Maia Hariton
Maia Hariton
Web Developer / Designer
Los Angeles, CA
www.maiahariton.com
twitter @maiahariton
instagram @maia_hariton
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I create beautiful and engaging websites for small businesses and individuals.”
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I moved to Los Angeles from France when I was 18 years old to study Political Science in college.
At that point my dream was to become a United Nations interpreter. When I graduated, I interned at a non-profit where I was asked to build their website and loved it! I spent a whole weekend learning how to setup a Squarespace website and realized that was what I wanted to do as a career. I spent the next year learning how to code and soon was hired as a software developer for a tech company in San Francisco.
I also freelanced as a web developer & designer on evenings/weekends. As I started to get more clients, I realized that I could do it as a full-time job while traveling the world.
I quit my job and decided to specialize in Squarespace and design. I now build websites on Squarespace and offer one-on-one workshops teaching people how to build their own website on the platform.
FOR OTHER PEOPLE IN YOUR FIELD, WHAT DO THEY USUALLY LACK?
Most of the people in my field impress me everyday, but if I had to pick something it would be that some get discouraged very quickly and give up on great opportunities because they don’t think they can do it.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
I am working on 3 different websites and setting up a workshop for people to learn how to build basic Squarespace websites for specific professions like yoga teachers, fitness trainers, etc…
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
Clean, clear, and modern. You can see that style on my portfolio.
WE ARE ALL SLASHIES WITH MULTIPLE SKILLS, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD DO MORE OFTEN?
Graphic design, I would love to learn how to work more efficiently with Photoshop.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
I am having a hard time attracting the ideal clients, who I would want to work with and who align with my values.
The tasks that keep landing at the bottom of my To Do list are learning Photoshop and expanding my services.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Online marketing so that I can reach more potential clients.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
To my 18 year old self: “Study what interest you and don’t think you can’t do it because everyone is telling you so.”
I wish I had studied computer science and graphic design much earlier so that I would have ended up working as a professional graphic designer and software engineer earlier in my life.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I would like to know what would be the best next steps for me to advance in my career as a web developer and designer.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
My ideal project right now would be to teach people how to build their Squarespace websites one-on-one.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
My ideal client would be someone who is clear in what he/she wants and is ready with the content/assets for the website. Great collaboration would mean that I can work with clients who are truly excited about setting up their website and are ready to have a chat about how they want it to happen.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
My hourly rate ranges between $60 and $75/hr for web development and design. I now offer two packages:
- A complete Squarespace website designed in one week starting at $3,000.
- A mini-website for those who don't need a big website starting at $1,000.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
The best way to contact me about working together would be to book a call with me.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Go outside and see the world.
This member profile was originally published in October 2017, Updated April 2018.