Gabrielle McNamara

Rachel Mays

Mar 8, 2023

Two years ago, I met Gabby through bartending. She took me under her wing and was more than patient with me and my hundreds of questions every shift we had. Throughout our time working together, she taught me how to handle problems with grace, be more confident in myself and my choices, and the importance of prioritizing my happiness and health.

Pretty quickly I thought of her as so much more than a coworker. Not only do I see her as a lifelong friend, but also a sister. She has helped guide me through so many obstacles, big and small. She's endlessly supportive and one of those friends you can trust with anything. Her smile lights up every room. I could go on forever about how amazing she is! She's humble, thoughtful, genuine, hilarious, hardworking, inspiring, and the best dog mom.

Meet Gabby.

Q&A

Rachel: Favorite things to do on weekend?

Gabby: Try to complete one at-home personal project, catch up on rest, and spend time with loved ones (friends, family, and my dogs)!

Rachel: Fav Dinner Spot?

Gabby: Vele

Rachel: Coffee shop & Order

Gabby: Hae’s bakery- I’ll get the lotus plant-based energy drink and they have gluten-free bakery items

If you're in the Springfield area, check out Hae's menu here & Vele's menu here

Rachel: Walk me through your workday

Gabby: I have flexible work hours so I just have to be there 8 hours a day. I’ll log on to the applicant tracking system & check what candidates I need to reach out to or look at, what jobs we need candidates for, hiring manager submittals, source on social media platforms, and cold call! Tuesday through Thursday I bartend after work doing front-of-house service for customers and occasionally train.

I just have to say, this girl works her butt off- after working for 8 hours at her day job, she would come into the bar (for at least 5 more hours of work) with the biggest smile on her face. No matter what's on her mind or stressing her out, she is unwaveringly positive and such a joy to be around.

Rachel: Favorite book?

Gabby: Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

Purchase on Amazon

Rachel: What are you currently reading?

Gabby: The holistic fibromyalgia treatment plan

Purchase on Amazon

Rachel: Favorite podcast?

Gabby: Dave ramsey- The Ramsey Show

Rachel: Favorite song atm?

Gabby: Lift Me Up by Rihanna

Rachel: Favorite movie/s?

Gabby: Where the Heart is & Man on Fire

Rachel: Favorite show?

Gabby: The Home Edit

Rachel: If you had to give a Ted Talk, what would you talk about?

Gabby: How important it is to take care of our body, physically and mentally, because we only have one body to get us through our life & how a positive mindset can not only change your world but also everyone else's around you

Gabby has taught me so much about the importance of taking care of yourself, listening to your body, and prioritizing both your physical and mental health. She prompted me to completely rethink my diet and start taking my health more seriously. Along with helping me see my health in a new light, she has also made such a huge, positive impact on my relationship with spending and finances. She goes out of her way to share what she has learned and consistently gives me her honest opinion. Her advice has aided me in so many ways on my own journey of personal growth.

Rachel: What's the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

Gabby: Just stepping outside of my comfort in several different scenarios, and that taking that jump is worth more than the anxiety of not doing it

Rachel: What’s something you changed your mind about recently?

Gabby: For my 30th I wanted to take a trip but I changed my mind to gifting myself wanting to be debt free

Rachel: If you had to write a book about yourself what would it be titled?

Gabby: Light at the end of the tunnel

Rachel: What's something you recently learned about yourself?

Gabby: That I don’t need alcohol to have fun, and that I have no self control unless I spend the money for a personal trainer to keep me accountable

Rachel: How would you describe yourself in two words what would they be?

Gabby: Determined and empathetic

Rachel: What’s something you want to accomplish in the future?

Gabby: Contribute to my retirement

Rachel: Who inspires you the most and why?

Gabby: My mom. Not only is she the strongest person I know, but she has always been extremely kind, loyal, and hardworking that it has passed on to me, and not only do I strive to be like her but hopefully be better because all of the lessons she's taught me along the way

Rachel: Best advice you’ve ever received

Gabby: Only you can take care of yourself & don't take shit from nobody

Rachel: Last time you laughed?

Gabby: Saturday night (we hosted a game night at our house)

Rachel: What would you be amazing at with no prior experience?

Gabby: Life coach

(I wholeheartedly agree with her answer. If I could pay her to be my full-time life coach I would)

Rachel: Unpopular opinion/ Hot take:

Gabby: I don't think the man should pay for everything, the woman should offer to pay for at least half to show we don't need a man

Rachel: What's one thing you’re proud of yourself for doing?

Gabby: Giving up alcohol