In 1996, while in college, fellow students were building websites, and that inspired me to create my own. Over Christmas break, I bought an HTML for Dummies book and taught myself to code, which led to building several sites for professors and the football team. That work became a steady way to earn money throughout college and as a side hustle in my small college town.

I have drawn all my life, so when I gained access to computers, I also learned digital graphic design and how to edit artwork and photography. I now fold this directly into my web design work, which means I can create custom visuals myself instead of outsourcing that part of a project.

For much of my adult life, I have moved in and out of poverty. Many circumstances kept me from growing my side hustle into a fully established business. At different points, I experienced homelessness, had to pawn my computer, lost access to technology altogether, and even went without a phone line for clients to reach me.

My life is much more stable now, and I am grateful for that. That stability gives me the space to rebuild, to honor the work I have always done, and to imagine a future where my business can finally grow.

“Net Growth” is a business term that refers to what remains after expenses and losses are accounted for, and it also nods to the Net as in internet growth. My clients are primarily small businesses, non-profit organizations, and professional individuals (political candidates, actors, and writers). I want this business to grow, and I want the businesses I work with to grow alongside it.

Over the years, I have donated many hours to nonprofits and charities by maintaining their websites, modernizing outdated designs, and creating new logos. I do not charge them for this work so that their donated funds can stay focused on their missions.

There are still many skills I am not an expert in, so I hire out some work, focusing on local, emerging talent. I am always expanding my network so I can pass work along at a fair wage and help others build their portfolios.

Eventually, I hope to have a strong team of up‑and‑coming designers, especially people from marginalized communities. I believe in equity and equality, and I want my business to support others’ growth while also providing a sustainable living for myself.

– Steve, NGD owner