Zell

Heya, I'm Zell

Welcome to my corner of the internet. Thanks for stopping by :)

I’m a web developer and I’m in the process of creating a sustainable business that jives with the way I work — I’m still exploring what that means, while being careful not to burn myself.

Besides code, I’m deeply interested in psychology + human development. I’ve spent over the 10 years of my life learning about my psychology and how to develop myself.

Since 2023, I’ve been doing coaching work to help people unblock themselves and move towards their dreams.

My Unusual Journey

  • I studied finance in school, but taught myself how to code in the penultimate year.
  • Went freelance fresh out of school within 10 months of learning web dev.
  • Wrote my first book 2 years after I started learning code.
  • Gave conference talks and workshops in the next year.
  • Seth Godin told me "well said" for one of my talks. And that I didn’t embarrass myself in front of 400 people.
  • Somehow managed to stay afloat for more than a decade so I never had a traditional job
  • Built in a course-based business that earned close to $100k in annual sales at one point.
  • Over several years, I managed to coach my wife to a point where her ex-boss trusts her enough to cofound a new business venture with her! (She’s doing well now!)

Unfortunately, sales dwindled because I went dark for a while, so I’m no longer one of the top searches on Google. It’s difficult to get that back, especially in the AI age, so I’m pivoting to different business model. Wish me luck!

What I'm Exploring Now

I’ve been thinking about what to do ever since AI began to take over the planet. (Let’s face it, it’s here). At the very least, AI has cannibalized my course business — anyone can ask AI about code, so few people would buy another coding course.

So I’m back in exploration mode.

And here are a few things that I’m looking into:

  1. Creating unique courses where AI cannot replicate (like Unorthodox Tailwind).
  2. Building a component library (Splendid Labz) that’ll help me ship projects faster.
  3. Deep diving into AI to see what I can make out of it.
  4. Building applications and making businesses out of them
  5. Coaching people to help them unblock themselves and unravel their potential in life.

Ultimately, I’m looking to create sustainable and thriving businesses that works for me. I don’t think I’d ever want to stop growing, so I’d probably never stop exploring too.

Still Freelancing

While I’m not actively seeking freelance work, I’m always happy to work on interesting projects. Feel free to contact me if you want to work on something together!

Unorthodox Tailwind

A course that shows you how I use Tailwind and CSS to build amazing looking websites in (perhaps) half the time.

Find out more

Splendid Labz

A library of components that helps me build websites and applications quickly and effectively. This is built with Astro and Svelte.

Find out more

Life Coaching

We all have potential but we're trapped behind our stories and blindspots. I do a small part in unlocking the potential of the people I coach. Maybe yours too?

Find out more

Nice words from peers, friends, and customers

Geoff Graham

Geoff Graham — Chief Editor @ CSS Tricks

Zell is the rare sort of developer who both knows his stuff and can explain even the most technical jargon in approachable — and even fun — ways!

I’ve taken his courses and always look forward to his writing because I know I’ll walk away with something that makes me a better front-ender.

Geoff Graham
Heydon Pickering

Heydon Pickering — Web & Accessibility Extraordinaire

Zell is one of those rare people who commands tremendous knowledge and experience but remains humble and helpful. They want you to know what they know, not just be impressed by it.

In other words, Zell is a natural teacher. You’re lucky to have him because he feels lucky to be able to help you in your journey.

Heydon Pickering
Read other nice things people have said!

I've also been featured in the following publications

Follow My Journey

If you’re into making things and growing as a person, you’ll probably feel at home here.

I share what I’m learning on this newsletter — code, building businesses, and living well.

Sometimes I write about technical deep-dives, product updates, musings on how to live, and sometimes my struggles and how I’m breaking through.

Regardless of the type of content, I do my best to send you an update every week.
“

I’m always designing, aligning
Combining ideas, and always refining
I’m a real bright thinker and a genius when I tinker
With a love of problem-solving as a model canoe sinker

We’re failing fantastically, yes, we’re a mess
And we’re messing up drastically, falling on your face is the best
If you do it wrong, then you run another test
There’s really only failing, then learning, then death

— Loto, Moana 2