the long version
The big sis you call when it’s chaos.
I’m Malificent. I’ve worked in the messy middle of startups, burned out, went freelance and rebuilt my work on my own terms. This is where I pass along what I learned.
Startups taught me to figure it out
Most of my career has happened inside startups, and I’ll be honest: it’s been CHAOTIC. Don’t know how to write that report? Figure it out. Don’t know the international regulations around data privacy? Look it up, buttercup.
What I learned is that looking things up isn’t enough. You have to do your due diligence and connect with the people who actually know. That habit made me adaptable in damn near everything, and it’s the backbone of how I help founders today.
I’ve spent my career at fintech and data startups, mostly as a systems integrator: the person who gets a bunch of different systems talking to each other and makes sure the data actually flows where it needs to go. Next up, I’m stepping into a new role as an operator at a beauty startup.
Then I burned out
Startups also taught me exactly what burnout feels like. I’m a recovering burnt-out W-2 employee, and at some point I decided I wanted to build work that fit my life instead of the other way around.
So I went freelance
Freelancing gave me room to grow my skills, choose my clients and actually rest. I still hear that nagging voice that says I’m not doing enough. We’re working on that, though.
My friends and I have a running joke called “useful amnesia”: conveniently forgetting the to-do list long enough to relax and heal. Turns out it’s one of the most important business skills I have.
What I believe
- Being adaptable beats having a perfect plan.
- Cash isn’t always king. Know your equity, your rates and your worth.
- Side income is a safety net, especially for women in a shaky job market.
- Ask the people who know. Due diligence beats guessing.
- Rest is part of the work, not a reward for finishing it.
What I do now
I help early-stage startups get their operations in order, and I coach women who want to land freelance clients and get paid what they’re worth. If either of those sounds like you, let’s talk.