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A Decade of Unmatched Reliability

In the competitive digital world where website downtime means lost revenue and damaged reputations, Roxana Degiovanni has been on a mission to find a reliable hosting provider she trusts to host her clients’ websites – when she found the perfect fit in SiteGround.

A passionate brand and web designer who’s been transforming ideas into successful businesses for over 20 years, Roxana’s journey is one of creativity, resilience, and finding the right partners to support her vision. She started her career in the bustling world of web agencies, where she learned the ins and outs of design and client management. But her entrepreneurial spirit soon nudged her to branch out and start her own business.

Today, she works closely with freelancers and small business owners, helping them build strong online presences with stunning, high-performing websites.

The Technical Roadblocks

For creative professionals like Roxana, technical hosting issues can become major obstacles to delivering quality work. Her previous experiences with hosting providers often meant dealing with frustrating delays and impersonal support systems.

“I don’t have deep technical expertise, so having a reliable support team is crucial.”

Finding SiteGround 

About ten years ago, Roxana attended a WordCamp event where she discovered SiteGround. Intrigued by our offerings, she decided to give us a try. Since then, SiteGround has been her go-to hosting provider. 

“With SiteGround, you never feel like you’re on your own. The customer support is what truly sets them apart. They respond quickly, they’re friendly, and they go the extra mile.”

Her commitment to quality extends beyond just website aesthetics:

“I care deeply not just about the aesthetics of my clients’ sites, but also about performance and security. That’s why I always recommend and personally use SiteGround for all my clients.”

A Decade of Unmatched Reliability

Throughout her ten-year journey with SiteGround, Roxana has built a reputation for reliability that translates directly to client satisfaction and business growth.

“The reliability of SiteGround’s service allows me to do my job without stress. In all these years, I’ve never had a single client complain about their hosting – this gives me peace of mind because I know my clients’ websites are in good hands.”

When asked about what stands out most about her experience, Roxana highlights the perfect performance record for her clients’ websites:

“I’ve never had a site go down, never dealt with a hacked website, and never experienced performance issues.”

This exceptional reliability has become so valuable to her workflow that it has actually shaped her business model. Roxana now charges an additional fee for clients who insist on using alternative hosting providers.

“Hosting elsewhere often means more work for me due to slower performance and technical complications.”

How the Right Tools Transformed Roxana’s Workflow

Like any professional, Roxana relies on the right tools to deliver excellent results efficiently. She leverages several key SiteGround features that have become essential to her workflow. One of these is our 1-click WordPress installation, which sets up websites in minutes without the need to handle technical complexities.

 “The 1-click WordPress installation is a huge time-saver for me.” 

Website security remains a top priority for both Roxana and her clients: 

“I also recommend Site Scanner to all my clients—it adds an extra layer of security and helps me stay on top of potential threats.”

Beyond Hosting: Knowledge That Empowers

While immediate technical assistance is valuable, Roxana also appreciates the educational resources in our Knowledge Base that help both her and her clients understand web technologies better.

“I often use SiteGround’s articles to explain things to my clients. Instead of writing long explanations, I can just send them a link.” 

The intuitive nature of the platform has additional benefits for client relations.

 “The fact that they rarely ask me, ‘Where do I find this?’ or ‘How do I do that?’ means the platform is well-designed and straightforward.” 

A Blueprint for Growth

Drawing from her extensive experience, Roxana offers valuable advice to those starting their journey in brand and web design:

“Start small, but have a clear vision for your project. Choosing a premium hosting provider like SiteGround is a critical first step because it gives you a strong foundation and reliable support as you grow.”

She particularly values the human support that accompanies technical infrastructure:

“The best part is that you’re never left on your own—you always have a team ready to help you along the way.”

Roxana’s story exemplifies the power of building a business on reliable partnerships. Ready to focus on your creative journey without hosting headaches? Join Roxana and thousands of business owners at SiteGround today.

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A Designer’s Journey From Pencils to Pixels

A testimonial image featuring a quote on the left side and a website preview with Jonathan Sophie's photo on the right. The quote reads: 'The features I use are great and incredibly easy—even a monkey could do it! With SiteGround, you sleep like a baby with a pacifier! Best service so far.' Below the quote is 'artslaves.com, Multidisciplinary Designer.'

For some, the journey to success is sparked by a single moment of inspiration. For Jonathan Sophie, it all began with a pencil in hand and his mother’s unwavering trust. By day, he works as a Front-end developer, and by night, just like Batman, he dedicates himself to side projects. As he grew, SiteGround became a trusty hosting provider that brought his vision to life online, which his portfolio website now happily calls home.

The Beginning

Originally from Mauritius, Jonathan’s journey began with traditional art fundamentals – watercolor, pencils, light, and shadow. His entrepreneurial spirit emerged early. While still in high school, he launched his first business – designing and selling hand-drawn custom T-shirts with his cousin. This initial taste of business set the stage for a career that took him from Mauritius to Romania, Switzerland, Italy, and finally, the UK.

Along the way, he’s started his personal brand, ARTSLAVES – his portfolio and online shop for prints. 

The Hosting Challenge 

Moving between countries while managing client projects exposed the limitations of Jonathan’s previous hosting provider. When relocating to the UK, he needed a more reliable, no issues hosting solution that he would trust. After extensive research and comparisons, SiteGround stood out.

