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 love Notion, but not crazy about it. 

I still think Evernote is awesome.

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've been a freelancer for  most of my professional life and that's by choice, alhamdulillah. There were countless times during my office days when I thought, “Five more minutes here and I might just go crazy.” That’s when I realized—I was meant to carve my own path. Being a freelancer gives me the freedom I need: the freedom to manage my own schedule, craft my own strategies, and do my best work without being tied down by someone else’s structure. I can work when everyone else is on vacation and backpack when they’re back in the office.

My “job” is simply doing what I love. I’ve turned my hobbies into a career. There’s no workdays, just passion-filled days.

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

Until recently, I was a certified professional photographer for almost 15 years. Now, I am a microstock photo contributor and a certified virtual assistant.

Oh, and 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’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. I’ve co-authored 18 recipe books, taught baking 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 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—to do better, to feel better, or just to give you something to smile about. Feel free to stick around, leave a comment, or drop me a message. I might not be able to whistle, but I can definitely lend an ear!