Hi, I’m Carla, and my story is one of taking risks, learning on the fly, and embracing change. I had always been creative, but I never thought of myself as someone who could build a career in technology. In fact, for most of my life, I worked in marketing. I was good at it and enjoyed helping brands craft their voices, but something inside me always felt a little bit unfulfilled. I craved more—the challenge of creating something from scratch, the thrill of seeing an idea come to life in a digital space.

It all started when I was working for a mid-sized fashion brand. We had a small marketing team, and I was in charge of managing their website content. But the more I worked with the website, the more I found myself curious about how it all came together. I started learning about Website Development, mostly on my own, using online tutorials and forums to guide me. The first time I played around with HTML and CSS, I felt like I had uncovered some kind of magic. The control, the possibility to shape a user’s experience—it was all so exciting. At that moment, I knew I had to dive deeper into this world.

My first project was simple: a personal blog. I didn’t want to risk anything too complex, so I opted for a space where I could experiment without pressure. I spent weeks learning about Website Development, using platforms like WordPress and Joomla to create my site. I would stay up late at night reading about website customization, learning about responsive design, and discovering the importance of user experience. What began as a hobby soon transformed into an obsession. I was hooked. The more I built, the more I realized that this was where my true passion lay.

By now, I was getting feedback from friends and family who visited my blog. They were impressed by how clean and professional the site looked. That’s when it hit me: maybe I could take this to the next level and start working with clients. But there was a challenge—I didn’t know how to turn this new skill into a business. I still had my marketing job, but it was a lot of work to balance both. So, I decided to go all-in on Website Development. I invested in a few premium courses and started learning the ropes of professional web development. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I was ready to take the leap.

The first few months were tough. I had a couple of small freelance gigs, but nothing substantial. Then, I stumbled upon a startup that was looking for a freelance website designer. The project was perfect for me. It was a local coffee shop wanting to set up an online ordering system with the ability to display their menu, offer deals, and have a contact form for customer inquiries. I knew I could handle this project with the skills I had developed, so I applied, and after an interview, I was in.

This was my first real taste of how Website Development could turn into a profitable career. The owner of the coffee shop was thrilled with the results. The site was sleek, functional, and easy to navigate, and most importantly, it helped him boost sales. I used Joomla for this project, which allowed me to create a dynamic yet easy-to-manage system for the coffee shop. From there, word spread quickly. Other local businesses started reaching out, looking for websites of their own.

Fast forward a few years, and my small freelance career had turned into a full-time Website Development business. I now run a small team of developers, and we specialize in building websites for small businesses, from local retailers to boutique agencies. What’s most exciting to me is that no two projects are the same. Each client brings their own set of needs, challenges, and goals. And every project is a chance for me to stretch my creativity and problem-solving skills.

I can’t stress enough how important Joomla has been to my business. It has become my go-to platform for building professional, flexible, and easy-to-manage websites. One of the most important features I’ve come to rely on is the Joomla Hotel Booking System (HBS) component. I’ve built several booking systems for local hotels, bed and breakfasts, and even a couple of vacation rental properties. The system is so powerful, allowing owners to manage availability, rates, and bookings with ease. The intuitive interface makes it perfect for business owners who don’t want to deal with the hassle of complicated systems.

In addition to booking systems, I also love how Joomla gives me the flexibility to add customized modules and components. For example, one client needed a custom event calendar on their website to display upcoming classes and workshops. Using Joomla’s flexibility, I was able to create that and integrate it seamlessly into their website. This kind of custom work is what makes Website Development so rewarding—it’s not just about creating something functional; it’s about making it work perfectly for the client’s unique needs.

Over time, I’ve gained more confidence in my abilities. I’ve learned that Website Development is not just about writing code or designing layouts. It’s about understanding the client’s business, communicating effectively with them, and using the right tools to bring their vision to life. It’s about creating user-centric experiences that will help the businesses succeed in the digital space.

But my journey didn’t stop there. As my business grew, I started teaching Website Development to others. I began offering online tutorials and workshops for aspiring developers. I wanted to give back to the community that helped me get started. I realized that, in a way, my journey had come full circle. From being a curious beginner to now guiding others through the same process that transformed my life, it’s been an incredibly fulfilling experience.

Today, I’m proud of the business I’ve built, and I’m grateful for every step that brought me here. It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago, I was stuck in a marketing job that didn’t inspire me. Now, I wake up every day excited to help businesses grow through Website Development. Whether I’m building a simple portfolio site or a complex booking system, I’m doing what I love, and that’s something I never would have imagined when I first dipped my toes into web design.

If there’s one piece of advice I could give to anyone interested in Website Development, it’s this: don’t be afraid to take the leap. Start small, keep learning, and don’t be afraid of challenges. It’s not going to be easy, but the rewards are worth it. I never thought I’d make a career out of building websites, but here I am, doing just that—and I wouldn’t change a thing.