It all started with loneliness and curiosity. My journey began as a lonely kid, trying to make sense of the world. Playing computer games turned into something much bigger when an online ad about earning money sparked my curiosity. That small moment set me on a path of learning, creating, and building something meaningful. Little did I know, this would lay the foundation for a career that’s been nothing short of transformative.
Key Takeaways
- Stay curious and persistent—it can lead you to unexpected opportunities.
- Learning by doing can teach you more than traditional methods.
- Failures are not the end but lessons that shape your future.
- Building something meaningful takes resilience and a vision for growth.
- Your beginnings don’t define your destination—how you navigate challenges does.
How It All Began
Back in 2013, when I was 11, I was just a lonely kid exploring the internet to beat boredom. One day, I came across an ad claiming you could earn money online. It turned out to be spam, but it got me thinking. I started looking up real ways to earn, and that’s how I found Paid-To-Click (PTC) websites. I earned my first dollar by clicking ads. It was small, but it was a big deal for me—my first taste of earning something on my own.
That experience was a gateway to a bigger realization: I could use the internet to build something of my own. Every small milestone felt monumental at the time, and it pushed me to explore new possibilities.
Finding My Love for Web Design
By 2015, I was hooked on improving things I saw online. Websites back then weren’t always user-friendly, and I thought, “Why can’t they look better?” That question led me to teach myself HTML and CSS through trial and error. I spent hours experimenting, building small projects, and learning what worked and what didn’t. It was challenging, but every success felt incredibly rewarding.
My first gig was a $3 homepage design. Though it wasn’t much, it gave me the confidence to keep going. I started offering my services online under the name “Designz5233,” but I soon realized the name wasn’t memorable. That’s when “UnikBrushes” was born. I chose the name because I’ve always believed in being unique, and I wanted my work to reflect that.
Growing UnikBrushes
Starting out as a one-man show, UnikBrushes grew over time. I began by offering affordable web design services on online forums, often underpricing my work just to build a portfolio. Slowly but surely, I started attracting more clients. I expanded into SEO and digital marketing, which added value to my services and helped me stand out.
Not everything was smooth sailing, though. A failed attempt to run my own PTC site was a tough but invaluable lesson. It taught me resilience and the importance of sticking to what I’m good at. UnikBrushes became my steady source of growth and learning, and over the years, I’ve worked with clients from various industries, including real estate, healthcare, and education.
Learning During the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic was a transformative period for me. While the world slowed down, I saw an opportunity to upskill. I delved deeper into digital marketing, mastering eCommerce development and WordPress design. This period was a game-changer for UnikBrushes, as I expanded our services and began taking on larger projects.
More importantly, it was during this time that I truly realized the power of adapting to change. The skills I learned during the pandemic set the stage for some of the biggest opportunities in my career.
Stepping into the Corporate World
In 2021, I decided to explore the corporate world. My freelancing experience helped me secure a remote job as a Web Designer and Developer. It was a big step, as it allowed me to work with a team and understand the dynamics of a structured work environment. Within months, I was promoted, taking on roles in SEO, digital marketing, and team leadership.
Working with a US-based company exposed me to new tools and workflows, broadening my perspective and skill set. It also taught me the importance of collaboration and how to balance multiple responsibilities effectively.
Starting LearnyHive
In 2022, I co-founded LearnyHive, a platform designed to help engineering students ace their exams. This was a personal project that combined my technical expertise with a desire to make education more accessible. As the CTO, I focused on optimizing our platform, managing a growing team, and implementing innovative marketing strategies. Over 10,000 students have used LearnyHive so far, and seeing the positive impact we’ve had has been incredibly fulfilling.
LearnyHive has also taught me invaluable lessons about leadership and teamwork. Building something from the ground up requires more than just technical skills; it’s about creating a vision and inspiring others to work toward it.
Joining Friendometry
Friendometry holds a special place in my heart because it addresses a problem I’ve personally experienced: childhood loneliness. When I had the chance to partner with them, it felt like coming full circle. I redesigned their website, worked on digital strategies, and aligned myself with their mission to help kids find meaningful connections.
This partnership has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey. Knowing that my work is helping children build friendships and improve their emotional well-being is deeply fulfilling.
“Success isn’t about where you start; it’s about how you keep going and what you learn along the way.”
What’s Next?
The journey is ongoing. From starting UnikBrushes to co-founding LearnyHive and joining Friendometry, every step has been about growing and helping others. I’m excited about what’s to come, whether it’s expanding existing projects or exploring new ventures. One thing’s for sure: I’ll continue to embrace challenges and learn from every experience.
Why I’m Sharing This
I’m sharing my story because I want to show that no matter where you start, you can create something meaningful. If I could turn loneliness into a journey of learning and building, so can you. Persistence and curiosity can take you a long way, and every small step forward counts.
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