Chapter 1: Introduction to My Journey

Hello everyone! I’m Mia, and after dedicating years to freelancing online, I’ve launched my own web and software development business, Curie & Co (@curieandco on Instagram). A special shoutout to my dog Curie and my rabbit Coco for inspiring the name of my company. When I’m not battling pet hair, I’m focused on empowering solo entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations through technology. I’d like to share some insights from my tech journey, particularly for those venturing into the freelance realm.

My journey into client work began on the iconic website of the early 2000s: Neopets. I marketed myself as the ultimate designer for Neopet guild pages, similar to the static HTML/CSS customizations popular on Tumblr. While many of you may have dealt with clients paying in dollars, euros, or even bitcoin, my youthful clientele of 8 to 12-year-olds compensated me with something far more precious… Neopoints.

While I wouldn’t call my 9-year-old self a successful freelancer, it was here that I learned an essential rule of freelance design: the importance of clear expectations and strong communication. Even in the vibrant world of Neopets, grasping the client’s vision and truly understanding their brand was critical. This understanding allowed me to create guild pages that truly reflected their essence.

Fast forward to the present, and that principle remains unchanged. I continue to immerse myself in my clients' worlds and strive to be an integral part of their teams. The key difference now? My compensation comes in the form of U.S. dollars, which is the corporate equivalent of Neopoints. Who knows, with the rise of Bitcoin, maybe Neopoints could make a comeback!

Chapter 2: From Neopets to Real-World Freelancing

After my Neopets days, high school introduced me to a more 'traditional' form of freelancing—building websites for my classmates’ parents. This phase was a pivotal moment for me, as I had real clients who paid with actual money. Most of these clients were family, friends, or the technology-challenged parents of my peers who needed assistance creating Facebook pages for their businesses.

These high school projects provided a comfortable environment — clients were understanding, deadlines were flexible, and the stakes were relatively low. It felt cozy, safe, and included incredibly patient clients. However, as anyone who has worked with family knows, it wasn’t without the occasional “client” disagreement.

As I prepared to move to Boston to study biology and computer science at Northeastern University, I faced a new reality. Leaving behind my hometown client network meant I was now a small fish in the expansive Boston tech ecosystem. Consequently, I turned to freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr to start anew.

On these platforms, the landscape was drastically different. The stakes were higher, and clients varied from highly professional to… well, let’s just say, less so. My youthful optimism combined with a lack of experience resulted in some challenges. There were instances where my eagerness to please was exploited, and moments where an older, more experienced individual would have recognized the warning signs I overlooked. While I was legally an adult, that didn’t equate to the wisdom often required in business dealings.

Though some experiences were frustrating, they accelerated my growth and adaptability. I learned the invaluable skill of setting boundaries the hard way. One client represented an organization focused on women’s empowerment, which seemed like a perfect match. A driven, young female coder partnering with a group dedicated to uplifting women? A dream scenario, right? Unfortunately, it didn’t unfold that way.

They approached me with what appeared to be a straightforward project: transferring content from their old website to a new WordPress theme—twenty pages, they claimed, at a fixed price, with no extra design work required. However, upon diving in, I discovered it was closer to 100 pages! I went the extra mile, attributing the oversight to a simple mistake.

After I delivered the site, they requested extensive customization despite our initial agreement. A flurry of passionate messages ensued, with them claiming that because the contract mentioned “design,” they were entitled to unlimited revisions—forever. Yes, they actually used the word “forever.”

This experience was a harsh lesson in establishing clear terms, managing expectations, and, crucially, protecting my time. Such encounters were rites of passage that honed my instincts and taught me the necessity of clear communication, reinforced by a solid contract. Ultimately, I did learn a lesson in empowerment, as I became a stronger advocate for myself.

Chapter 3: Key Takeaways from My Freelancing Experience

Whether you're dealing in Neopoints or negotiating in Bitcoin, the fundamental lessons remain consistent. Clear communication, setting boundaries, and embodying your client’s vision are universally applicable skills.

Even a challenging gig can impart invaluable lessons. Take it from me: every project, every client, every late-night coding session contributes to your growth as a developer and an entrepreneur.

So, whether you’re just beginning your tech journey or you remember the days when Internet Explorer was cutting edge, never cease learning. The landscape may shift—new programming languages, AI tools, and digital currencies will emerge—but the goal remains the same: to create, to solve problems, and to grow.

Thank you for joining me for this discussion… or perhaps I should say, my Medium article. Until next time, keep your code clean and your freelancing contracts even cleaner!

Follow me on Instagram @helloitsmia.tech and tune into my podcast, "Technically, a Podcast," for more insights into my tech journey.