building in public: lessons from my journey
reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of building products while sharing the process transparently with the community.
building in public isn't just about sharing your progress—it's about creating authentic connections with people who care about your journey.
when I started my first startup, I was hesitant to share the struggles. I thought vulnerability would be perceived as weakness. But the opposite happened. By documenting the real challenges—the late nights, the failed experiments, the moments of doubt—I found a community of builders who resonated with the journey.
the feedback loop became invaluable. People shared their own experiences, suggested solutions, and became early users who genuinely cared about the product's success. This transparency created a sense of ownership and partnership that you can't buy with marketing dollars.
of course, there's a balance. Not everything needs to be shared publicly. But the core lesson remains: authenticity builds trust, and trust builds sustainable relationships with your audience and customers.
building in public taught me that the best products aren't built in isolation—they're co-created with a community that believes in your vision.