From Printed Code to Published Sites: My Journey into the Web

Long before I ever called myself a marketer, designer, or strategist, I was just a curious student with a tight budget, a printer, and a deep desire to understand how the internet worked.

It was the late '90s, peak dot-com boom, and I was studying computer science at a community college in Oregon while juggling side hustles and trying to build real-world skills in an industry that was evolving faster than any curriculum could keep up.

We didn’t have YouTube or Udemy back then. And while I was in school, I realized much of what I wanted to learn, especially about web development; wasn’t taught in my program.

So I improvised. I wasn’t allowed to take the company programming books home, so I printed out pages of HTML and JavaScript and studied them on my breaks, memorizing tag structures, functions, and behaviors like a second language. That’s how I taught myself to build websites... Page by page, line by line.

My first job was as a web developer - pure code. But I wanted to make things beautiful. After about a year, I started dabbling in design. This was before UX or UI were common terms. Back then, we called it information design, usability, or site architecture.

Over the years, I transitioned through roles: web designer, graphic designer, print designer, and eventually into marketing. In 2006, I officially broke into the marketing world. From websites to print ads, to radio spots and newspaper layouts; I helped brands find their footing online and offline.

What I didn’t realize at the time was just how rare it was to be a young woman in that room. I was often the only woman on the tech team, and usually the youngest. I had to learn to trust my voice in spaces that weren’t always welcoming, and to hold my ground when my curiosity or suggestions were dismissed.

My path wasn’t linear. I moved to Seattle, took on new roles, and eventually completed my Bachelor’s in Business Administration, building websites, brands, and campaigns the entire time. I borrowed books. I asked questions. I said yes to projects that pushed me. I followed my instincts even when I was still figuring it out.

From technical coding and e-commerce builds to brand storytelling and holistic marketing strategy — I’ve worked to understand the full digital ecosystem. And that mindset has never changed. It’s what allows me now to show up with confidence, range, and integrity in both strategy and execution.

Today, I help other small business owners, creatives, and changemakers step into their online presence with clarity and confidence. I mentor others the way I wish someone had mentored me. And I still roll up my sleeves when it’s time to build, refine, or launch something new.

This isn’t just a job... It’s a lifelong relationship with the web. And it all started with a printer, some borrowed code, and a belief that I could figure it out. I didn’t just learn about digital evolution, I lived through it. Because I’ve worn the hats. And I still do.

Feeling stuck or out of sync with your marketing? I’d love to hear what’s not working and help you find a more aligned path. Let’s have a free, no-pressure chat.