By skyforbes 
Stay consistent — and vet yourself. — Yes, I like my own TikToks. Why? Because I value my work. When you genuinely believe in what you create, that energy shows. If someone doesn’t like it, that’s okay — I keep posting anyway. Growth happens when you trust yourself first. When you value your content, others learn to value it too. At the end of the day everyone is just a reflection of you.
TikTok is currently the fastest-growing social network. If you want to communicate with Gen-Z, that is the place to do it. But for those who are used to the interface of LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, TikTok seems to require a steep luring curve. What do you need to know to use TikTok to grow your business or engage with your customers? In this interview series, we are talking to business leaders, social media managers, marketing managers, and influencers about “5 things you need to know to leverage TikTok to grow your business.” As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Gabrie’le Eato.
Gabrie’le “Gab” Eato is the Founder of Eleable™, a digital design psychology studio that blends UX/UI design, psychometrics, and inclusive brand strategy. As a Digital Visionary and Psychometrician, she creates ADA/WCAG-compliant spaces that prioritize accessibility, creativity, and compassion. Recognized for her authentic voice and neurodivergent advocacy, Gab is passionate about shaping digital experiences where inclusion is the default, not the afterthought.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to get to know you a bit better. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
Growing up, I was bullied and even told to end my life. I was deeply misunderstood because of the way I communicate. I’m autistic, I have ADHD, and I’ve also been diagnosed with social pragmatic communication disorder. I’m very verbal, but the way I speak doesn’t always land the way I intend and people didn’t see my heart. Instead, they mocked me, even calling me an “ugly fat gorilla.” Those words cut deep.
Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
For a long time, I lost myself. I started to hate who I was and tried to change everything about me just to be accepted. But no matter what I did, it was never enough. That darkness stayed with me until one day, I reached a breaking point. I decided: enough. I chose to love myself, to own exactly who I am. If someone doesn’t like that, it’s on them, not me.
From that moment on, I refused to shrink to make others comfortable. My energy is big, my love is bold, and my light is meant to shine. As kids, we’re taught to follow the crowd, but chasing approval only lets darkness control your life. The moment you stop seeking validation and start trusting yourself loving yourself and knowing your worth that’s when transformation happens. That’s when love becomes your guide.
Today, I channel that journey into my work. I run Eleable™, a Digital Design Psychology studio, and I also create content on TikTok to raise awareness about autism, ADHD, and neurodiversity the stories that too
often go hidden because people don’t want to talk about them. My design work focuses on ADA/WCAG-compliant, inclusive websites that foster accessibility by default. As a Psychometrician, I also provide autism and ADHD testing, helping people get the answers, recognition, and support they deserve. And through my nonprofit, NDVerse, I’m building a movement to help neurodivergent people find the connection and belonging they truly deserve.
Most importantly, I’m here to be a role model to show that you don’t have to follow the darkness or do what everyone else is doing. You are fearfully and wonderfully made just as you are, and the real magic happens when you find the people who love you for you.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?
I had the opportunity to work alongside a 5-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee. He had experienced a lot of dishonesty and half-hearted work from others, but with me, it was different. I didn’t leave him with a half-done website. I helped him fully rebrand his online presence. He was very pleased, and I left him with something that truly represented him.
A lot of people can be impatient, especially in tech. But patience is one of my biggest strengths. Growing up autistic, I faced impatience from others constantly. Now, I flip that experience into a gift, I know how to slow down, teach, and make sure people feel confident in what they have. Whether it was tutoring anatomy and physiology in the past or guiding clients through digital branding now, I’ve always loved helping people learn and feel empowered.
I deliver quick services that are authentic to them, and I don’t just “design”, I dig deep. Every client gets a personalized mind map, because with my psychology background and intuitive nature, I can uncover the deeper purpose behind a brand.
Design isn’t just decoration, it’s psychology. It’s strategy. Colors carry meaning. Placement tells a story. Purple speaks royalty. Red embodies passion. When you can tie these deeper layers into digital branding, the result resonates with people on another level.
Since I was 10, I’ve been immersed in design, coding, and social media. At 26, I know that true digital branding is about cohesion, authenticity, and evolution. I don’t erase what someone has built I take their beginning and help it grow into a holistic digital brand that feels true to who they are.
It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a story of a humorous mistake you made when you were first starting and the lessons that you learned from that?
At one point, I was working jobs that were draining me and making me come home and cry every day. The ratio of providers to patients was really difficult to handle, and it took a huge toll on my mental health. Considering I’m also an empath, it was just so hard for me. I’d come home in tears, thinking this was “what adults do.”
The funny part? I was ignoring the one thing that came most naturally to me: creativity. It was right there the whole time, but I didn’t take it seriously. Most people don’t realize that creativity really can go a long way.
One day, it finally clicked: I was tired of feeling stuck. I said to myself, “Why not just use the creativity God gave me to start a business?” At first, I overcomplicated it… but I have 101.7K followers on TikTok… it shouldn’t be that hard! We all do it, we overcomplicate things and my head had smoke coming out of it. It was like a WHOLE chimney.
But eventually I realized it’s actually pretty simple: Do what you love. Walk in your purpose. Inspire others.
Now I make in a week what I used to make in a month. And instead of crying on the way home from work, I get to wake up excited every day, doing what I love.
The lesson? Don’t mistake “blending in” for success. Sometimes the “silliest” mistake is ignoring your real gifts and that turns into the greatest teacher of all.
Ok. Let’s now move to the main focus of our discussion. For the benefit of our readers, can you explain why you are an authority about Social Media Marketing?
I’ve been in this space since I was 10 years old. From the beginning, I saw where digital design and social media were heading even when others didn’t.