Finding a Solid Ground 

The path wasn’t always smooth, particularly when it came to hosting his creative projects online. But discovering SiteGround transformed Jonathan’s digital experience entirely.

“Never had issues with my website, and the platform updates are always interesting.” 

SiteGround’s seamless updates consistently impress him, making website management feel effortless rather than burdensome. What truly sets SiteGround apart is its remarkably intuitive interface.

“The features I use are great and incredibly easy—even a monkey could do it! With them, you sleep like a baby with a pacifier! Best service so far.“

A Decade-Long Journey

During his ten-year journey with SiteGround, Jonathan encountered technical challenges, but SiteGround’s support consistently came to the rescue.

“I had issues twice, which were my mistakes. The support agents were quick and got everything sorted ASAP.”

What impressed him most was their efficiency and problem-solving ability – they responded quickly and resolved everything immediately. One particularly memorable instance occurred during his international relocation, when he needed assistance with a complex domain transfer. 

The Human Element in Web Design 

For Jonathan, what sets this designer apart is their understanding of how people interact with and experience design.

“As a designer, I need to understand people, their pain, and their emotions to transmit the right emotions back”

This insight came from years of experience and learning that “not everyone processes information at the same speed” – a realization that has shaped his approach to both design and client relationships.

Legacy of Lessons: Empowering Tomorrow’s Innovators

Jonathan’s advice to aspiring creatives is grounded in reality. It’s this genuine passion for his craft that has sustained him through nearly two decades in the industry.

“It takes time to build something. Nothing happens quickly. When no one is watching or applauding, that’s when you need to do the work. Don’t do it for the money—do it because you feel it, love it. It’s an endless game, but to me, it’s worthwhile. If you’re after quick gratification to boost your ego, this isn’t it. It takes patience and hard work.“

From that first pencil drawing at age eight to his current position as a respected multidisciplinary designer, his story exemplifies the power of pursuing one’s passion with persistence and adaptability. Ready to focus on your creative journey without hosting headaches? Join Jonathan and thousands of designers at SiteGround today.

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How SiteGround Became the Perfect Fit for UK’s Leading Denim Stylist’s Blog Growth 

Samantha Remer wearing denim sits on a couch, smiling. Beside her, a graphic shows a quote: "SiteGround has made my blog faster so I get more visitors, which helps my blog grow." Below the quote, it reads "ilovejeans.com Denim Stylist & Influencer." An illustration of a website browser displays the homepage of ilovejeans.com, featuring the text "Find My Best Jeans" and images of denim clothing.

Samantha Remer, a denim stylist and the founder of ilovejeans.com, has been helping women find their perfect pair of jeans since 2006. Initially created as a resource for “normal women” amidst a celebrity fashion-dominated industry, her blog has evolved into a comprehensive guide with a dedicated following.

With a rich background in fashion buying and styling that dates back to when “fashion styling was not a thing”, Sam’s career blossomed from volunteering at prestigious magazines like Marie Claire and Vogue, and working as a freelance stylist for celebrities featured in Hello magazine’s cover shoots, to becoming a recognized denim expert, blogger, and fashion influencer.r. 

Addressing the Gap in Denim Fashion

Samantha started her blog in response to the celebrity fashion trends of the time, when LA-imported denim styles were often impractical for average women. Over its 19-year history, ilovejeans.com has continuously evolved and what began as a specialized space has transformed into a powerful blog offering comprehensive denim expertise. 

“I created it for normal women basically. It was a time when celebrity had just been a massive thing… the shapes of the jeans and the designs were really hard for normal women to wear.”

Today, Samantha offers virtual consultations and in-person shopping experiences in London, empowering women, especially those over 40, to find jeans that fit well and boost confidence.

Technical Hurdles for Creative Professionals

Before finding SiteGround, Sam had cycled through approximately three different hosting providers. Her initial experiences were less than ideal for her needs. A common frustration she encountered was the technical barrier between hosting providers and website owners like herself.

“There was a time when it was really difficult for someone like me – a blogger and website owner without technical knowledge to speak to anyone in hosting. You had to have some sort of understanding.“

As a hands-on website owner who manages her site herself but isn’t deeply technical, Sam was looking for a hosting provider that offered friendly, accessible support to assist her whenever a problem occurs, along with intuitive tools for ease of use.

Finding the Perfect Fit with SiteGround

In 2020, Sam made the switch to SiteGround on the recommendation of a developer she was working with.

“The guy that I’m working with now was the one who introduced me to SiteGround. He said, ‘You really should. These guys are really good and you can speak to them.‘”

The promise of accessible customer support was a major factor in her decision. As someone who manages her own website but occasionally needs assistance with technical aspects, finding a hosting provider that could communicate clearly with non-technical users was crucial.

The Go-To Solution for Non-Technical Creators

After nearly five years with SiteGround, Sam has found multiple reasons to be satisfied with her choice:

Accessible Support

SiteGround support team’s accessibility and responsiveness stand out as a key benefit for Sam. Unlike previous experiences where technical knowledge was a barrier to getting help, the team effectively simplifies complex issues, making them easy to understand and resolve.

“With you guys, it’s a lot easier. If I have a problem I go straight to you guys and your support people, your help is just a lot easier and they really put you at ease.”

