Making Millions with UI Libraries: How? | Aceternity UI

Summary

In this podcast, Manu shares his inspiring journey from a college dropout to a successful freelancer and agency owner. He discusses his start in web development with JavaScript, his switch to React, and the creation of his UI library, eity UI. Manu details his experience with clients, his work ethic involving 7-day weeks and 14-hour days, and his strategies for managing multiple clients. He also talks about the challenges of scaling his business, the importance of setting the right prices, and his thoughts on the future of remote work in India.

Takeaways

• 😀 Manu started coding in 2016 and focused on JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and various frameworks, including Angular and React.
• 🏫 He attended college for one semester, then quit to study and code in his hostel room, focusing on self-learning through online courses.
• 💼 Manu's first paid gig was in his third or fourth semester, building a website for a local restaurant, including digital marketing aspects.
• 💡 He emphasizes the importance of having a mentor or someone more experienced to guide and review code for beginners.
• 🚀 Manu created a UI library called 'eity UI', which started as 'Tailwind Master kit' and has evolved over five to six years.
• 🌐 He built eity UI to understand how to manage a SaaS application, including handling support and updates for paid users.
• 💼 Manu runs a freelancing agency called 'eity', offering services like web development and UI/UX design, primarily for startups based in the US.
• 💸 His agency follows a subscription model, with a significant number of clients opting for the highest tier of $10,000 a month for comprehensive services.
• ⏰ Manu works long hours, almost 7 days a week and 14 hours a day, managing multiple clients and projects simultaneously.
• 🔗 He leverages platforms like Twitter for networking and acquiring clients, moving away from traditional freelancing sites like Upwork.

Q & A

What was Manu's initial motivation for starting to code?

Manu started coding back in 2016 during his second year of college, initially getting into JavaScript because he was into the idea that making websites was cool.

Why did Manu quit college after the first semester?

Manu quit college after the first semester because he felt that he wouldn't learn what he needed for his career in college, so he decided to study on his own.

What was the first paid gig Manu got and how did he land it?

Manu's first paid gig was in his third or fourth semester when he approached a local restaurant near his hostel to build their website and handle their digital marketing.

How did Manu transition from freelancing to building his own agency?

Manu started freelancing on the side while studying, building websites for local businesses. He also worked on eity, his freelancing agency, which eventually became registered in two places.

What programming languages and frameworks does Manu primarily work with?

Manu primarily works with React and React-based frameworks, building websites for startups and companies, mostly based out of the US.

What was the initial reaction to Manu's UI library, and how did it evolve?

The initial reaction to Manu's UI library, initially called Tailwind Master kit, was not very strong. It evolved over time, and Manu improved and added more components, eventually rebranding it as eity UI.

How does Manu manage his time while working with multiple clients?

Manu uses a linear setup for task management, similar to Jira, dedicating specific time slots for each client and their tasks, ensuring a realistic workflow and feedback periods.

What is Manu's approach to scaling his agency, and how does he plan to handle the increased workload?

Manu is considering hiring freelancers to help with the workload, while maintaining an overview of all the work. He is also open to clients knowing that a team will be working on their projects.

How does Manu handle the financial and tax aspects of running his agency?

Manu has incorporated his agency in both India and the US, and he has a chartered accountant who takes care of the financial and tax aspects of his business.

What is Manu's perspective on the value of his work and how does he set his prices?

Manu believes in the quality and speed of his work, and he sets his prices based on the value he provides to his clients. He is transparent about his pricing and the services he offers.