Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Gobbi.
Hi Michelle, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my career in the mid-1990s as a receptionist at a large corporation, just as the internet was beginning to take off. The moment I discovered the World Wide Web, I was hooked. I immediately saw its potential and knew I wanted to become a web designer.
At the time, web design courses were almost nonexistent. After contacting several schools, I finally found one local business school offering a class and eagerly scheduled an appointment with an advisor. Instead of encouragement, he handed me a newspaper and said, “If you can find one job for a website designer, I’ll let you take the class.” In 1996, there weren’t any. He told me nobody wanted websites and that pursuing web design would be a waste of time.
I left discouraged, but not defeated. I went straight to Barnes & Noble, bought web design books, popped an AOL disc into my computer, and taught myself everything I could. By 1998, I had quit my receptionist job and was freelancing full-time as a web designer.
As the internet exploded, the same schools that once ignored web design began offering programs. Although I already had years of experience, I earned my Associate’s Degree in Communication Design from Northampton Community College, graduating with honors six months early. There, I expanded my skills into print, packaging, 3D, and animation design.
Over the next two decades, I worked my way up from Graphic Designer to Senior Designer, Art Director, and eventually Creative Director. I had the opportunity to work with brands such as Apple, Vanguard, PC Richard & Son, Lutron, and Orion Innovation, while collaborating with agencies including Hogarth Worldwide, Think Creative, and numerous firms throughout the Lehigh Valley.
Along the way, I noticed clear patterns between agencies that thrived and those that struggled. I paid close attention to what separated successful creative businesses from the ones that never gained traction.
In 2023, after more than 25 years in design and marketing, I launched ICONIXX Media to apply everything I had learned throughout my career. In just three years, ICONIXX Media has grown into an award-winning agency serving clients across the country.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey wasn’t always easy. As a single mom, I spent years working full-time while freelancing nights and weekends just to make ends meet. Burnout was very real. There were countless nights I worked until 3 or 4 a.m., only to be back up at 6 getting my kids ready and off to school before heading to a full day of work and then jumping right back into freelance projects at night.
That relentless work ethic, determination, and passion for creativity are ultimately what fueled my entrepreneurial spirit and led me to launch ICONIXX Media.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
ICONIXX Media is a full-service creative marketing agency focused on helping businesses build strong, memorable brands through strategic design, digital marketing, and creative storytelling. We specialize in branding, website design and development, social media marketing, digital advertising, content creation, video production, and creative strategy. Our approach combines high-level creative with real business strategy to produce measurable results; while telling your brand’s story in a way that is authentic, impactful, and strategically positioned for growth.
One thing that sets us apart is that we build long-term relationships with our clients and become deeply invested in their success. Many of our clients come to us after feeling overcharged and underserved by larger agencies. We pride ourselves on delivering highly customized creative backed by experience, communication, and accountability.
Another major difference is the caliber of work and experience behind our team. We never outsource, and we only hire highly skilled, seasoned professionals who can deliver exceptional work efficiently and consistently. We bring enterprise-level creative standards and strategy to every client we work with, whether it’s a local startup or a national company.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is the reputation we’ve built in a relatively short amount of time. ICONIXX has grown primarily through referrals, relationships, and the quality of our work, which speaks volumes in an industry built on trust and results. I’m also proud of the company culture we’ve created, which is rooted in creativity, collaboration, professionalism, and work-life balance. I know firsthand how demanding this industry can be, so building a healthy, supportive environment for both our team and our clients has always been important to me.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
For me, networking has always been more about relationships than reach. I’ve had the most success by staying connected with past colleagues, clients, and collaborators over time. While I do occasionally attend networking events, my focus isn’t on pitching ICONIXX services, it’s about connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs and building lasting relationships. Seeking advice from other business owners has been one of the most beneficial opportunities for growing my business.
Early in my career, I found the most meaningful mentorship came from people I worked with directly, not formal programs or networking events, but through doing good work, staying curious, and being open to feedback. I also encourage younger creatives to not hesitate when reaching out to people they admire. Most professionals are more than happy to share advice and offer guidance.
Overall, what’s worked best for me is treating networking as long-term relationship building built on trust, consistency, and mutual respect, not a transactional effort.
Pricing:
- We offer affordable website and marketing packages that can be customized and tailored to fit within your budget.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iconixxmedia.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iconixx-media
