From Stay-at-Home Mom to Web Developer: Lessons in Building a Successful Business

When I first became a stay-at-home mom, like many women, my world revolved around raising my children and managing my household. I loved every second of it, but I also found myself intrigued by the rapidly growing world of the internet. The late 90s and early 2000s were an exciting time, with technology advancing and the possibilities of what one could create online expanding daily. That’s when I discovered my passion for web development, a hobby that has since turned into a successful business.

The Beginning: Curiosity and Creativity

As a young mom, I found myself fascinated by the idea of building something from scratch on the internet. The idea of typing text into an editor and seeing it transform into something visually pleasing and functional on the screen captivated me. I had no formal training or background in technology, but I was determined to figure it out.

My first websites were simple—pages dedicated to my family, newsletters that kept relatives up to date on our lives, and fun pages about movies and bands I loved. These projects might have seemed small, but for me, they were a stepping stone into a much larger world of possibility.

I quickly realized that web design combined my love for creativity with my growing technical skills. I found myself spending any spare moment learning about HTML, CSS, and early design tools. It was a steep learning curve, but one I embraced wholeheartedly.

Turning Passion into Purpose: Web Development for Good

As my children got older, I began to take on small web design projects for my church and charitable organizations I supported. These projects allowed me to not only improve my skills but also give back to causes I believed in. The sense of purpose that came from combining my web development skills with something that could help others was deeply fulfilling.

In the early days, these projects didn’t pay much—if anything at all. But they provided invaluable experience and helped me build a portfolio of work that I could later show to prospective clients. More importantly, it gave me the confidence that I could use my self-taught skills to not only help others but also bring in a little extra money to support my family, whether it was for Christmas gifts or unexpected expenses.

From Side Hustle to Full-Time Business

As the years went by, I took on more projects, gradually moving from volunteer work to paid jobs for small businesses. By this time, I had developed a strong foundation in web design and development, learning everything from SEO basics to responsive design. I watched as web development evolved, staying ahead of trends and constantly updating my skills.

What started as a way to create something fun had grown into a legitimate side business. I never stopped being a stay-at-home mom, but I also learned how to balance family life with work. In fact, my role as a mother taught me crucial lessons in organization, time management, and flexibility—skills that have served me well in my business.

Eventually, I decided to formalize my efforts and launch Great Salt Lake Web Design, a business dedicated to helping small businesses establish their online presence with affordable, fast, and reliable websites. I knew that, like me, many small business owners had limited budgets and were looking for a simple, cost-effective solution. That’s why I made it my mission to offer transparent pricing, personalized service, and 24/7 support—without the red tape of big agencies.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

1. Passion and Curiosity Are Powerful

   I didn’t start with a formal background in technology, but my curiosity drove me to learn. If you’re passionate about something, don’t be afraid to dive in, even if you don’t know everything yet. You’ll learn along the way.

2. Balancing Family and Work Is Possible

   Being a mother is the most important role in my life, but I’ve also found ways to pursue my passion and support my family. Flexibility and good time management are key to making it all work.

3. Small Steps Lead to Big Progress

   What started as a fun hobby evolved into a successful business, but it didn’t happen overnight. Each small project built my skills and confidence, eventually leading me to where I am today.

4. Building Relationships Is Just as Important as Building Websites

   I work exclusively with small businesses because I believe in the power of family and community. My clients aren’t just customers—they’re partners in business, and I value the personal relationships I’ve built with each one.

A Bright Future

Looking back, I never would have imagined that teaching myself web design as a young mom would lead me to where I am today. But I’m grateful for every step of the journey, and I’m excited to continue growing Great Salt Lake Web Design. My goal has always been simple: to do what I love while supporting my family. And I believe that with hard work, passion, and a commitment to helping others, that’s exactly what I’ve achieved.

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