Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Analyn Braza. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Analyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you tell us a bit about who your hero is and the influence they’ve had on you?

My dad is the hero in my story, though a very silent one. From him, I learned the power of service, leading by example, and transcending my circumstances. Serving in the US Air Force, my dad wasn’t my biological father, but he was the soul who raised me for a bigger purpose. He was my soccer coach and the one who introduced me to a world of activities—from Brownies to soccer to martial arts. Through him, I was molded for discipline. As an honor student up until high school, he set high expectations, frowning at the mere thought of a C on my report card. He inspired me to overachieve, and I excelled in everything I did, from art class to Spanish class to NJROTC. He believed in my strength and knew I would thrive in the military. Even after experiencing trauma in the military and in my personal life, my dad was always there. Despite having his own emotions, he never showed them in front of my brothers and me. His resilience and unwavering forward momentum were lessons that shaped our lives. He would often tell us, “Oh well, keep moving forward,” a mantra that continues to guide us. My father passed away in October 2023, but his legacy lives on in the strength and determination he instilled in me.

Analyn, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My passion for web design ignited back in 1998. In 6th grade, I mastered typing at 72 words per minute, even as our computer class challenged us to learn the keyboard by touch. My fascination with technology grew when my dad connected us to AOL dial-up in high school. Our first computer, a Commodore 64, was my constant companion, and I spent countless hours playing Oregon Trail. My curiosity led me to dismantle and reassemble VHS tapes, always eager to understand how things worked.

One day, as I explored the internet on Netscape Navigator (one of the first browsers created), I stumbled upon something called “source code.” This accidental discovery opened up a new world for me. I began experimenting, copying and pasting code to see the magic of images rendering on my screen. Determined to delve deeper into this digital realm, I decided to join the Navy and pursue web design and development. Using my GI Bill, I earned my Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Web Design and Interactive Media from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division.

Today, I run a thriving web design and development business. As a solo entrepreneur, I leverage a network of resources, partners, and collaborative businesses to fuel my success. Alongside my main business, I create beadwork jewelry with my boyfriend Craig. My services have expanded to include web compliance solutions like Accessibe ADA compliance, Termageddon’s Privacy Policy pages, augmented reality, social media, PR, digital marketing, and my favorite: business automation. By creating automated systems, I help business owners reclaim precious time and streamline their operations.

What sets me apart is my ability to personally connect with clients and guide them in using technology as a powerful tool for their business. My business thrives on referrals, not just leads. I believe in building genuine relationships before offering my services, as they aren’t suitable for everyone. This approach fosters partnerships, not competition. I focus on creating win-win scenarios for both my partners and clients. If a client needs a service I don’t provide, I happily refer them to a trusted partner.

I take immense pride in helping my clients build their reputation and relationships. This focus has been the cornerstone of my business growth. I started freelancing after leaving the military in 2008, became a sole proprietor in 2018, and registered my business as an LLC last year. Despite numerous challenges, the support of mentors and trusted allies has fueled my growth. Growth is inevitable, and while many focus on the results, I embrace the journey it takes to get there.

I am proud of my journey and excited to offer my expertise and experiences to other business owners, helping them thrive and achieve their dreams.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Growing up, my father was my hero. Seeing him in uniform, a symbol of authority and respect, inspired me deeply. I joined the military to follow in his footsteps, craving that same sense of honor and strength. As a child in second grade, I was a little girl with a heart of gold, afraid of the pain that came with playing soccer. I often avoided the field, fearing getting kicked. However, watching my younger brothers play, fall, and rise again under my father’s encouraging words—”You’re alright, that pain is temporary, walk it off”—taught me invaluable lessons about resilience.

When I entered the military, I was prepared for challenges, but I couldn’t foresee the trauma that would reshape my worldview. Women in the military face unique vulnerabilities, and my personal struggles compounded my challenges. After my husband left me and I lost custody of my children due to postpartum depression, I became more vulnerable. I turned to alcohol to numb my pain, which led to a devastating assault by an officer on my ship. The fear and shame drove me to destructive habits, leading me to go AWOL and ultimately becoming homeless. I ended up driving to Los Angelese from Viriginia and my car broke down.

For a year, I was in survival mode, navigating a harsh reality that included helping a drug dealer, babysitting a former gang member’s kids, and escaping from a pimp. During my last days in LA, I encountered a homeless woman who changed my perspective. Despite her circumstances, she sang with joy. When I asked why she was so happy, she smiled and said, “Because I am still alive.” Her words resonated deeply within me.

Inspired by her resilience, I decided to turn my life around. I felt a strong urge to go home and face the consequences of my actions. A chance encounter at a gas station led to an unexpected win at a casino, providing me with the means to return home. This experience taught me that I am in control of my circumstances and that I have the power to change them.

Returning home, I turned myself in and was processed out of the military with my GI Bill still intact. This journey reinforced my belief that no matter the challenges, I have the strength to rise, rebuild, and thrive. My experiences have shaped me into a resilient and empowered individual, ready to face any obstacle with courage and determination.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

Becoming a web designer began as a side hustle, but it quickly turned into a passion that I embraced wholeheartedly. After my military service, I dove back into the world of websites. During my time in Virginia, I worked for a government contracting company while navigating my second marriage. Each job I took, I started from the bottom and rose to the top. From a receptionist to an Executive Assistant, I immersed myself in every facet of the company, learning how each department functioned—from Human Resources to Payroll, Accounting, and Business Development. Reflecting on it now, it feels like I was being molded to understand the intricate workings of a business. I truly enjoyed the journey.

In 2013, my family and I moved to Las Vegas, and I was immediately hired by an engineering firm. Starting as a receptionist, I eventually took on their website, automated their timesheet process, and transitioned their employees to Google Workspace. Despite personal challenges, including my husband’s struggles with alcohol, I persevered and completed my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in 2014. I left the firm in 2016.

Driving for Lyft in 2016 opened up new networking opportunities. By attending meetups and events, I expanded my professional circle. In 2017, a friend recommended me for a position at an architectural firm undergoing a merger. I thrived there as a project coordinator, bridging the gap between contractors and architects, and excelled in marketing, website management, and accounting. When the company began layoffs, I was the last to go, recognized as an invaluable asset.

In October 2018, I took a leap of faith and founded WebKitty. My experiences as a Lyft driver and at networking events helped me build relationships and a robust portfolio by offering free website builds. With WebKitty as my main focus, I developed systems to automate some services, allowing me to give back to the community. Now, I provide a free website each month to a nonprofit, conduct webinars, and train clients on business automation. My goal is to empower others to reclaim time for their business and family. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I am proud of the impact I’ve made.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://webkittycreative.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/webkitty.website/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/webkitty.website
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/webkitty
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/webkitty3
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@webkittycreative

Image Credits

Main photo headshot is credited to Michael Rogers photography https://michaelwrogersphotography.com/. Other photos were taken by my phone.