She loves how quickly support is available – usually within just 5-10 minutes – and how the representatives break down technical concepts into simple, understandable terms.

Crisis Management

Sam shared a particularly positive experience when she accidentally deleted her entire blog (we don’t judge, it happens).

“Last month I deleted my whole blog by accident. I pressed the wrong button, and I was freaking out… So I messaged and said, ‘You just have to help me. I’ve deleted everything.’ And it was amazing. They talked me back through it and I got everything back.”

Better Website Performance

Sam has noticed the positive impact of her website’s increased speed after switching to SiteGround, resulting in more traffic and potential customers.

“SiteGround has made my blog faster so I get more visitors, and that helps my blog grow.”

The improved speed has been particularly beneficial as her audience includes a significant number of visitors from the United States. SiteGround CDN helps her site load quickly for international visitors.

“I use SiteGround CDN because I didn’t want it to take ages to get on the website and because I have a bigger audience in America than I do in the UK.”

User-Friendly Tools

Sam appreciates how intuitive SiteGround’s control panel, Site Tools, is, enabling her to manage her website confidently, even without a technical background. The Speed Optimizer plugin has become one of her favorite features, making image compression and performance tuning straightforward tasks.

Achieving Style-Driven Results

Over nearly two decades, Sam has evolved her business from a simple jeans portal to a comprehensive style resource. Her blog has become the foundation of her brand, serving as both a platform for sharing her denim expertise and a powerful lead-generation tool that connects her with clients worldwide.


The quiz she created serves as an effective lead magnet, helping her build a subscriber base of over 6,000 fashion enthusiasts. This substantial email list has become one of her most valuable business assets, allowing her to nurture relationships with potential clients and guide them toward her personalized shopping services.

As an influencer and blogger, Sam deeply understands the critical role that reliable hosting plays for content creators.

“As an influencer, you want to make sure that you’ve got good hosting if you’re running around doing loads of stuff to do with your blog.”

For those looking to start their own online venture, Sam offers straightforward advice: 

“Just do it. There are so many different ways to get yourself out there these days… Just do it and let it grow naturally and make sure you’re with a good hosting company that you can speak to.”

Join Samantha and thousands of successful creators by switching to SiteGround today and transform your online presence with hosting that actually understands what you need to thrive.

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#SoftPowerisOurSuperpower: How Women Thrive in Tech | Part Three

This March, we’re celebrating International Women’s Day by exploring the “soft” qualities that make women thrive in the tech world. Welcome to part three of our series #SoftPowerIsOurSuperpower, as we’re introducing four women, each one from a different SiteGround department to share with you how they transform common stereotypes into superpowers. 

Keep reading to meet up close Valentina Hadzhiyska, QA Engineer; Lina Asenova, Affiliate Manager; Rumina Mateva, Product Marketing Manager, and Yoana Yosifova, Customer Service Representative. 

Q1: Which stereotypically “soft” powers of yours do you consider your strongest qualities and why?

 “My empathy, critical thinking, and keen attention to detail help me spot potential issues early and advocate for seamless, user-centered experiences.”

Lina, Affiliate Manager: “One of my strongest “soft” powers is communication – I can talk to just about anyone about anything, from the latest makeup trends to the mechanics of rocket science. I genuinely enjoy learning about different topics, which makes it easy to connect with people. But more than talking, I listen and adapt. Talking about adaptability, one of the biggest advantages I have is that change doesn’t scare me, it excites me. Whether it’s a completely new environment, a curveball in life, or a challenge I wasn’t expecting, I’ll roll with it and move forward with confidence. Finally, as a woman I thrive in time management. With a million things happening at once – and without a cloning machine – I’ve had to master the art of keeping it all together. Prioritizing tasks, staying focused, and getting things done without losing my sanity is a skill… and maybe a little bit of magic.”

“One of the strongest qualities in my day-to-day job as a customer service representative is empathy. When someone reaches out because their website is down or experiencing issues, they’re often stressed, frustrated, or even panicked. It’s only natural to me to try and put myself in their shoes and be patient so I can reassure them that together, we can find a solution.” – Yoana, Customer Service Representative

Rumina, Product Marketing Manager: “I naturally gravitate toward emotions and storytelling, which helps me make ideas more relatable and engaging. I’ve found that when you frame a message in a way that resonates emotionally, it sticks with people. It’s something I’m always working to refine, but I’ve seen how powerful it can be in shaping how products are perceived and adopted.”

Q2: How do you turn a stigma into an opportunity?

“Technical support is often associated with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, which leads to underestimating the importance of emotional intelligence. My ability to genuinely connect with customers, understand their frustrations, and explain solutions in a clear and reassuring way, turns a traditionally ‘soft’ skill into an advantage.”

“Stigmas often stem from underestimation. Often, what’s seen as a weakness is just something that hasn’t been fully understood or valued yet. For example, emotions in business are sometimes seen as a distraction, but in reality, they’re what drive decisions. By focusing on how emotions shape behavior, I’ve been able to approach marketing in a way that feels more natural and human.” – Rumina

Lina: “One of the most persistent stigmas about women is that we’re too emotional – like it’s a flaw. But in reality, and especially in affiliate management, it gives me an edge. I don’t work with just data and numbers – I work with people. Understanding their needs, motivations, and challenges helps me build trust and create meaningful relationships.”

