About Me

 

Assalamu'alaikum, and welcome to my little corner of the internet. 

I am a freelancer for almost 2/3 of my professional life.

I live in Jakarta, Indonesia.

I love backpacking, adventuring, photography, baking, writing, reality tv, tea with honey, black coffee and chocolate chips cookies, sometimes hot cappuccino, no sugar. 

I run and exercise. 

I swim and scuba dive.

I love learning and brainstorming. 

I used to journal with paper and pen. Now I do it digitally. 

I can read since the age of 4.

I can bake since the age of 6.

I can’t whistle.

I love crafting things. I alter my clothes and accessories.

I love cheese more than I love chocolate.

I love peanut butter and chocolate together.

I love mathematics and psychology, I would be a great CSI officer.

I am a Muslim woman wearing niqab.

I do tadabbur and learn qur'anic arabic.

I am a DREAM student of Bayyinah.

I'm just a slave of Allah trapped in my sins, strugglingly repent each step of the way, paving my way to jannah, 'til the day I die.

Freelance Work

I graduated from Industrial Engineering major, spent a few years working office before taking a plunge into freelance world.

I had taken various roles: an engineer, an administrator, a radio announcer, an assistant, a copywriter, a translator, a web developer, a web admin, a home baker, a baking teacher, a community manager, a professional blogger, a book author, a food photographer, a photography teacher, a microstock photo contributor, an online seller, and recently a virtual assistant. I’m a jack of all trades.

Unlike what most people think about freelancing, it is not about freedom and working in your pajamas. It’s about the style of work that suits you the most and feels natural to you. To be a freelancer you must have solid rock discipline to manage your own schedule, craft your own strategies, and do your best work under minimum supervision. You have to surpass your goals and finish tasks ahead of deadlines to prove yourself. It’s not a safe place. As exciting and adventurous it is for me, it’s not for everybody. However, I never regret taking this path and if I have to do it all over again, I will. It’s the path where I can be my genuine self, work when everyone else is on vacation and backpack when they’re back in the office.

Backpacking & Adventure

My love for adventure comes from the thrill of expecting the unexpected. I’ve met incredible people, explored breathtaking places, and learned so many life lessons along the way. Every trip reminds me of what’s truly important—what lasts and what doesn’t. These journeys humble me and bring me back home with a fresh perspective, always striving to be a better version of myself and a better slave of Allah. If you’re curious, feel free to explore my blog for stories about my travels and the wisdom I’ve picked up along the way.

Baking & Photography

I’ve been an explorer for as long as I can remember. By 4, I was already lost in the world of books, and by 6, I had my hands in the kitchen, baking treats from scratch.

If you love baking, you might know me from PennyLane Brownies, a recipe that’s become a staple for many home bakers in Indonesia. You might find my name if you Google it. Baking is a natural extension of my creativity, a stress reliever, and a professional journey I’ve been on for years.

I was handed a camera in my early age and got my own when I was in junior high. I love photography since then. So, here the two world collided. Until recently, I was a professional food photographer for almost 15 years.

I’ve co-authored 12 recipe books, authored 2 photography books, co-authored another two, taught baking classes, photography classes, and worked with some high-profile brands through food photography. You can check out my work on my portfolio, visit my food blog For The Love Of Baking, or check me out on my LinkedIn page to book a discovery call.

Student of Qur'an

But above all, I'm a student of Qur’an. It’s my happy place, my safe place. It keeps me focused on what truly lasts beyond this world. It guards me from false conceptions and deceiving thoughts. And I strive every day to see it clearly, deepen my understanding, and live accordingly. I’m nowhere near perfect, but I’m on this path, repenting, reflecting, and striving to be a better 'abd, one step at a time, until I meet Allah.

Here for the Better Me, Better You

I hope this blog inspires you and me—to do better, to feel better, gives you something to smile about. Feel free to stick around, leave a comment, or drop me a message.  I’m here to inspire and be inspired, remind and be reminded. 

May our encounter can produce good things for many years ahead and beyond.

May Allah be pleased.

Barakallahu fiik.