Hello world!

I'm a former journalist turned frontend software engineer passionate about UI / UX. Currently exploring the Next.js rabbit hole in TypeScript and styled-components, whilst redesigning the Tray.ai website and documentation platforms to reflect the company pivot to AI.

Born in Tokyo with an early childhood in Germany, I have since spent most of my life in various parts of London.

From practicing piano all day at a high school for classical musicians, I unexpectedly found my way into journalism following a stint at Cambridge University interviewing politicians whilst earning my BA degree in Music.

After the initial years juggling different roles for Associated Press Television News HQ in London, I freelanced mainly as a video journalist covering human interest stories and writing on social affairs for outlets such as BBC, VICE, Channel 4 News, AJ+ among others.

During this time, I became fascinated with interactive documentaries - which subconsciously led me to develop strong opinions on web design.

A friend who spotted my ways informed me of opportunities in switching careers to software development from a different background; advice which unearthed a whole new world of engineering thought processes that I wanted to become proficient in.

Although some tears have been shed along the journey of learning JavaScript, I have not looked back since. Though I am busy learning on the job at the moment, hopefully in the near future I will have time to play around with some ideas around the intersection of current affairs and 3d web development using Three.js and WebGL.

Mari x