Q3: What makes a woman particularly great at your job?

“I think what makes someone great at this job—regardless of gender—is a mix of empathy, adaptability, and clear communication. That said, I’ve noticed that many women in marketing bring a strong ability to listen and understand different perspectives. It’s less about following a formula and more about reading the room, anticipating needs, and balancing both creative and strategic thinking.”

Yoana: “From my experience, customers don’t just want a fix- they want to feel heard and understood. Women’s ability to sense emotions and assess situations from a human perspective makes us exceptionally effective in this role. Additionally, women are natural multitaskers, capable of managing multiple issues at once while maintaining the high quality of our amazing support.”

 “Women notice and remember everything, and I mean… everything. And yes, that includes something you said ten years ago. But here’s the thing – people love to feel seen and remembered. When you’re constantly working with partners remembering their business goals, a conversation from months ago, or even how they take their coffee, matters. These details are what builds trust and turns connections into real human relationships.” – Lina

Q4: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, who was just starting out, what would it be?

Rumina: “I’d say to trust the learning process and not stress so much about getting everything right from the start. The best insights come from experience, and it’s okay to take time to figure things out. So, trust the power of your instincts and don’t be afraid to lean into what makes you different—that’s where the best ideas come from.”

“Women are great at balancing technical skills with good communication, fostering teamwork, and bringing diverse perspectives. If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be, “Trust your instincts and speak up — your perspective is valuable from day one.” – Valentina

Yoana: “When I first started, I sometimes felt the need to prove that I could handle technical challenges as well as anyone else. However, over time, I realized that my ability to empathize with customers, communicate clearly, and solve problems efficiently was just as valuable as deep technical knowledge.”

“Don’t be afraid to explore different paths – what excites you today might bore you tomorrow, and that’s okay. You’re supposed to evolve! Your interests may change, and your goals may shift, but the point is – stay curious. Embrace change instead of fearing it, because every step will teach you something valuable. Just keep moving forward  – future you have it figured out.”

And that’s a wrap of our #SoftPowerisOurSuperPower series. In the course of our interviews with 13 remarkable ladies from various SIteGround departments, we showed you all the little and soft aspects that make women truly thrive in the tech world. 

If you missed part 1 and part 2, check them out now for even more inspiration. 

Don’t forget that your success depends on the place and culture you find yourself in. So, in case you’re ready to join a team, where everyone is empowered to own and develop their own strengths, head to our open positions and join us so we can grow together.

SoftPowerisOurSuperpower: How Women Thrive in Tech | Part One

SoftPowerisOurSuperpower: How Women Thrive in Tech | Part Two

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#SoftPowerisOurSuperpower: How Women Thrive in Tech | Part Two

This March, we’re celebrating International Women’s Day by exploring the “soft” qualities that make women thrive in the tech world. Welcome to part two of our series #SoftPowerIsOurSuperpower, as we’re introducing four women, each one from a different SiteGround department to share with you how they transform common stereotypes into superpowers. 

Keep reading to meet up close Nadezhda Gavadinova, Senior Motion Designer; Desislava Koleva, Front-End Developer; Stela Kostadinova, Social Media Manager; and Sonya Terzieva, HR Business Partner.

Q1: Which stereotypically “soft” powers of yours do you consider your strongest qualities and why?

I’m Captain Marvel…there are so many things to marvel at daily! My ability to stay positive after an After Effects crash is a marvel; the way I get lost on Pinterest for hours is a psychological marvel, and last but not least, I marvel at the awesome designs my colleagues deliver every single day!

Stela, Social Media Manager: “Being social and emotional has helped me communicate effectively with colleagues across teams. Marketing is never a one-man show, so finding common ground and truly understanding different perspectives is the make-or-break moment for every marketing campaign.”

“Active listening – because it forms the foundation of effective communication and relationship-building. And It helps me better understand people. Employees come to HR with diverse needs – whether it’s related to job satisfaction, career growth, or personal challenges. When people feel heard and understood, it fosters an open, honest workplace culture where everyone is comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns.” – Sonya, HR Business Partner

Dessy, Front-End Developer: “Empathy is what helps me genuinely connect with my team and see the world through their eyes. Even though I may seem quieter in meetings, I use that time to listen deeply and contribute thoughtfully. Also, some may call me emotional both in and out of work, but I try to embrace it as a gift that makes me more collaborative and supportive.”

Q2: How do you turn a stigma into an opportunity?

“I turn stigmas into opportunities by simply owning them. See, I truly am social, talkative, and emotional. But those are no weaknesses when used the right way. Those are the exact qualities that help me truly connect, understand our audience, and inspire them to action.”

“In a judgemental world like ours, it’s imperative to remember to stay confident and true to yourself despite the stigma and slowly but surely transform it into a powerful motivator to exceed expectations. In other words, I think it’s a chance to prove to the world that competence and ability know no gender boundaries.” – Dessy

Sonya: “In HR, stigmas often label us as mere rule enforcers. I turn that around by prioritizing engagement and culture-building. By showcasing HR as a strategic partner, I transform misconceptions into opportunities that drive both employee satisfaction and business success.”

Q3: What makes a woman particularly great at your job?

“Women often excel as Front-End Developers because we have a keen attention to detail and a strong focus on user experience, helping us make sure our work looks beautiful and behaves seamlessly.”

