From Data Analyst to Building Kixara: My Unexpected Journey

It Started With Frustration

For years, I worked as a data analyst, building dashboards for healthcare and finance companies. I enjoyed the work and the structure that came with it.

But outside my 9–5, I kept seeing the same problem over and over again.

Small business owners would message me on WhatsApp saying things like, “I want a website but I can’t afford one,” or “I want to sell online but I don’t know where to start.”

The Moment That Changed Everything

A close friend who sells natural hair products tried to set up an online store. She paid a developer who disappeared. She tried using existing tools and got overwhelmed.

Eventually, she gave up. Watching that happen made one thing clear to me: the tools weren’t built for people like her.

Building While Learning

I didn’t have a product background or engineering skills. What I had was clarity on the problem.

I partnered with Emmanuel, a developer who shared the vision. We decided to start small — a simple way for small businesses to get online without stress.

The First Real Test

Launching was scary. We worried about everything — adoption, bugs, whether anyone would care.

But in the first week, 15 businesses signed up. That was all the validation we needed.

Feedback That Shaped Kixara

“Does this work for braiders?”

“Can photographers use this to showcase galleries and accept bookings?”

Those questions shaped the product. We stopped guessing and started listening.

Where We Are Now

Today, Kixara helps businesses launch online in under 3 minutes. We support service-based businesses like makeup artists, photographers, tutors, and fitness coaches.

The most rewarding part isn’t the product itself — it’s the messages from business owners who finally feel confident being online.

What This Journey Taught Me

You don’t need to start with all the answers. You need empathy, consistency, and the courage to begin.

Build for real people. Listen closely. Start before you feel ready.