Meet Beth Leffel, Mom-Turned Web Developer
Growing up, I always loved figuring things out—puzzles, riddles, and anything that made me stop and think. But as life moved forward, I found myself as a busy mom, doing all the things moms do—watching countless hours of Bubble Guppies, wiping noses, folding laundry, and trying to keep up with the chaos of life with kids. Somewhere along the way, though, I realized my brain was craving more.
I loved being a mom (still do!), but the problem-solving part of me wanted something to chew on—a mental challenge to tickle my neurons, so to speak. That’s when I discovered coding, and what started as a curious hobby quickly became my way of reconnecting with the thrill of figuring things out.
The Spark That Started It All
Picture this: nap-time is finally here, the house is (mostly) quiet, and instead of collapsing on the couch, I was at my kitchen table, staring at my computer, learning the basics of HTML and CSS. At first, I just wanted to understand the code behind websites, but it didn’t take long for my curiosity to snowball.
One thing led to another, and soon I was diving into JavaScript, PHP, and WordPress theme development. My love for puzzles translated perfectly into writing code and solving technical problems, and the satisfaction of seeing a website come to life was unmatched.
Building a New Path
Seven years ago, I could never have imagined that my desire to “tickle my neurons” during nap-time would lead to a full-fledged career. But here I am, having built over 100 WordPress sites and partnered with incredible teams and clients to bring their visions to life. Along the way, I’ve worked with small businesses, non-profits, and community organizations, learning not just about coding but about the power of connection and storytelling.
A New Chapter at Powerful
Recently, I realized it was time to take the next step. When the opportunity at Powerful came along, it felt like the perfect fit. It allows me to combine my formal education background with my self-taught web development skills—a blend of teaching, creativity, and technical expertise that I’m so excited to use.
To every mom out there who feels like their talents are sitting on the back burner—take a chance on yourself. You have so much to offer, and the world is better when your gifts are shared. For me, that leap into coding didn’t just build websites—it built a sense of fulfillment, creativity, and connection that I never dreamed possible. Now, as I begin this new chapter with Powerful, I’m thrilled to continue this journey, helping clients bring their digital visions to life and making an impact in a whole new way.