Sonya: “Women excel in HR because of our high emotional intelligence and empathy. These skills allow us to foster a positive workplace culture and effectively navigate conflict, creating environments where every employee can thrive.”

“Patience is essential. In motion design, it takes both patience and creativity to plan and implement projects. Whether it’s perfecting every keyframe’s easing or brainstorming on an eye-candy transition, the ability to stay calm and focused makes all the difference.” – Nadezhda

Stela: “Creativity and emotion are often seen as weaknesses in the workplace. But in marketing, these qualities are key—they allow us to evoke strong feelings and think beyond conventional boundaries, leading to campaigns that truly resonate.”

Q4: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, who was just starting out, what would it be?

Nadezhda: “Don’t let anyone dim your ambitions. Trust the process and stay consistent.”

“Speak your mind. You owe it to yourself to voice your idea out loud because it always could be the winning idea or your next opportunity to receive feedback that will help you grow.” – Stela

Dessy: “Stay resilient and never lose trust in your abilities. Hard work and dedication will eventually blossom into success.”

“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Early in my career, I felt pressured to have all the right answers, which led to overthinking. But I’ve learned that progress comes from taking risks, asking questions, and embracing feedback as every challenge is an opportunity to learn, and setbacks are our best teachers.”

In these stories, a powerful narrative unfolds—a journey where every “soft” quality is redefined as a cornerstone of strength. From embracing open communication and creativity to transforming stigmas into opportunities and championing resilience, our women leaders illustrate that true power lies in authenticity and emotional intelligence.

As we continue our series, stay tuned for Part Three, where we delve further into how these qualities drive innovation across other technical and operational roles at SiteGround. If you’re ready to be part of a workplace that celebrates your unique strengths, check out our open positions and join our journey.

SoftPowerisOurSuperpower: How Women Thrive in Tech | Part One

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#SoftPowerisOurSuperpower: How Women Thrive in Tech | Part One

In the spirit of International Women’s Day, we’ve set out to reveal how women here at SiteGround are transforming what some dismiss as “soft” qualities into the superpowers that drive innovation and excellence.

Welcome to our March series, #SoftPowerIsOurSuperpower. Over the course of three blog posts, we’ll share our talks with 13 remarkable women from different departments at SiteGround. We’ll show you how those women defy stereotypical qualities and turn them into the foundation of creative problem-solving and leadership in even the most technical roles.

In this first piece, we introduce you to Alexandra Chariyska, Front-End Development Team Lead, Sofia Kostova, Finance Analyst; Tsvetomira Trifonova, Product Owners Team Lead; Desislava Angelova, DevOps Engineer; and Katerina Nikolova, CRM Manager.

Q1: Which stereotypically “soft” powers of yours do you consider your strongest qualities and why?

“Communication. It goes beyond just speaking clearly—it’s about active listening, providing feedback, mentoring, and ensuring that everyone feels heard. This ability helps me build trust and understanding, creating stronger connections and fostering mutual respect.”

Desislava Angelova, DevOps Engineer: “One of my strongest ‘soft’ qualities is attention to detail. In the DevOps field, details that might seem insignificant at first glance can have a huge impact on system stability and security. That’s why I approach every step – from configuration and automation to monitoring – with precision.”

“In product management, it’s crucial to walk in your customer’s shoes, feeling their pain and finding solutions for a better journey. Then, take the same walk with your team colleagues from every department involved – design, development, legal, management, etc. Without empathy and the ability to walk in other people’s shoes, clashes are inevitable, and product development turns to chaos.” – Tsvetomira, Product Owners Team Lead

Sofia Kostova, Finance Analyst: “My attention to detail is like a crystal ball that helps me foresee potential challenges and opportunities. It’s a crucial skill that allows me to anticipate risks, prepare effectively, and uncover the story hidden within the numbers on a simple spreadsheet.”

Q2: How do you turn a stigma into an opportunity?

“I use being too emotional as an advantage by leveraging it to recognize the unspoken emotional barriers our potential clients might face within their journey. This way, it turns from a liability to an essential perspective, which I can always count on.”

Alexandra: “It’s important to recognize that the stigma doesn’t define you; it is part of your experience, and it can be used as motivation to prove to yourself and others that you are more than what they see or assume.”

Sofia: “I transform the stigma that women worry too much into an opportunity by embracing the stereotype. This way, I can weave a safety net and ensure that I am always ready to pivot and adapt if needed.”

“I don’t see stereotypes as obstacles, but use them as motivation. I constantly strive to improve my knowledge and provide effective solutions. Fortunately, I work in a team that values effort and skills, where we support each other, which gives me even more confidence and inspires me to keep growing.”

Q3: What makes a woman particularly great at your job?

“Women often have a natural ability to envision different scenarios and interpret numbers in a way that reveals the bigger picture. Our curiosity and meticulous attention to detail ensure that no stone is left unturned. This is especially crucial in finance, where even a minor discrepancy of just -1 can mean a huge net difference at the final row.”

Tsvetomira: “Our empathy and more gentle approach, especially in high-pressure situations with tight deadlines and last-minute changes, helps women thrive in Project Management.”

“A woman excels in a team lead role thanks to her constant balancing between strong technical expertise and being a good listener. This helps us create a supportive work environment where everyone grows, and each team member’s strengths are leveraged.” – Alexandra

Q4: If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, who was just starting out, what would it be?

