The #InterviewSeries is a collection of intimate discussions with womxn in the technical & digital spaces. They are entrepreneurs, developers, students, cyber-security experts, managers, designers, researchers and social media queens. The aim of the series is to increase the visibility of womxn in tech, to prove that no womxn's journey is linear & to celebrate their successes. Whatever your passion or skill or gender, there's something out there for you and these womxn prove that.
If you are a womxn in the digital or tech industries and you would like to share your story please fill out this form. If you happen to know someone you think should be featured, please either forward that form to them or email me onellabotting@cyberwomen.co.uk ♥
I’m marie, an indie maker and developer. I started to work on my own projects a few years ago. I’m working with Vincent and we built Threader together, a Twitter client that curates good threads and display them in a well-designed single view. I’m also the creator of Women Make, a community meant to support women makers.
Tell us a little bit about your journey into your role.
I think I always enjoyed making things but I wasn’t aware that it could mean being an entrepreneur. When I started coding, especially after an internship where I had to make an iOS prototype when I had no experience, I discovered I could actually make things on my own. And that’s what I did. I can’t say it’s always been easy and I surely made some mistakes on the way but that’s how we learn and I don’t regret it at all. I know that’s what I want to do.
How do you personally use technology in your day to day?
I know that’s not great but I spend most my day on my laptop. Like most people of our age today I do pretty much everything online now, either it’s coding, marketing, writing, moderating Women Make, animating our social accounts, sending a newsletter, talking with users, etc. I do everything from my computer. I’m also always listening music on Spotify.
What have been the best learning resources for you?
When I’m looking to something I just use Google. I also check Stack Over Flow and online tutorials for coding, mainly blog posts but also Youtube sometimes. Then if I know someone who might have the answer I ask them. I’ve never been a real fan of online courses that takes weeks to complete, or even IRL bootcamps and seminars. I think I have everything I need on the Internet.
As a woman, do you think you have faced any challenges that a man would not face in your position?
I did. I remember my internship boss who laugh when I told him I would pursue a career in tech. He told me that it is for boys. So it can be these kind of specific situations. But I think the most pernicious cases are often more subtle than that. And it can come both from men and women. It can be looks, attitudes, little comments in the everyday life. You don’t pay attention or minimize unconsciously, then later you’re like “wtf, I would not have allowed myself this kind of remark?!”. It takes time to changes these behaviors that are anchored in our society and daily habits.
What HAS been your biggest challenge to date?
I think it was not worrying anymore about what my family and friends could think of the path I took. I know they don’t really understand what I do but it’s okay. I was always trying to justify myself and explain them. I don’t anymore. I know I do what I want to do and that’s the most important.
Who makes up your support squad?
My first support is Vincent obviously. We started this journey together. He pushed me to do things and believe in me.
What’s your favorite piece of advice to offer entrepreneurial/ techy/ digital women?
Don’t be afraid of trying. Don’t be afraid to fail. And don't be afraid to try again. See the people you admire. They started somewhere and didn’t become successful from day one. You can do it too.
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My twitter: twitter.com/marie_dm_
My blog: https://twomakers.io
Threader: https://threader.app
Women Make: https://womenmake.com