Aloha! I’m Maria, a web designer and developer based on Maui. I built my first website as a preteen on dial-up internet and somehow turned that early fascination into a career. Today, I create thoughtful websites for independent founders, e-commerce brands, and nonprofits in Hawai‘i and beyond.
About Maria
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When I first explored the internet from a small town in Eastern Germany, I never imagined a career in web design, let alone while living in Hawai‘i. Following my early dream of working near the ocean, I graduated with a degree in Tourism Management and Business Administration, then worked in hospitality across Germany and southern Turkey. With a growing interest in marketing and advertising, I took the opportunity to work in Berlin’s agency scene, which led to various roles in brand marketing.
In 2013, life led me to Maui, where I continued to work in marketing and event planning for several years. Inspired by life on a small island, I started to take on freelance work in 2018 as a way to contribute more directly to my community. With more web design projects coming my way, I used the unexpected downtime during the pandemic to deepen my coding and design skills.
Since then, I have built lasting partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, and fellow creatives, many of whom share a common thread: a desire to create something meaningful and give back to the people and the land they’re connected to.
In a fast-moving world of generative AI and cookie-cutter templates, I believe that true connection comes from thoughtful design and authentic storytelling. I approach every project with strategy, empathy, nuance, and intention—creating websites that reflect not just a brand, but the people, stories, and values behind it.
capabilities
Web Design
Web Development
Shopify E-commerce
UX/UI
Website Strategy
Onsite SEO & AI Visibility
Website Maintenance
Site Migration
Technical Support
Consultation & Training
INFO
I occasionally collaborate with fellow designers and agencies on web development projects. I also founded Studio Beni, a design studio specializing in Shopify solutions for e-commerce founders.
Affiliations: Squarespace Circle Gold Partner / Shopify Partner / Standout Squarespace / Standout Shopify / ilovecreatives
what inspires me
community
because meaningful work is rarely created in isolation. My community constantly inspires me to ask better questions and look beyond my own perspective.
outdoors
because good ideas need room to breathe, and the best ones often come when you stop looking for them in front of a screen.
my oma
because I haven’t had a better role model for curiosity, resilience, positivity, integrity, and a diligent work ethic than my grandma.
Discovery
because there’s always something to stay curious about. I’m always learning, testing, and exploring what’s next (and I’ll gladly take every chance to nerd out).
people
because I’m naturally curious about humans: what we’re drawn to, what we talk about, what excites us, and what makes us stop scrolling.
nostalgia
because the past has so much to teach us. Not only do I find endless inspiration in pop culture, I’m also still very attached to my AOL email address from ‘98.
what inspires me
nostalgia
because the past has so much to teach us. Not only do I find endless inspiration in pop culture, I’m also still attached to my AOL email address from ‘98.
community
because meaningful work is rarely created in isolation. My community constantly inspires me to ask better questions and look beyond my own perspective.
outdoors
because good ideas need room to breathe, and the best ones often come when you stop looking for them in front of a screen.
my oma
because I haven’t had a better role model for curiosity, resilience, positivity, integrity, and a diligent work ethic than my grandma.
Discovery
because there’s always something to be curious about. I’m always learning, testing, and exploring what’s next (and I’ll gladly take every chance to nerd out).
people
because I’m naturally curious about humans: what we’re drawn to, what we talk about, what excites us, and what makes us stop scrolling.
let’s work together
If you’re looking to start a project or collaborate, please reach out (yes, now is a good time).