Alexandra: “If I could give advice to my younger self, who was hesitant to speak up or share ideas, I would tell her to stop worrying so much about what others think. Because growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.”

“Your perspective matters more than you think because you might have a fresh take on patterns veterans have become blind to. This makes your ideas extremely valuable.” – Katerina

Desislava: “Never give up when facing difficulties—approach each challenge with determination and a methodical mindset until it becomes just another successfully conquered obstacle.”

Sofia: “Embrace your natural tendencies to think deeply and thoroughly. While it might feel like unnecessary overthinking at times, this quality will become one of your greatest strengths in your career.”

“Find what you love to do. Become good at it. If you’re in the right workplace, it will be noticed.”

If you’re eager to join a place where your unique strengths are celebrated, and you’re encouraged to push boundaries while growing professionally, join us. Check our open positions and start your journey with us.

Meanwhile, stay tuned for Part 2 of our series with SiteGround Women, who redefine stereotypes in tech.

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Cutting Hosting Costs by 75% for a Million-Visitor Fitness Site

When Marc Perry left his prestigious hedge fund career in 2008 to launch BuiltLean, a fitness transformation business, he embarked on a journey that would eventually reach over a million monthly visitors. And when managing a growing fitness empire, every second of website downtime means lost opportunities to transform lives.

In his story, Marc Perry shares about the challenges with web hosting companies, and how discovering SiteGround in 2017 transformed his online presence for good.

From Finance to Fitness

In 2008, Marc Perry made what many would consider a bold and risky move: he left his prestigious hedge fund career to pursue his passion for fitness. A Yale graduate working in New York’s competitive financial sector, Marc’s decision to transition into the fitness industry raised eyebrows among his professional peers, who were primarily focused on traditional career paths in law and finance.

“It felt like financial suicide, but I knew in my heart that I wanted to do something entrepreneurial and share my passion for fitness with others.”

Building an Online Empire 

Working one-on-one with clients allowed Marc to develop and refine his approach to fitness transformation. Wanting to reach more people than he could train personally, he launched BuiltLean.com, a website dedicated to helping busy professional men get lean and fit for life. 

“Within months, the site was attracting 10,000-20,000 visitors monthly. Now, while social media has gained significance, your website remains your home base where you can control the message and drive traffic strategically.”

The Hosting Challenge

As BuiltLean grew, so did its technical challenges. At its peak, the site had over a million visitors per month, supported by hundreds of thousands of email subscribers. This growth brought significant website hosting challenges. 

“When your website goes down, it’s like a fire everywhere, and when you have hundreds of thousands of email subscribers and send an email with a link to your website, having 10-20,000 people hit the website simultaneously can break it.”

An All-in-one Solution with SiteGround 

After years of struggling with various hosting solutions at high cost, he was still dealing with frustrating downtimes. Then, after extensive research and consulting with friends, Marc discovered SiteGround in 2017. The transition proved transformative for his business. 

“Not only did we spend 75% less on our monthly bill, but our website speed increased and it was just better all around”

He emphasizes the importance of email marketing in building sustainable business relationships. This strategy has helped BuiltLean maintain direct connections with their community, independent of social media algorithm changes.

“Building an email list, even today, is incredibly valuable and important for any online business“

Looking to the Future

Looking ahead, Marc remains focused on his original mission: helping busy professionals achieve sustainable fitness results. 

“It’s more of a mission-driven business than one focused on specific numerical targets. We want to continue to deepen how we work with clients and help them get the best results possible.”

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Marc’s advice is simple but profound:

 “Be true to yourself and focus on helping others. Connect your passion to helping other people achieve what they want. Keep doing that, and eventually, things will progress and come together.”

His journey from Wall Street to wellness entrepreneur exemplifies how following one’s passion, combined with perseverance and a commitment to helping others, can lead to sustainable business success. With a robust hosting provider supporting its global reach, BuiltLean continues to evolve while staying true to its core mission of transforming lives through fitness.

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From Code to Crust – How a Former Software Engineer Built His Dream Bakery

Martin Naish leaning on a counter with freshly baked sourdough bread. Behind him, a tray with unbaked cinnamon rolls in metal tins is visible. The image is framed within a web browser illustration. To the right, there is a testimonial from 'solarisbakehouse.com' stating that SiteGround is reliable, fast, and provides great security and daily backups. A small graphic of a rising chart is overlayed on the image, symbolizing growth.

After 22 years of working as a software engineer and a previous career as a geologist, Martin Naish embarked on an unexpected journey in 2021. Instead of settling into a traditional retirement, he decided to transform his three-decade-long passion for breadmaking into a thriving bakery business, Solaris Bakehouse.

From Family Tradition to Profession

Martin’s breadmaking story began as a family activity. The turning point came in 2017 when Mаrtin found an advert in the local paper for a baker who was giving bread classes. Before opening his bakery, he attended numerous bread workshops to perfect his craft. His motivation wasn’t just personal satisfaction. 

“I wanted to make bread that you might find on the continent, where it’s actually made by local people and people who actually have some pride in what they make.”

