I initially did a coding bootcamp, and I realized I enjoyed the design part a lot more than coding. After I graduated, I did a lot of free work for family and friends and even for equity in a startup until I was able to land my first paid freelance contract. Soon after, I apprenticed at Upperstudy, a design agency focused on early stage startups. I was placed on a startup Practica, an edtech marketplace where I was the founding designer. I worked at Práctica for a few years and the company was ultimately acquired by BetterUp. After that I worked at agencies, freelanced for many early stage startups and Webflow and now I’m back in-house designing for italki.

I often use v0, Replit and Bolt to prototype ideas. I use chatGPT constantly as a thought partner.

Often times, the job entails taking the messy ideas of non-designers and making them tangible and feasible.

Receiving feedback often makes me feel not good enough, even after 5+ years. Managing conflicting opinions and uncertainty. I deal with generalized anxiety so learning how to manage that in work contexts. I tend to rush to solutions, so it’s challenging for me to slow down in all aspects of my life.

That it will all work out, and don’t listen to people that doubt you.

I’ve sacrificed my health at times to meet the objectives of others. I would tell myself to slow down, and to prioritize my own health first.

I try to focus on the ultimate impact on people, and approach my work with love and empathy.