It's been a wild ride, which lasted over 7 years. I've spent more time with my keyboard than my alarm clock. My Tech journey has mainly revolved around the ever-reliable JavaScript. React.js, Vue.js, Node.js – they're practically my virtual sidekicks. And I've traded the sunny beaches of Jamaica for the enchanting beauty of Medellin, the city of eternal spring. It might seem like an odd leap, but my fiancé and I couldn't resist the magnetic charm of this place. The culture, the people, and that unbreakable bond with nature. So here I am, a Jamaican soaking up Medellin's "eternal spring" vibes.
I have a secret life. Well, now it is not so secret anymore. I'm a bona fide eCommerce Developer. You've got a business itch? I've got the digital scratch. I've crafted online stores that practically wink at the customers. My code's been around the world, from local boutiques to global brands. And lately, I've decided to dive into the enchanting world of Data Science. Python and R are my new partners in crime. It's like learning a new dance – the "data cha-cha." And let's not forget my other pals in the coding playground: PHP, Clojure, and SQL. It's been a wild ride from JavaScript sorcery to a budding data magician, and I've loved every pixel of it.
My development journey started way back, when I was a Tech-savvy kid. My dad, a mechanical engineer, was always messing around with gadgets and gizmos. Those were the days when we bonded over video games and the cool mods he'd come up with. But here's the plot twist: despite growing up in a techy household, I decided to be the rebellious teenager and chase after becoming a lawyer. Go figure, right? Life, however, had its plans. Just as I was about to dive into Law School, things took an unexpected turn. My dad got sick, and supporting him became the most important thing. Sadly, he passed away, and my plans took a different route. Facing new challenges and tough choices, I found myself at a crossroads. Law school seemed financially impossible, so I took a leap into the world of online selling, specifically dropshipping. It turned out I had a knack for it and things started to click. Then came the real twist. The online store I built needed some serious technical work. But the platforms available back then slowed me down, as if I was using a bicycle to race in the Indy 500. So, I thought, "Why not give coding a shot?" Late nights turned into coding binges, fueled by determination and a little bit of frustration. I was learning as I went, fixing stuff, breaking stuff, and learning some more. It's crazy to think that was over 7 years ago. Life's a funny journey. From gaming with my dad to diving headfirst into coding, it's been an adventure full of surprises and unexpected turns.
Now, I'm embarking on a new chapter in Data Science. I'm pursuing formal education, aiming to blend my unconventional background with structured learning, and with my sense of excitement. Looking back, an additional aspect made me realize I had what it takes to be a developer. While growing up, my dad was my personal Tech guru. His knack for tinkering with gadgets and his love for video game mods were infectious. We'd spend hours together, figuring out how things worked and creating inventive tweaks. That "A-ha" feeling became addictive; it hit me like a lightning bolt. In moments like that, I realized I loved learning and problem-solving. It was all about the joy of problem-solving and the rush of making things work. It was like discovering a hidden talent I never knew I had. I didn't just want to use technology. I wanted to understand, manipulate, and build things with it. From then on, I knew I was meant to be knee-deep in lines of code and Tech challenges. And here I am, years later, still fueled by that same passion and excitement. One of the most persistent challenges I've encountered in my journey as a developer, and one that still lingers today, is something called “Imposter Syndrome”. It's that nagging feeling of not being worthy despite all the accomplishments and skills under your belt. You see, I've always been someone who's had to hustle and push forward to make ends meet. But on paper, it looks quite different. To friends and family back home, it appears I've achieved something remarkable. And in the professional world, colleagues are often impressed by my knowledge, skills, and expertise. Yet, here's the kicker – I'm entirely self-taught. When people find out, it's like a bombshell of amazement. But to me, it sometimes feels like I've barely scratched the surface. Imposter syndrome can be a real weight to carry. It's like constantly being held back by your self-doubt. It's the feeling that you don't belong in the room, that you're just faking it until you make it. It's a challenge that I've decided to confront head-on by sharing my story in this article. Acknowledging it, talking about it, and embracing it as a part of my journey are my ways of standing up to imposter syndrome. It's a reminder that it's okay to feel this way sometimes but not to let it hold you back.
I joined Proxify over a year ago. Currently, I'm in the market for a new full-time role. I've had some incredible experiences here at Proxify, and I collaborate with a few outstanding clients on a long-term, part-time basis, providing consultations. Most of my clients are situated in the US, but I also have clients in Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and more. Proxify simplifies the hiring process for new clients, making it super easy. I enjoy teaming up with them because they connect me with remarkable brands, interesting individuals, and an incredibly fun internal team. What I appreciate about Proxify is the consistency within the network. Since joining, I've consistently had solid engagements with clients on their platform. Thanks to Proxify, I find myself in Medellin, working remotely. This setup allows me to relish the world without compromising my financial goals. I can power through a sleepless night only to wake up amidst the serene mountains and embark on a quick hike. How do I envision Proxify aiding me? It will accomplish this by linking me with growing companies where I can glean insights from existing teams and garner practical, real-world experience.
Currently, I'm juggling a handful of Shopify clients. In one instance, I'm completely revamping their storefront. In another, I'm pushing the boundaries with Shopify Hydrogen, crafting a bespoke headless e-commerce experience that involves Next.js and the storefront API. It's akin to constructing a digital playground where the rules have been rewritten. On a separate note, I'm collaborating with an exceptional German brand. Together, we're developing a customized Shopify App slated for the public AppStore. It's like crafting a technological marvel that's on the cusp of setting sail. The adventures don't conclude there. I also have personal side projects in the mix. I'm diligently working on an iOS Manga App, set to grace virtual shelves this November. I'm establishing a gateway to an alternate world – one adorned with enthralling narratives and vivid visuals. And there's more. I'm in the process of creating an embedded product recommendations quiz builder. The focus is on enhancing the Average Order Value (AOV) by engaging customers in a playful and interactive manner. It aimes to provide them with a personalized shopping assistant, all without the accompanying awkward elevator music. So, you could say I'm immersed in a diverse array of projects, spanning from crafting digital storefronts to forging new realms in the world of Technology. As for advice to new developers, I'd direct your attention to a renowned saying from my home country: "Every child must learn, every child will learn." Regardless of our age, we are all perpetual learners. We should continually strive for learning and approach novel challenges and situations with an open mind. Your attitude towards learning serves as the differentiating factor between achieving success and simply getting by.