Building a Dream from the Ground Up

The physical transformation of Martin’s bakery space tells its own story of determination. He demolished an old double garage and turned it into his dream physical space thanks to a builder friend. The launch of the bakery in March 2024 was met with unprecedented enthusiasm. The marketing strategy was beautifully simple. Martin’s daughter who is an artist designed the logo and the marketing materials. They put the information around the nearest streets and the response was immediate and overwhelming. 

“The next day I had lots of people knocking on my door saying when is the bakery going to open? It was quite amazing. It was like an avalanche. And it’s been busy ever since.”

Innovation in Traditional Baking

Using his unique tech-savvy mindset, the secret of Martin’s bakery lies in its innovative bake-and-demand model, which calls for a robust online presence. On Solaris Bakehouse‘s website, Martin puts up a selection of different breads each week and local people decide what they want and pay for it online. This upfront payment system helps him know exactly how much pre-ferment and dough to make, resulting in very little wastage.

Although Martin had worked as a software engineer for over 20 years, he hadn’t been involved with web design or website building at all. Realizing the learning curve for WordPress would delay his business launch, he made the strategic decision to hire a web development agency.

Choosing the Right Hosting Foundation

When it came to choosing a hosting provider for his new website, Martin researched different options and compared hosting providers. After reviewing multiple comparison sites, SiteGround stood out with its high ratings. The choice proved to be the right one for his business, as the service has provided consistent reliability since day one.

“SiteGround is very reliable, it’s very fast and the security looks good to me. I get performance reports every month and daily backups which is essential in case something goes wrong. So all those things combined I think that that’s given me a very good service.”

As someone who spent over two decades in the technology industry, Martin knows the critical importance of cybersecurity. That’s why he relies on SiteGround’s Site Scanner to protect his online presence, letting him focus on perfecting his sourdough while his website stays protected against any digital threats.

“The Site Scanner captures a lot of malicious input. I get SiteGround’s monthly security reports and they show me how many malicious attacks had been stopped. Why someone would want to attack a small bakery, I don’t know, but I’m glad that thanks to SiteGround they didn’t get to crash my site or steal customer information.”

A Different Kind of Success Story

Martin’s approach to business success is refreshingly honest.

 “It’s a retirement project, even though I work at it three, four days a week. I don’t rely on it for income. I’m happy if my business pays for itself, covers expenses, and a little bit more.”

His advice for others considering a similar journey is practical and thoughtful:

 “If you’re going to start from scratch, I think you need to do a lot of research. Look for websites that are offering a similar service to what you want to do and try and glean ideas from them. See what facilities they offer and consider whether that’s something you want to add to your website.”

Martin’s bakery success has exceeded expectations and he nearly completes sellouts most weeks. While he keeps his operation intentionally small-scale, he’s expanded into offering breadmaking workshops, sharing his passion with others who want to learn the craft.

What started as a retirement hobby has blossomed into something truly special: a successful small business that brings joy to his neighborhood, one loaf at a time. Martin’s journey from software engineer to baker shows that with passion, planning, and the right hosting partner, you can turn your dream into reality at any stage of life.

Ready to bake up your own success story? 

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Gemini AI: Now Included in All Google Workspace Plans Offered by SiteGround

Last year, we proudly announced our partnership with Google Workspace, bringing the ultimate collaboration and productivity toolkit to SiteGround customers. Today, we’re excited to share the next chapter in this journey: Gemini AI is now part of all Google Workspace plans offered by SiteGround, unlocking a new level of productivity, creativity, and efficiency for your business.

This major enhancement brings cutting-edge AI features to businesses of all sizes, making productivity, collaboration and communication easier than ever. Now, with Gemini AI woven into the very fabric of Workspace apps like Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Meet, and more, the way you work is about to transform dramatically.

What Is Gemini AI?

Gemini AI is Google’s next-generation artificial intelligence toolkit, designed to boost your productivity effortlessly. Whether you’re drafting emails, summarizing documents, analyzing data, or generating creative content and media, Gemini AI acts as your always-on productivity partner – built right into the tools you use every day.

AI Assistance Across All Your Favorite Apps

Empower Your Daily Workflow with Smart Automations 

At its core, Gemini AI transforms how you handle everyday tasks across Google Workspace. In Gmail, you’ll experience smarter email management that goes beyond basic automation.

Draft professional responses in seconds, get instant summaries of lengthy email threads, and quickly surface important information from your inbox. For busy professionals, this means less time managing emails and more time focusing on what matters.

Supercharge Creativity and Analysis with Built-in AI Assistant

The real power of Gemini AI lies in how it enhances your creative and analytical work.

  • In Google Docs, writer’s block becomes a thing of the past as the built-in AI Assistant helps you generate fresh content and media, develop ideas, and summarize complex documents with ease. 
  • When working with data in Google Sheets, Gemini AI becomes your personal data analyst – creating tables, generating formulas, and uncovering insights from large datasets without requiring advanced technical expertise.
  • And across all your work in Google Drive, Gemini AI’s intelligent search and quick document summaries ensure you can find exactly what you need, exactly when you need it – making collaboration seamless and efficient.

Elevate Collaboration with Easy Summarization

Gemini AI transforms how teams work together. 

  • During Google Meet sessions, it acts as your virtual assistant, capturing detailed notes and key points so you can focus entirely on the conversation. 
  • In Google Chat you can use Gemini to draft quick responses, set up meeting notes, or even create to-do lists.
  • When preparing presentations in Google Slides, it helps you create compelling content and suggests optimized layouts that capture your audience’s attention.

