2025: The year consulting wasn't the only thing

For the first time, I built things that can stand on their own.

Hey friends,

Sometime this fall, I noticed something I hadn’t planned: money was coming in that had nothing to do with my calendar.

Not a lot. Consulting still pays the bills. But for the first time in my career, it wasn’t the only thing. A book sale here. A library purchase there. A few paid newsletter subscriptions trickling in.

None of it was life-changing on its own. But together? It felt like proof that maybe, just maybe, I could build things that work without me. Here’s what each one taught me.

Creating is easy. Polishing is the real work.

My book taught me that creating is easy but polishing is the real work.

Writing came naturally. I could bang out chapters without much friction. But editing? Revising? Working with my editor to turn rough ideas into something actually publishable? That was brutal.

I’m so grateful to the team at Pragmatic Programmers for pushing me through it. But wow, the gap between a draft and a finished book is enormous.

People will pay for solutions, not just my time.

My Bridge Component library taught me that people will pay me for solutions, not just my time.

This was my first paid product for developers, and people are actually buying it! What I love most: it’s a one-time purchase, not a subscription. And so many of the ideas come from client projects. There’s something deeply satisfying about packaging what I learn into something the whole community can use.

My words have value beyond code.

My paid newsletter taught me my words have value beyond code.

This one surprised me the most. I knew people would pay for my consulting. But paying for my writing? For my perspective on building apps, running a business, being a parent while doing all of it? That still feels a little surreal. And it’s pushing me to explore more business, parenting, and solopreneur content in 2026.

Visibility creates its own momentum

My keynote at Rails World taught me that visibility creates its own momentum.

Mind-blowing is the only word for it. Giving a keynote at Rails World opened doors I didn’t know existed. Huge thanks to Amanda and the Rails Foundation for the opportunity. And honestly? I kinda love being on stage. But it’s a lot of work.

Looking back

A book people buy. A library people purchase. A newsletter people subscribe to. A keynote that lives on YouTube. What??

I didn’t plan any of it. I just kept saying yes to things that scared me.

And now, finally, I have the foundation of a business that can bring in revenue while I’m playing LEGO with the kids.

What about you?

What did you say yes to this year that scared you? I’d love to hear about it, leave a comment and let me know.

Here’s to more showing up in 2026! 🥳