I majored in English with an emphasis on creative writing. In my senior year I took a few classes in computer science and realized my love for tech. After taking some data algorithm and structure classes in my final year, I got a job as a principal software engineer with a healthcare startup in NYC. I got into the technology industry late - I did not even graduate with a degree in Computer Science. I wanted to spread awareness about the industry, challenge gender stereotypes around tech, and just show what an incredible, exciting industry this is to work with so others wouldn't have the late learning rush I did. So I started an Instagram account, blog and tee shirt company that are all focused on sharing what a day in the life of a software engineer is like, spreading awareness about tech, and sharing knowledge in the industry.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
My biggest hurdles were around spreading awareness (gaining traction) and just learning to optimize everything in my business so I could fit it into my schedule (I also work a full time job). I’ve come a long way since I started, and I think the most important thing for me was to focus on processes- finding processes that allow me to automate tasks and be efficient.
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits?
How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
Not really, I think it is important to surround yourself with people who can support you and your passions. I also think being able to juggle work-life balance is important, so learn to make time for family and friends. That comes back to processes and productivity- when you’ve mastered those the balancing act is a lot easier.
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
Authenticity, hard work ethic, passion, productivity- those are some of the major factors that lead to my success.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
Make it easy to learn fast, fail fast and iterate.
What advice would you give to an upcoming young and old entrepreneur locally and internationally?
Find your passion, find healthy schedules, always iterate on all your processes, use technology and tooling to automate as much as you can, iterate and success takes time.
