Hello, it's me
What I've been up to...
Hi friends!
Since I started writing this newsletter I have been…
[checks notes]
A brand strategy consultant
A pregnant person
A renovation project manager / interior designer
A NICU mom
A mom
A student — teaching myself JavaScript and React
And a working software developer
Over the past year I’ve been focused on two things: 1. putting everything I learned about coding into practice and learning so much more, and 2. becoming a better person (mom, partner, daughter, friend, etc etc).
On putting my coding skills into practice:
I’ve been contracting with a company called Silvershield, an AI-enabled platform to help families monitor their senior relatives' inboxes for fraud.
I’ve learned SO much building this platform from scratch (with some guidance from very generous engineers in my network, as well as a fractional CTO later on in development).
The day before I started the contract I thought I had made a mistake — when the full scope of how little I knew dawned on me I came very close to backing out. But now that I’ve done it, now that I have built something that works, and works well, I feel like I can build anything.
You can see more details on my website, which I also built, and used as an opportunity to learn some other new things like TypeScript and animations. Of course both the creative and developer in me have about 1000 improvements in mind but I’m proud enough to share it.
On becoming a better person:
As it turns out, trying to be a better person requires not just self-reflection, but also self-care — something I’ve never been very good at.
I have been working with a therapist, a dietician and sometimes a personal trainer.
I would have made time for exactly none of these things a few years ago.
My dietician (shameless plug for Culina, one of my husband’s portfolio companies) has helped me get more protein and fiber into my diet and lose the 15 pounds that had stubbornly persisted post pandemic/pregnancy and, importantly, have more energy to chase after a toddler that is part energizer bunny.
While the personal trainer hasn’t necessarily stuck, I did manage to get into a routine of 3-5 gym classes per week. Now I can actually do a few push-ups and am working to get stronger. A pull-up would feel like a huge accomplishment — watching my 2 year old do 8 in a row has been, let’s say, humbling.
As for the therapy, I have been uncovering some long-standing patterns especially around perfectionism and people-pleasing that I really do not want to pass along to Mirren. (I’ve been thinking of doing some writing on this — if you’d like to hear more about it, let me know.)
What’s next for life:
Doing more of the things I love — going to see live music (Charlie and I went to see Roisin Murphy recently and I’m hoping to see some jazz in August), seeing more art and getting involved with the arts community (I want to see the Jenny Holzer exhibit at the Guggenheim and I’m looking into joining the Young Collector’s Committee at the Brooklyn Museum), trying new restaurants, and making more time for friends.
I’m also slowly rekindling my relationship with fashion. Before I worked in fashion and got caught up in margins and sell-throughs, it was about joy and self-expression. I just bought two Dries Van Noten skirts on sale. He’s my favorite designer along with Miuccia Prada (both toe the line between odd and elegant so beautifully) and he’s retiring. They are both a little wacky and I can’t wait to wear them.
Also, more books and less screens.
What’s next for work:
I’m looking for a new job. I’ll soon be winding down my work with Silvershield and looking for a new software engineering role.
My focus has been on React and front-end languages and frameworks but I’m interested in full stack roles as well. It would be great if it’s an NY based company (hybrid or remote).
My main priority is working within a company and team that values learning and has the bandwidth to train juniors. I learned so much having to figure out everything on my own to build the Silvershield platform but now, to keep improving, I think I need to work within a larger team with some mentorship.
How you can help:
If you know any software engineers, especially if they are engineering managers, NY-based, or hiring junior developers, I would love an intro.
Okay, if you’re still with me, thank you again and I would love to hear from you — not just about job leads, but questions about anything I’ve been up to (work or personal), comments, your updates, anything at all.
Thank you for joining me on this wild ride.
Aja