creative. I was a musician trying to figure out how to get my work in front of people without a big budget or industry connections. Through a lot of trial, error, and persistence, I learned how to use digital marketing to grow an audience, fund projects, and create real opportunities—including opening for major artists. That experience showed me that marketing, when done well, can change the trajectory of someone’s work and life.
I originally joined Helps2 as a social media manager and was mentored by the company’s founder, George Temple. Over time, I grew into a leadership role and eventually acquired the business, becoming Owner and CEO. Since then, I’ve spent over a decade building Helps2 into a strategy-first marketing agency serving small businesses, nonprofits, and creatives. Along the way, we’ve helped more than 30 organizations grow their visibility and revenue, raised millions of dollars for nonprofits, and built strong community ties in Kansas City.
Today, Helps2 is expanding beyond services into scalable solutions. We run a women’s entrepreneur cohort, offer consulting and marketing services, and are building Phoo.ai, a lead generation app designed to help small businesses scale more efficiently. Everything we do is rooted in real-world experience—I’ve lived the problems we solve, and that’s what continues to drive our growth and impact.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve had to build this business without a safety net, often juggling a full-time job while running Helps2 nights and weekends. There were seasons of financial uncertainty, overwork, and learning things the hard way—pricing incorrectly, saying yes to the wrong clients, and trying to do too much on my own.
One of the most difficult challenges was navigating leadership as a young woman in business, including a situation where a client was verbally abusive toward me and my team. I had to make the hard decision to end that relationship, choosing values and team well-being over revenue. That moment shaped how I lead today. Every setback refined the business, strengthened my boundaries, and clarified our mission—proving that growth isn’t about avoiding struggle, but learning how to lead through it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Helps2?
Helps2 is a Kansas City–based digital marketing agency and growth company built to help growing businesses, creatives, and mission-driven organizations scale with clarity and confidence. We specialize in strategy-first marketing—SEO, paid ads, social media management, conversion optimization, and consulting—designed to generate real leads and sustainable growth, not just visibility.
What sets Helps2 apart is that we don’t just advise from theory—we’ve lived the work. Our team has successfully used these same marketing strategies to grow our own creative and business ventures, fund projects, and build audiences from the ground up. That lived experience allows us to meet clients where they are, simplify complex marketing concepts, and execute strategies that actually work for under-resourced entrepreneurs.
Beyond services, we’re known for community-building and innovation. We host a women’s entrepreneur cohort in Kansas City and are developing Phoo.ai, a lead generation app designed to help small businesses attract, capture, and convert customers more efficiently. Brand-wise, we’re most proud of our reputation for integrity, clear communication, and results-driven partnerships. We want readers to know that Helps2 exists to empower the “underdogs”—helping great ideas reach the people they’re meant to serve through smart marketing, strong community, and scalable tools.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is helping people reach their full potential. I’ve seen how powerful it can be when someone with a meaningful idea or gift finally has the tools, confidence, and support to share it with the world. Too often, great ideas stay small—not because they lack value, but because people don’t have access to the right resources.
That’s why purpose, integrity, and empowerment drive everything I do. I care deeply about building businesses and tools that genuinely serve people, create opportunity, and leave things better than I found them. When people grow, communities grow—and that impact lasts far beyond any single project or metric.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://helps2.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helps2media
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Helps2Media/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/helps2media/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrKsPSwiCM87YzpO1TjuJxQ
