Amanda Benadé - Web Developer | Aspiring Writer

About Me

Hi there! I'm a full-stack web developer, aspiring writer, perpetual student, and proud mom. I live in the beautiful town of Mossel Bay, South Africa, and my journey into tech started when I was 20. It's been a challenging road, but every twist and turn has shaped who I am today.

Amanda Benadé

I'm the director of a small web development company. I'm passionate about building websites that work beautifully and solve real problems. My specialty is working with PHP and MySQL, but my toolbox is packed with other skills, including:

  • Front-end development: (X)HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery, and AJAX.
  • Back-end development: PHP, MySQL, and frameworks like Laravel.
  • Formats and tools: XML, YAML, JSON, and Twig.
  • SEO: On- and off-page SEO strategies.
  • Graphic Design: Creating eye-catching designs.
  • CMS experience: Joomla, WordPress and October CMS.
  • Hosting expertise: DirectAdmin and CPanel/WHM Server Hosting and Management.

One thing about me? I'm a fixer. Got a problem? I'll dive deep, research, and find the best way to solve it.

I've always loved learning new things. While I've taught myself a lot, I've also built up my knowledge with formal education:

  • An Associate's Degree in Computer Science from the University of the People.
  • A Certification in SEO Specialization from the University of California, Davis (through Coursera).
  • A course in Tourism Management and that helps me understand customer experience and design.

For me, learning is a lifelong adventure, and I'm always curious about what's next.

Beyond the Code

When I'm not coding, I'm probably writing. I love crafting stories that inspire and connect people. Writing isn't just a side hobby; it's how I express myself and grow.

A Bit About Me

I'm an INT-J personality type, which means I'm all about strategy and innovation. Being a mom is a huge part of my life, and I'm also a proud cat person - they bring so much joy and mischief into my world.

My Motto

Every challenge is a chance to grow. Whether it's debugging tricky code or navigating life's ups and downs, I believe in facing things head-on, learning, and adapting. It's this mindset that keeps me moving forward, both in tech and in life. Refuse to be a victim, you make your own opportunities.

Thanks for stopping by! Let's connect - I'd love to chat, collaborate, or just share ideas.