Security and Privacy First

Google has implemented robust security measures to protect the data you share with Gemini AI. All AI interactions are protected by Google Workspace’s enterprise-grade security, ensuring that your data remains confidential. This is specifically important for HIPPA-compliant businesses. Learn more about Gemini’s privacy measures here.

This integration marks a major leap forward in making AI accessible to businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re drafting emails, crunching numbers, or leading team meetings, Gemini AI is designed to help you achieve more with less effort. These capabilities could vary based on the user’s plan.

Ready To Experience The Future Of Productivity?

Start leveraging the power of Gemini AI today. Whether you’re running a small business, leading a growing team, or managing complex projects, Google Workspace with Gemini AI is designed to help you work smarter, not harder.

Get Started with Google Workspace for Free
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Unlocking Business Opportunities by Hosting 40+ Client Websites with SiteGround 

David Chastain on a green background. Beside him, a quote reads: 'Many websites I rebuild are hosted with companies that are difficult to work with, so whenever I can get a client onto my hosting through SiteGround it just makes everything easier.' Below the quote, it reads '10000things.com Web developer.'

The right web hosting choice can bind your business and success as thick as thieves, especially for web developers building websites for clients. For David Chastain, the brains behind 10,000 Things, SiteGround has been a game-changer, allowing him to effortlessly support small businesses online while bootstrapping his own.

The Beginning

David Chastain launched 10,000 Things in 2010, initially focusing on building websites for small corporations which for many years were his primary clients. This was his “bread and butter” until the COVID-19 pandemic. With the lockdowns, these clients started to dry up, and it was no longer profitable, so David pivoted towards smaller businesses and personal projects who were looking for new ways of making money and migrating online like artists, musicians, architects, etc.

“I enjoy working with smaller businesses; they’re more fun and, oddly enough, pay more promptly than corporations. That was when I began using SiteGround more frequently to offer hosting to my existing clients, while also exploring its potential further.”

Discovering SiteGround: David’s Trustworthy Ally in Web Development 

David first tried SiteGround around 2018, and it turned out to be a game-changer for his business. He found that by offering his clients hosting through SiteGround, he could easily add in WordPress updates and maintenance, making life simpler for everyone while also building a steady income. SiteGround’s reliability was a breath of fresh air compared to the headaches he faced with other hosting companies, where he often spent too much time sorting out issues.

“A lot of the websites that I get for rebuilding are hosted with terrible companies, it’s just harder to work with them, and I spend a lot of time on customer support, trying to resolve things that I should be able to do easily myself. So whenever I can get a client onto my hosting through SiteGround, it just makes everything easier and it helps me build my revenue streams.”

The Art of Simple WordPress Management

Initially hesitant about managed WordPress hosting, David found SiteGround’s platform to be super user-friendly and efficient. The one-click WordPress install and superior control panel made managing websites a breeze, especially when dealing with multiple clients. 

“I use SiteGround’s Site Tools to do manual backups and updates for all my clients. It’s easy and saves me time.”

Unlike other managed WordPress hosting services he found restrictive, SiteGround offers the flexibility he needs, with one-click website optimizations, caching, and CDN capabilities that ensure fast-loading sites. He appreciates SiteGround’s ease of use, finding SiteGround’s Site Tools control panel superior to the mass-market cPanel, allowing him to complete more tasks more efficiently. 

“I get my work done more quickly! For example, when in the process of updating to PHP 8.2 I could go and test every site – that’s quicker with Site Tools than it would have been with cPanel.”

Speed Optimization with SiteGround

David has always been on the lookout for the best tools to enhance website performance, experimenting with various speed optimization plugins over the years. Yet, it was SiteGround’s Speed Optimizer that truly impressed him with its effectiveness and simplicity.

“I’ve tried a lot of speed optimization plugins from the WordPress repository. But I’ve had the best luck with the Speed Optimizer plugin – it’s free, but has a lot of features from paid plugins, and a lot of advanced features like image optimization and next-generation image formats that you should pay for with other plugins!“

What sets SiteGround’s Speed Optimizer apart for David is its versatility. He finds it so reliable that he even uses it on sites hosted elsewhere, consistently achieving excellent results with minimal effort.

“I even use SiteGround’s Speed Optimizer on sites hosted elsewhere. It’s easy to set up and it works effectively.”

Advice for Aspiring Web Developers

David Chastain’s journey is a treasure trove of insights for those stepping into the world of web development. His key piece of advice? Start by leveraging your strengths – if your background is in marketing, build from there; if it’s in development and programming, let that be your foundation. 

“Decide who you can connect with and who your clients might be. But above all focus on customer service – listening to your clients and fixing problems is what brings return clients. All of my business is referrals and repeat customers.” 

As for the future, David sees it as a time of big changes, where despite some uncertainties, there’s a lot of hope and excitement. People and small businesses are coming up with new ways to work and connect, using the technology that’s available to us. 

“People and small businesses are thinking of new ways to make a living, new ways to work, new ways to interact and technology is giving us the tools to do that. “

David Chastain’s journey shows how SiteGround helps web developers and small businesses succeed online. With our reliable and easy-to-use tools, David continues to innovate and expand his portfolio.

Ready to enhance your online presence too?