Finding My Way into Tech

I’ve been lucky to have worked on some pretty interesting projects—like building tiny houses for people experiencing homelessness in Oakland, designing shoes with high school students in San Francisco, and bringing people together to arrange floral mandalas as a cultural ambassador. My background is in industrial design, and I was working with 3D printers and laser cutters at an art university and mentoring students before the pandemic.

When the pandemic hit, I lost my job and could not go back to other jobs I had done before. Thankfully, not long after, I joined a startup where I inspected 3D eyewear models and helped build a virtual try-on catalog. I was mostly doing QA, testing the product, but I also suggested new features and improved workflows with the goal of enhancing the overall results. Many of my ideas were implemented, and that’s when I realized I wanted to gain a better understanding of how digital products are built and explore different roles in tech. But honestly, I didn’t know where to start or what skills I needed.

While working from a coworking space, I made friends with people from different industries, some working for themselves and others for remote-first companies. One of them, a data analyst, gave me some great advice over coffee. He told me about free resources I could use to learn UX design and front-end development and reassured me that I didn’t need a formal degree to transition into these roles—just curiosity and drive. That was a turning point. As J.R.R. Tolkien said, “Little by little, one travels far.” I took his advice, dove into coding and design, and found myself challenged but completely hooked.

My Tech Journey

My background is in industrial design. I had the chance to help build tiny houses for people experiencing homelessness, design shoes with high school students, and arrange floral mandalas, among other projects. I also worked with 3D printers and laser cutters at an art university as a technician.

When the pandemic hit, I joined a startup where I inspected 3D eyewear models as a QA helping build a virtual try-on catalog. Also, I contributed by suggesting new features and improving workflows. I realized I was good at it and really enjoyed the process. This sparked my curiosity about how digital products are built. Later, I dove into UX design and front-end development with the help of friends I met at a coworking space, and soon found myself hooked.

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.'”

*Mary Anne Radmacher

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.'”

 

*Mary Anne Radmacher

Moving Forward

As a first-generation Latina, turning challenges into opportunities I felt like practicing what I had learned and I started a digital freelance business called Brandmade, helping small businesses build brands and connect with clients. I believe design is about asking questions and creating solutions that are both meaningful and practical.

I have found in remote work a better alignment with wellness and the chance to learn about innovation and cultural knowledge traveling as a digital nomad. I’m always on the lookout for fresh ideas, and I hope to join a team that values growth and community.

What Defines Me

☘︎ Curiosity

☘︎ Perseverance

☘︎ Equanimity

☘︎ Interconnectedness

One foot in front of the other

As a first-generation Latina, I’ve learned how to turn challenges into opportunities—at least, that’s what I thought when I started offering freelance services to friends, family, and anyone I crossed paths with. That’s how Brandmade was born. I help small businesses build their brands, refine their offers, and connect with their ideal clients. What drives me is seeing people feel empowered as their ideas take shape and their goals become clearer. Over time, I’ve realized that many business challenges come from a lack of research or missing the chance to offer something truly unique. For me, design is about asking the right questions and understanding the context—it’s not just about making things look good. I focus on working smarter, with intentional strategies that make sure service and visual identity align in a way that’s meaningful and practical. My goal is always to create offers that are both personable and substantial, and that feel authentic.

The freedom of remote work allows me to balance my career with wellness, keeping me energized and clear-headed. Traveling as a seasonal digital nomad has opened my eyes to countless ways to solve problems and rethink how we approach life. When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking, riding motorbikes, or attending tech events—always on the lookout for fresh ideas and new connections. My goal is to join a forward-thinking team that fosters a healthy, reciprocal work community where we can all grow together.

Values that drive me:

☘︎ Curiosity    ☘︎ Perseverance    ☘︎ Equanimity    ☘︎ Interconnectedness