When I was in primary school, around 11-12 years old in 2013-2014, I’d come back home early, feeling bored and alone. My computer became my best friend. Thank God I had a computer and a decent internet connection at home. One day, while playing games on my computer, I got bored and decided to look for new games to download. That’s when I stumbled upon an ad that said, “Earn $ in less than a day online.” It caught my attention, but it turned out to be spam.
Still, the idea stayed with me. I opened a new tab and Googled “How to earn money online,” and boy, that’s where it all started. I got hooked on exploring how I could make something of my time on the internet. That day changed everything for me.
Key Takeaways
- Loneliness can be a powerful motivator for self-discovery and innovation.
- Small beginnings can lead to life-changing opportunities.
- Passion, coupled with persistence, can turn challenges into stepping stones.
Where Amar Karthik’s Journey Started: A Spark of Curiosity
Back in 2013, as an 11-year-old in primary school, I often found myself returning home to an empty house. With few friends and a lot of time on my hands, my computer became my closest companion. One fateful day, while I was exploring the web, a seemingly trivial ad about earning money online captured my attention. Though the ad itself turned out to be spam, it ignited a spark that would define my life.
Fueled by curiosity, I Googled “How to earn money online” and stumbled upon Paid-To-Click (PTC) websites. These platforms offered a few cents for watching ads—a modest start but one that gave me my first taste of online income. After weeks of relentless effort, I earned my first dollar. It may have been small, but to me, it was monumental. It proved that the internet held untapped opportunities waiting to be explored. I couldn’t help but wonder, “What more can I achieve here?”
How I Discovered a Passion for Web Design
As I delved deeper into PTC websites, I noticed a glaring issue—their poor design. Navigating these sites was a challenge, and their aesthetics left much to be desired. Intrigued by this problem, I began researching web design. At 13, armed with nothing but curiosity and determination, I taught myself HTML and CSS through trial and error.
By 2015, I started honing my skills, and soon, I realized I had a knack for creating visually appealing and functional websites. My first project came in 2016, when I offered my design services on an online forum under the pseudonym Designz5233. My first client, though hesitant, allowed me to design a logo and banner for free. The client’s appreciation and satisfaction fueled my confidence, and I knew I had found my calling.
As time passed, I noticed my work was improving. Every small project taught me something new. Even when I struggled, I never felt like giving up. Instead, I treated each challenge as an opportunity to learn.
The Birth of UnikBrushes
In May 2016, at the age of 14, I rebranded my budding web design venture as UnikBrushes. The name symbolized my desire to create unique, impactful designs. Through UnikBrushes, I took on diverse projects—from designing PTC websites to creating logos for small businesses. Despite facing setbacks, such as a failed attempt to start my own PTC website, I never gave up. Every challenge was a lesson, shaping me into the professional I am today.
What I loved most about UnikBrushes was how it allowed me to meet people from all over the world. I worked with small business owners, startups, and even a few large organizations. Each project brought new experiences, and I thrived on the creative energy it gave me.
How I Expanded Horizons During College
Fast forward to 2019, my college years marked a turning point in my career. I expanded UnikBrushes’ offerings to include WordPress design, SEO, and digital marketing. By this time, I was collaborating with clients across industries, from healthcare to real estate. The COVID-19 pandemic, while challenging, became an opportunity for growth. I upskilled in eCommerce development, social media marketing, and advanced SEO strategies, laying the groundwork for my future endeavors.
College was also the time when I learned to juggle multiple responsibilities. Balancing studies, freelance projects, and personal growth was no small feat, but I managed it. Every late night and early morning was worth it because I knew I was building something meaningful.
Professional Growth and New Ventures
In 2021, I officially registered UnikBrushes as a company and built a team of talented professionals. Together, we offered a wide array of services, including UI/UX design, branding, and digital marketing campaigns. My professional journey took another leap when I joined a US-based company as a Web Designer and Developer in 2022. Over time, I climbed the ranks, taking on roles in HR management and project leadership.
During this period, I also co-founded LearnyHive, an educational platform aimed at helping engineering students excel in their academics. As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), I applied my technical expertise and leadership skills to develop and manage the platform, which has since supported over 10,000 students.
What made LearnyHive special to me was its mission. Knowing that I was helping students succeed felt incredibly rewarding. It was one of those projects that reminded me why I started my journey in the first place.
Embracing New Challenges
In 2024, I took on another exciting opportunity with Friendometry, a platform dedicated to combating childhood loneliness by connecting parents to facilitate in-person friendships for their children. This mission resonated deeply with me, given my own experiences. As a partner, I now oversee digital marketing, SEO, and strategic growth initiatives for the platform, channeling my skills to make a meaningful impact.
Friendometry was more than just a project for me. It was a way to give back and help children who felt the same way I did growing up. Knowing that my efforts could make a difference in their lives filled me with purpose.
Final Thoughts on my Journey
My journey, like many others, began with a spark of curiosity and a desire to overcome personal challenges. Today, as I reflect on how far I’ve come, I’m reminded of a simple truth: every step, no matter how small, contributes to the bigger picture. As I continue to grow and explore new opportunities, my mission remains the same—to inspire, create, and give back.
Thank you for being a part of my story. If you’d like to connect or learn more, feel free to reach out through my website or social media channels.