My expertise doesn’t come from textbooks, but from years of testing, failing, and succeeding. I’ve built my career through listening to clients, audiences, and cultural shifts. Because in this field, if you don’t listen, you can’t succeed.
When I launched Eleable™, many people told me it was a waste of time. Today, it’s a global Digital Design Psychology studio proof that trusting your vision pays off.
I’ve also learned the power of balance: humility to keep learning, and discernment to stay true to your own path.
Too many people approach social media as if it’s about them. But real impact comes from being purpose-driven, problem-centered, and solution-oriented. My mentor John D. Allen always says: ‘Fall in love with your prospect’s problem.’ That’s the principle I live by because it’s not about surface-level likes, it’s about creating solutions and leaving a legacy.
Which social media platform have you found to be most effective to use to increase business revenues? Can you share a story from your experience?
Honestly, TikTok has been huge for me, and now I’ve really come to enjoy Alignable too.
TikTok Influencer Marketing is such a powerful tool. I even got to partner with Afterpay at one point, and as a business owner, it drove real traffic back to my business. But more than that, I stay grounded in purpose. Every single purchase people make connects back to my bigger mission: supporting children in schools to love themselves, trust who they are, and walk in that truth with confidence.
What I’ve learned is this when you ground yourself in purpose, everything falls into place. When you follow love, you follow light, and when you give that love and light back to the world, your path will always open up. You don’t have to live in fear or worry. Things align when you’re aligned.
Let’s get to the main question of our interview and talk about TikTok specifically. Can you please share five ways to leverage TikTok to improve your business? If you can, please share a story or example for each.
1. Be yourself. — I use TikTok to share my personal experiences with Autism and ADHD — not to “perform,” but to connect.
2. Don’t post to sell, post to serve. — When I make content, I’m not thinking, “How can I get people to buy?” I’m thinking, “How can I help the people who are aligned with me?” My focus is always on inclusion, love, and purpose.
3. Solve someone’s problem. — I’m here to help others feel seen, included, and loved — especially those who feel like they don’t fit the mold.
4. Move with purpose. — Every TikTok I post is grounded in love. I don’t chase trends or ego; I create with intention and heart.
5. Stay consistent — and vet yourself. — Yes, I like my own TikToks. Why? Because I value my work. When you genuinely believe in what you create, that energy shows. If someone doesn’t like it, that’s okay — I keep posting anyway. Growth happens when you trust yourself first. When you value your content, others learn to value it too. At the end of the day everyone is just a reflection of you.
What would you say is the specific advantage that TikTok has over other social media platforms, like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook? Can you please explain with an example?
TikTok has a very specific advantage over other platforms like Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Facebook: it’s personable. It’s authentic. People say what they want. And yes — IG, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook all let people say what they want too, but TikTok? TikTok is the most unfiltered, the most raw. Everyone is just their authentic self and I LOVE IT.
What I really love about TikTok is that it’s also a great space for activism. I’m an activist at heart, and TikTok has given me a platform where purpose-driven voices can be amplified. It’s not just about building an audience, it’s about creating impact.
The biggest mistake people make is thinking all platforms are the same. Each one has a unique audience. From a digital brand strategist and psychology perspective, you don’t have to change who you are, but you do need to understand the different audiences and tailor your approach for each crowd. TikTok works best when you lean into authenticity, relatability, and purpose that’s what makes it stand out from the rest.
There are some critics who say that fact that TikTok is owned by a Chinese company, creates a risk to people in the US. How would you answer that?
I think everything in life poses some kind of risk. But if you live in fear, you’ll never move forward — fear only pulls you backward. For me, it’s about setting my intention on the greatness and the good that can come from something. TikTok has given me a platform to build community, spread love, and create impact — and that’s what I choose to focus on. I trust that things will work out for good, and I’d rather move in love and purpose than get stuck in fear.
Because of the position that you are in, you are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I want every single autistic person to be understood. I want to break stereotypes and change the system. I want people to trust in light and love, to know who they are, and who God has called them to be.
I am a proud supporter of anti-bullying, and I’m grateful to partner with Jess Toft and Bully Buddy. Together we’re building an AI tool called Assessment Buddy — more info soon. My mission is to show that you can be an excellent role model without following darkness or evil.
The world often teaches autistic people that we need to change ourselves, mask who we are, and follow paths that don’t belong to us. But the truth is: we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
This mission is personal to me. Growing up, I was bullied so severely I was told to end my life. I could have lost my life. Instead, I chose to love myself, own who I am, and build something that would help others feel seen. That’s why accessibility isn’t just a checkbox for me, it’s a lifeline. Through ADA and WCAG-compliant design, I create digital spaces that don’t shut people out but invite them in. Inclusive design can literally save lives, because when people feel seen, heard, and accommodated, they have a reason to stay.
I want to be a role model for all ages, showing that it’s okay to love yourself and be yourself — unapologetically. I believe in living with humble boldness, leading with kindness, and embodying both light and strength in everything I do. My goal is simple: to make spaces online and offline where no one feels they have to hide, mask, or disappear, and where love and accessibility go hand in hand.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them 🙂
When I was younger, I would have said Selena Gomez — and I still love her. But now, I really admire Angela Bassett. She’s such an incredible human being and a huge inspiration to me. I love how motivational she is, and the way she carries herself with full authority — like, “don’t mess with me, but I’m still love and light.” That balance of strength and compassion is everything.
How can our readers best continue to follow your work online?
My business, Eleable.com, has all my socials and everything, updates and all… that’s where I spend a lot of my time. But no matter where you look — TikTok, Instagram, LinkedIn, Alignable — my username is always @iamgabeato. And yes, that was very intentional… because I am who I say I am.
Thank you so much for these great insights. This was very enlightening, and we wish you only continued success.